A Labor Day picnic is a great way to celebrate an under-appreciated American holiday with friends, family, and simply delicious recipes. Labor Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the contributions of workers to American society. But, it also culturally (as opposed to meteorologically) marks the end of the summer. (And, according to some, the last time you can wear your white pants and shoes). Get outside and enjoy those last sunny days before the days get shorter with these recipes.
History of Labor Day
The first Labor Day parade was on September 5, 1882. Its roots go back to the Haymarket riots in Chicago, when workers demanded an 8-hour workday and clashed with local police. Two unions, the Central Labor Union and Knights of Labor, promoted Labor Day as a day of rest for working people to celebrate their efforts. These days, it can be a day of reflection for the hard work you put in to all elements of your life: family, work, and yes, cooking, too.
7 Labor Day Picnic Recipes
Red, White, and Blue Fruit Salad
Labor Day at the end of summer and Memorial Day at the beginning are sort of like Fourth of July’s quiet but still very patriotic cousins. All of these summer holidays are still an occasion to show your patriotism with a themed dish, like this salad with adorable star-shaped fruit.
The Best Potato Salad Ever
This recipe from Monifa Dayo appears in Bryant Terry’s wonderful book, Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora. The dish lives up to its name. Versatile, rich, full of flavor, a “best potato salad ever” is the best way to end summer on a high note.
Summer BBQ Smoked Peach Pulled Pork
Peaches are in season until the end of the summer. Though this peach pulled pork recipe requires an investment of time, it makes for an amazing outdoor barbecue offering and also looks beautiful on a plate.
Corn Ribs With Homemade BBQ Sauce
A vegetarian alternative that still keeps you at the grill. These succulent, tender Corn Ribs have a flavorfully seasoned rub and homemade sauce. Corn ribs are about to become the star of your next Labor Day barbecue.
Chocolate Pretzel Pie
This decadent chocolate pretzel pie will doubtingly give you leftovers to eat at home after that Labor Day picnic is over. But the dulce de leche filling and delectable ganache are well worth the calories you’ll consume while devouring this pie. Its flavor will leave everyone talking about it for days.
Frozen S’mores
A quick and easy summer treat, these frozen s’mores will definitely have people coming back for more. Temperatures stay pretty high well into fall now. So, there’s still lots of time for a frozen treat beyond Labor Day weekend.
Peach Bellini Tart
Our Peach Bellini Tart isn’t too sweet or too heavy and makes for a healthier alternative to heavier cakes for a Labor Day picnic. Plus, it looks stunning on a table and you can pair it with a round of Peach & Basil Bellinis.
Story by Emma Riva
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