40 Labor Day Side Dish Recipe Ideas

Smoky grilled watermelon pairs with juicy blueberries and salty feta, tossed in a lime-orange vinaigrette. Ready in under 20 minutes, this salad is colorful, refreshing, and perfect for summer cookouts or Memorial Day spreads. Gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.

Creamy deviled egg yolks are whipped with cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, mayo, then folded with crispy bacon. Topped with fresh jalapeño slices, these spicy, smoky bites deliver jalapeño popper flavor in a deviled egg format. Fans say you can’t stop at one.

Chilled elbow macaroni is tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayo, milk, vinegar, sugar, togarashi and furikake, then mixed with grated onion, carrot, and green onion. This tropical-inspired mac salad is tangy, soft, and perfect for plate lunches or BBQ sides.

Tender quinoa blends with smoky charred corn, creamy avocado, roasted poblano, cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime dressing. This gluten-free salad bursts with flavor—bright, savory, satisfying—and is a summer favorite at potlucks and BBQs.

Simple roasted carrots are tossed with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Baked until sweet-tender, they become caramelized and flavorful. Vegan and gluten-free, these carrots are a delicious and elegant side with minimal effort.

Sweet peaches and corn mingle with juicy tomatoes, peppery arugula, and pasta, tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Fresh, colorful, and bursting with summer flavors, this salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. Great for potlucks or light dinners.

Eggplant slices are seasoned and grilled until smoky and tender, then drizzled with your favorite Mediterranean-style extra virgin olive oil and herbs dressing. A simple yet elegant vegetarian side dish that shines at summer barbecues.

Pineapple slices are marinated in tequila, lime, and brown sugar, then grilled until caramelized. It’s a tropical, boozy, and sweet side or dessert that adds zing and flair to any summer menu.

Paper-thin cucumber rounds are combined with herbs and dressed in a light vinegar-based dressing. Crisp, hydrating, and tangy, this refreshing salad offers instant summer freshness with minimal prep time.

Potato slices are parboiled, seasoned, and grilled until crispy and golden. Tossed with fresh herbs and olive oil, these grilled potatoes offer a smoky, savory side dish that pairs well with any BBQ main.

Skewers of juicy chicken breast, bell pepper, onion, and fresh pineapple get slathered with an Asian-style glaze (soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, brown sugar, chili sauce), baked, then broiled to caramelized perfection. A bright, colorful dinner that’s kid-approved and ideal for weeknights.

Meaty mushrooms are seasoned, threaded with herbs, then grilled until tender and slightly charred. These simple skewers are packed with umami and easy to whip up as a vegetarian side or appetizer at any cookout.

Bell peppers are brushed with olive oil, seasoned, then charred to juicy crispness. The result is sweet, smoky, and vibrant—perfect as a side, salad topping, or boldly flavored appetizer.

Ripe peaches get charred and layered with fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze. This summer spin on Caprese blends smoky fruit, creamy cheese, and herby sweetness—visually stunning and irresistibly fresh.

Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled to tender perfection and tossed with olive oil and herbs. A healthy, vibrant side dish that highlights the best of summer produce with grill-kissed flavor.

Thick cabbage slices brushed with olive oil, seasoned, and roasted or grilled until caramelized and crispy. A hearty and unexpected vegetarian side that’s bold, savory, and satisfying.

Watermelon slices hit the grill for caramelized sweetness and smoky crunch. Paired with salty feta, mint, and lime dressing, this refreshing summer dish is a sensational twist on fruit salad.

Cold rice is mixed with chopped veggies, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, offering flavorful crunch and satisfying texture. It’s a versatile, vibrant salad perfect for potlucks or picnic spreads.

Cold rice is mixed with chopped veggies, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, offering flavorful crunch and satisfying texture. It’s a versatile, vibrant salad perfect for potlucks or picnic spreads.

Tender pulled pork is piled into soft buns and topped with spicy jalapeño slaw. It's creamy, tangy, and with just the right kick. It’s a flavorful mash-up of Southern comfort and Tex-Mex heat that makes every bite exciting.

Tender potatoes are tossed with crisp celery, fresh herbs, and a creamy mustard-mayo dressing. This easy potato salad strikes a perfect balance between tangy and savory, making it a crowd-pleasing staple for picnics, potlucks, and backyard barbecues.

Colorful zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, and onions are grilled to char-tinged perfection. Drizzled in garlic-herb olive oil, this vibrant veggie platter offers smoky flavor, eye-catching color, and effortless summer grilling excitement.

Chunks of toasted bread soak up juicy heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and onion in a bright vinaigrette. This rustic summer salad bursts with freshness and savory crunch. It’s sunshine in every bite.

Crisp broccoli florets pair with bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and cheddar, all tossed in a sweet-tangy dressing. This classic, crunchy salad makes for a satisfying side dish or healthy snack at any gathering.

Char-grilled corn is slathered in buttery, cheesy Wing Stop–style garlic parmesan sauce. It’s crispy, savory, and indulgent—one bite and you’ll crave it with every barbecue.

Whole carrots are roasted on the grill until caramelized and tender, then drizzled with honey and fresh herbs. This side dish is elegant and naturally sweet from the grill’s char, perfect for any seasonal meal.

Heirloom tomatoes are split, brushed with herb olive oil, and grilled until just blistered. This simple technique unlocks intense sweetness and depth, making for an irresistible side or salad topper.

Moist cornbread is packed with spicy jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. It’s an irresistible balance of heat and cheesy richness that’s ideal for barbecues or cozy meals.

Sweet and savory baked beans simmer with tender beans, molasses, bacon, and aromatics. This classic BBQ side is rich, satisfying, and easy to make ahead. Crowd-pleasing comfort at its best.

Roasted corn kernels are tossed with creamy mayo, cotija cheese, lime juice, chili powder, and cilantro. Spicy, zesty, and full of corn’s natural sweetness, this salad brings authentic street-corn flavor to your table.

Earthy roasted beets paired with smooth goat cheese, peppery greens, and a tangy vinaigrette create a visually stunning and flavor-packed salad. Perfect as a side or light lunch, it’s both elegant and easy to prep ahead.

Creamy whipped feta serves as a dreamy base for sweet peaches, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs atop grilled bread. It’s a sweet-and-salty, summer-perfect appetizer or side that celebrates peak-season produce.

Crunchy shredded kale and crisp apple slices mingle in a creamy or vinaigrette dressing. Bright, refreshing, and nutritious, this slaw adds both color and a crunchy bite to any meal.

This tangy slaw blends kimchi with cabbage and crunchy vegetables, offering spicy, fermented flavor and crisp texture. It’s bold, probiotic-rich, and a standout pairing for tacos, burgers, or grilled dishes.

Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a sweet–spicy sesame-gochugaru vinaigrette deliver cooling crunch and umami-rich zing. Refreshing, quick to make, and a perfect side for any Korean-style meal.

Sautéed oyster mushrooms get tender and flavorful with garlic, herbs, or soy-based sauce. They offer meaty texture and rich umami, making a satisfying vegetarian entrée or side dish.

Shredded cabbage meets juicy pineapple chunks and a tangy dressing for a tropical twist on classic slaw. Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing—an ideal side for grilled meats or BBQ.

Parboiled baby potatoes get smashed, baked or fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with olive oil and herbs. The result is crunchy outside, creamy inside—an irresistible side for any meal.

Blistered shishito peppers get quick-grilled until charred and tender, then tossed with sea salt or lemon. Mild, flavorful, and addictive. Perfect as an easy grill-side snack or appetizer.

This nostalgic salad stacks layers of lettuce, veggies, bacon bits, cheese, and creamy dressing in a clear bowl. It’s colorful, satisfying, and ideal for potlucks or summer buffets.