23 Labor Day eats to enjoy when you don’t feel like grilling

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Kick back and relax this Labor Day with 23 delicious recipes that don’t require a grill. From slow cooker wonders to tasty salads, these are the no-fail, no-grill recipes that’ll make your holiday weekend cooking a cinch.

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Hey, who said you need a grill to have a fun Labor Day party? This Walking Taco Casserole is like a party in a pan. It combines all your favorite taco elements, bakes ’em together, and you’ve got a dish that’s made for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Amish Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with eggs and mayonnaise.
Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A classic side dish that is always a hit at parties, Amish Potato Salad is a great addition to your menu. Made with creamy potatoes, tangy pickles, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is refreshing and satisfying, even when your not manning a grill.
Get the Recipe: Amish Potato Salad

Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs with red and blue dyed egg whites.
Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Add a patriotic touch to your Labor Day menu with Red, White, and Blue Deviled Eggs. These colorful and delicious appetizers feature creamy egg yolks mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, and a hint of tangy pickle relish.
Get the Recipe: Red, White and Blue Deviled Eggs

Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips

Gooey coconut bars on a wooden cutting board with coconut.
Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a sweet and treat, Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips are a fantastic choice for a party. These chewy and decadent bars are loaded with shredded coconut and studded with chocolate chips.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Bars with Chocolate Chips

Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Slow cooker country style ribs on a tray on top of mashed potatoes with corn.
Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you’re skipping the grill this Labor Day, let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting with these Country Style Ribs. They come out so tender, they practically fall apart, and that sauce? Finger-licking good!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Country Style Ribs

Broccoli Crunch Salad

A close shot of a fork full of broccoli salad.
Broccoli Crunch Salad. Photo Credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Brighten up your Labor Day menu with a refreshing and crunchy Broccoli Crunch Salad. This salad features crisp broccoli florets, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and a tangy dressing. It’s a light and nutritious side dish that pairs well with anything.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad

Corn on the Cob

corn on the cob in a green corn dish in front of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Even if grilling is not an option, Corn on the Cob can still be a highlight of your Labor Day menu. Air fried or steamed to perfection, this summer classic brings out the natural sweetness of the corn. Serve it with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt for a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Corn on the Cob

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs

Slow Cooker Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Slow Cooker Hot Dogs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Who says you need a grill to rock Labor Day? Slow Cooker Hot Dogs are here to save the day and your sanity. Just toss them in the slow cooker and forget about them while you enjoy the party. They come out perfectly juicy and are ready to be loaded up with all your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Hot Dogs

Cake Mix Donuts

Chocolate cake mix donuts on a cooling rack with chocolate glaze and red, white and blue sprinkles.
Cake Mix Donuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Indulge in some homemade donuts with Cake Mix Donuts. These delightful treats are made using a cake mix, which simplifies the process and saves you time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Donuts

Texas Caviar

Texas caviar on a tortilla chip.
Texas Caviar. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

For a flavorful and zesty side dish that doesn’t require grilling, Texas Caviar is an excellent choice for your Labor Day menu. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side salad.
Get the Recipe: Texas Caviar

Blueberry Cobbler

Two plates of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream.
Blueberry Cobbler. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

When you’re craving a delicious dessert, Blueberry Cobbler is a fantastic choice for your Labor Day celebrations. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful end of summer treat that will please everyone.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Cobbler

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Slow cooker bbq chicken legs in the crock pot after cooking.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

No grill, no problem this Labor Day! Toss some chicken legs in the slow cooker, add your favorite BBQ sauce, and forget about it. Hours later, you’ve got juicy, tender chicken with all the BBQ flavor but none of the grilling fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Salt Potatoes are simple and delicious addition to your Labor Day menu. This classic dish from Syracuse, NY results in a creamy and perfectly seasoned potato. It’s a no-fuss option that delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Tempting Tuna Medley Salad

Tuna Salad as appetizer on a pieces of baked zucchini.
Low Carb Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Refresh your palate with this tempting tuna salad that combines flaky tuna with crisp veggies and a zesty dressing. The medley of flavors and textures create a satisfying and healthy salad option that is perfect for a Labor Day party.
Get the Recipe: Tempting Tuna Medley Salad

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Celebrate Labor Day without the grill with a refreshing Waldorf Salad. Crunchy apples, celery, and sweet grapes tossed in a creamy dressing make the perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Apple Cider Pulled Pork Tacos

A white tray of apple cider pulled pork tacos.
Apple Cider Pulled Pork Tacos. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Apple Cider Pulled Pork Tacos are an easy meal to make for a cookout when you don’t want to grill. Use a crock pot or slow cooker to cook pork flavored with spices and apple cider. Serve it on tortillas with apple matchsticks, dried cranberries, arugula and honey for a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Pulled Pork Tacos

Tuscan White Bean Dip

A teal towel, plate of bread and a tomato lie next to a black bowl of tuscan white bean dip.
Tuscan White Bean Dip. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Tuscan White Bean Dip has all the Italian flavors you need to bring to an end of summer party, and it doesn’t require any cooking. Featuring white beans, juicy tomatoes, onion, garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, this is an appetizer your guests won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Dip

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Indulge in the smoky and savory goodness of our Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken this Labor Day. Tender, juicy chicken, generously coated in a mouthwatering barbecue sauce, effortlessly prepared in the Instant Pot. Get ready to sink your teeth into this irresistible and crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Hands scooping up a serving of bacon cheeseburger salad from a bowl.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is like a Big Mac in a bowl. It’s an easy and hassle-free dish, with simple ingredients that require only minimal preparation. Plus, it’s perfect for brining to a gathering, as it stores well.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Air Fryer London Broil

London broil on a white platter with parsley.
London Broil. Photo Credit: Little House Big Alaska.

When you don’t want to grill or fire up the oven get that air fryer out. This London Broil is so easy to air fry and it cooks up perfectly every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer London Broil

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Bowl of bacon wrapped cocktail sausages.
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Make delicious, juicy bacon-wrapped little smokies in minutes with your air fryer. They’re the perfect snack or appetizer for Labor Day gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Grinder Sandwich

Overhead shot of a grinder sandwich on a marble serving plate.
Grinder Sandwich. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Italian Grinder Sandwich recipe combines savory deli meats, creamy provolone, crisp lettuce, onions, pepperoncini, and bright vinaigrette on a crusty Italian loaf. It’s perfect for gatherings or to share with friends and family at home this Labor Day.
Get the Recipe: Grinder Sandwich

Mexican Corn Salad

Overhead shot of two bowls of Mexican corn salad with lime wedges and forks on the side.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Mexican Corn Salad has all the flavors of street stall corn on the cob—sweet corn, creamy butter, freshly squeezed lime juice, diced Jalapeños, chili flakes, and cheese. It will be a hit at your Labor Day celebration.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

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