The end of summer is near, which means it’s time to start planning a Labor Day picnic to wrap up the season on a high note. To help you save time, we’ve compiled a list of easy Labor Day picnic food ideas that are easy to prepare ahead of time, travel well and hold up in the lingering summer heat.
You can go the traditional route with pasta salad and hot dogs or switch things up and opt for spinach artichoke dip and BLT croissants. Impress your friends and family with these tasty and easy-to-clean-up Labor Day recipes.
1. Fruit kabobs
Category: Snacks
Even the pickiest eaters can be tempted by berries, melon cubes and grapes when they’re threaded on wooden skewers. Fresh fruit skewers are easy to prep ahead, don’t require utensils and are delicious with a creamy yogurt dipping sauce.
To stick with the Labor Day theme, stack strawberries, blueberries and dragon fruit for a red, white and blue finish.
2. Caprese skewers
Category: Snacks
Caprese skewers turn the beloved Italian salad into an easy-to-serve appetizer. Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil onto skewers. Then drizzle a balsamic glaze over them before serving.
Place food-safe floral foam inside a decorative container and arrange the skewers upright for a festive and eye-catching centerpiece.
3. Taffy apple salad
Category: Snacks
This apple salad is an unusual but delicious snack for a Labor Day picnic. Granny Smith apples balance out the rich flavor of caramel and the sweetness of whipped topping. Top it with chopped peanuts just before serving for a salty crunch.
4. Buffalo chicken dip
Category: Snacks
Buffalo chicken dip brings bold flavor to a Labor Day picnic and comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Make it ahead of time and keep it warm in a small slow cooker, so guests can help themselves throughout the day. Round out the spread with a variety of dipping options like tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks and sliced bell peppers.
5. Crunchy corn dogs
Category: Snacks
Serve crunchy corn dogs to bring a state fair vibe to your picnic. To make these, roll the batter in panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before frying for an extra-crispy coating.
You can also swap traditional hot dogs for cheddar-filled sausages, smoked sausage or bratwurst. Set out dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, spicy mayo and ketchup so guests can mix and match flavors.
6. Summer pasta salad
Category: Snacks
Make your favorite pasta salad recipe, or save time and order it through Instacart from a local deli. Add summer vegetables, fresh herbs or a mix of ingredients like cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls to give it a summer finish.
7. Snack mix
Category: Snacks
With endless sweet, savory and spicy varieties to choose from, snack mixes are an easy addition to any Labor Day picnic. Or make your own blend with nuts, pretzels, cereal, popcorn and seasonings.
8. Red, white and blue gelatin cups
Category: Snacks
These layered gelatin cups take a little extra prep, but the red, white and blue presentation makes for a festive addition to a Labor Day gathering.
Make alcohol-free gelatin cups for kids or boozy gelatin shots for the adults. Garnish each with whipped topping, ripe strawberries and blueberries before serving.
9. Grilled corn
Category: Snacks
Late summer is prime time for sweet corn — look for fresh ears at your local store. Grill the ears over an open flame and serve them with butter, salt and pepper.
Or set out toppings like mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder and lime wedges for an elote-inspired side dish.
10. Spinach artichoke dip
Category: Snacks
Spinach artichoke dip earns its place at the Labor Day table thanks to its creamy texture and how easy it is to serve. Make a batch with this homemade spinach artichoke dip recipe and serve it with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices or fresh vegetables.
11. Creamy deviled eggs
Category: Snacks
Creamy deviled eggs are the perfect bite-sized snack for any gathering. Don’t forget to garnish with paprika and serve within two hours of removing from the cooler.
12. Hummus
Category: Snacks
Hummus works well for a Labor Day picnic because it’s easy to portion and pairs with a variety of dippers. Try this homemade hummus recipe, or save time with a store-bought dip. Serve it with pita bread, crackers or pre-cut vegetables like carrots, cucumbers and bell peppers.
13. Guacamole
Category: Snacks
A Labor Day picnic isn’t complete without a large helping of guacamole — save time and buy premade guacamole if you’re in a rush. For folks who have a few extra minutes to spare, this creamy guacamole recipe elevates any celebration.
14. DIY sub sandwiches
Category: Main dishes
Low-prep and crowd-pleasing, sub sandwiches are a great option for any picnic. For those who have the space to spread out an array of ingredients, you can even opt for a make-your-own sub picnic. Just set out:
French bread loaves or sub buns
Deli meats and cheeses
Vegetables like shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, jalapenos, sliced red onions and cucumber slices.
Dressings like mayonnaise, ranch, Thousand Island and vinaigrette.
15. Walking tacos
Category: Main dishes
A popular football game favorite, walking tacos work just as well for a Labor Day picnic. This meal is delicious, easy to customize and requires minimal cleanup since guests can build their tacos right in the bag.
Buy individual bags of corn tortilla chips, allowing for one to two per person. Crush the chips slightly, open the bag and add taco meat, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream.
16. Veggie wraps
Category: Main dishes
Veggie wraps are a good vegetarian party food option on Labor Day. Get the most flavor by spreading hummus or cream cheese on a tortilla. Then layer on slices of vegetables and herbs. Wrap them in butcher paper for easy serving.
17. Baked potato bar
Category: Main dishes
When a grill or fire pit is available, baked potatoes are a low-prep, filling option. Wrap washed baking potatoes in tin foil and cook for 45-60 minutes or until soft. Open them up with a fork and customize with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, chives and chili.
18. Pulled pork sandwich
Category: Main dishes
Let your crockpot do the heavy lifting by starting this pulled pork recipe the night before and cooking overnight. When it’s time to serve, pile the pork onto buns with extra BBQ sauce and pickles for an easy Labor Day sandwich.
19. Crispy baked wings
Category: Main dishes
Cook up a few dozen wings in the oven and place them in a crockpot to keep warm. Fill dishes with sauces like buffalo sauce, ranch, honey barbeque and teriyaki to serve with your baked wings.
20. Grilled pizza
Category: Main dishes
Grilled pizza is a flexible option for a Labor Day picnic. You can prepare popular pizzas like pepperoni and cheese to feed a group on a budget. For a more interactive meal, set out smaller dough rounds and pizza toppings, then let everyone create their own mini pizzas.
Don’t forget a cutting board and pizza cutter!
21. Hot dog bar
Category: Main dishes
Hot dogs are a classic picnic dish that never get old. Grill up some links and place them on serving trays. To simplify prep, set up a condiment station complete with ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, sauerkraut and your other favorite toppings.
22. Taco salad
Category: Main dishes
Taco salad is a lighter dish that’s refreshing at a warm Labor Day gathering. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes add a cooling contrast to seasoned meat, dairy-based cheese and spicy salsa.
Taco salad is also a good recipe for guests following a keto diet who want the taco flavor without chips or tortillas.
23. BBQ pulled chicken sliders
Category: Main dishes
These barbecue chicken sliders are a great addition to any Labor Day picnic. Mingle and eat without skipping a beat with individually portioned sandwiches. You can also pack toppings for your guests to customize their sliders.
24. Chicken salad sandwiches
Category: Main dishes
Enjoy the great outdoors with your loved ones by making these chicken salad sandwiches. You can take them to the next level by adding fresh avocado, grapes or crushed red pepper.
25. BLT croissants
Category: Main dishes
Planning on hosting a brunch for Labor Day? BLT croissants put a fresh spin on the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich with a flaky pastry base. Serve these breakfast sandwiches alongside a yogurt parfait and brunch cocktails for a well-rounded menu.
26. Cherry pie
Category: Desserts
Add a splash of red to your celebration with a tin of cherry pie. This nostalgic summer dessert is easy to slice and share at a picnic. Serve it on its own or pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a simple finishing touch.
27. Lemon cookies
Category: Desserts
No picnic is complete without these zesty lemon cookies. Their soft texture and citrusy flavor complement other late-summer desserts, and they’re easy to portion for serving outdoors. Pack them in a sealed container to keep them fresh until dessert time.
28. Buttery blondies
Category: Desserts
Buttery blondies are a picnic-friendly dessert thanks to their rich flavor and sturdiness. Cut them into squares ahead of time for easy serving, then add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts or white chocolate to make each batch unique.
29. Watermelon stars
Category: Desserts
Cut a seedless watermelon into thin slices, then use a cookie cutter to give them fun, whimsical shapes. When you’re done, arrange the melon on a serving tray.
30. Fruit pizza
Category: Desserts
Fruit pizza combines a soft sugar cookie crust with creamy frosting and fresh fruit for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Top it with strawberries, blueberries and other seasonal fruit for a red, white and blue Labor Day design, or use whatever produce is freshest at the end of summer.
31. S’mores cookie bars
Category: Desserts
Made with chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers, S’mores cookie bars taste just like the campfire classic. The difference? You can make them without a fire pit, and they’re easier to serve at a picnic since there’s less mess from melted chocolate and marshmallows.
32. Pineapple lemonade
Category: Drinks
This refreshing pineapple lemonade is a simple way to keep guests hydrated during a warm Labor Day get-together. Mix 1 cup of lemonade mix, 3 cups cold water, one 46-ounce container of chilled pineapple juice and two cans of lemon-lime soda.
If you’re serving a large group, go ahead and double or triple the recipe to ensure everyone gets their fill.
33. Cold-brew coffee bar
Category: Drinks
A coffee bar is a great idea for the adults in the group. Have several containers of cold-brew coffee, plenty of ice, a mix of flavored syrups and canned whipped topping. You can also use your favorite type of coffee if you’re not a fan of cold brew.
34. Iced tea
Category: Drinks
There are so many varieties of iced tea on your grocery store shelves: decaf, southern style, low-sugar, lemon, raspberry, citrus green tea and more. Buy several varieties and have lots of ice on hand!
35. Ocean water
Category: Drinks
Ocean water is a fun drink, especially for those who’ve never had this icy cold beverage at restaurants. For each batch, you’ll need lemon-lime soda, coconut flavoring, food coloring, water and sugar. You can also add gummy sharks to elevate drinks for older kids.
36. Cherry limeade
Category: Drinks
Cherry limeade is easy to make from scratch or pick up at the store when you want to save time. Use frozen limeade concentrate, powdered limeade or a bottled version, depending on how much prep you want to do. Set out a jar of maraschino cherries and limes so guests can garnish their drinks before sipping.
37. Sparkling water
Category: Drinks
It may be September, but the temperatures are still pretty warm in most parts of the country. So help guests beat dehydration by chilling sparkling water in coolers.
How to plan a Labor Day picnic
To plan the perfect Labor Day picnic, you need to think about more than just what to serve, including how to store food and dish it out. You also need to give the picnic location, transportation, decorations and invitations some thought.
Here’s a quick list to help keep your picnic planning on track:
Choose your menu: Select a mix of snacks, main dishes, sides, desserts and drinks that travel well and hold up outdoors. Make sure to take your guests’ dietary needs into account and label allergens accordingly.
Plan food storage: Pack coolers, insulated containers and slow cookers to keep ingredients and prepared dishes at the right temperature.
Prepare serving supplies: Bring plates, utensils, straws, napkins, serving trays and any tools needed to portion and enjoy your food.
Pick the right location: Consider seating, shade, weather conditions and access to amenities when choosing your picnic spot.
Add decorations: Bring simple touches like tablecloths, flowers, banners or themed decor to create a celebratory environment.
Send invitations: Share details like the date, time, location and what guests should bring so everyone knows what to expect.
Effortless Labor Day picnic shopping
Planning a Labor Day picnic is easier than ever with Instacart. Order ingredients, pre-made dishes and party essentials through the Instacart app and your Shopper can bring everything straight to you — even to the park where you’re setting up.
Don’t forget the items that help your picnic run smoothly. Add essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, bottled water, coolers, ice and charcoal to your order.
