Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but rather than wallow in mourning, cap the season off with one last, epic barbecue. For this final fling, we’ve selected eight recipes to add some flair to your menu, from apple-stuffed pork chops to grilled lettuce with blue cheese–bacon dressing to booze-infused s’mores. Make one or make them all—either way, these eats will guarantee your cookout is the most memorable of the season.
Raw Summer Squash Salad
This recipe combines abundant summer squash with dried currants, black olives, and creamy ricotta with a bright lemon–olive oil dressing to create a texture- and flavor-packed dish.
Sautéed Sweet Corn and Red Peppers
A summer barbecue is never complete without corn, and this three-ingredient side is the perfect way to say farewell to this staple of the season.
Grilled Boston Lettuce Salad with Warm Blue Cheese–Bacon Dressing
A smoky char from the grill transforms the lettuce, and it only gets better with a drizzle of creamy blue cheese and bacon dressing on top.
Barbecued Shrimp with Pineapple Chutney
Add some tropical flavor to those shrimp on the barbie with a mouthwatering topping of coffee-infused barbecue sauce and pineapple chutney.
Indian-Spiced Lamb Skewers
These skewers pack some serious heat, so prepare some cooling raita to serve along with them.
Apple-Grilled Double-Cut Pork Chops
Stuffed with tart green apple slices and brushed with apple butter, these pork chops strike just the right balance of sweet and savory.
Grilled Salmon with Summer Salad
Add this crispy grilled salmon to your menu for a lighter option for your Labor Day feast.
Drunken S’mores Cake
Because summer obviously wouldn’t be complete without s’mores.
Hungry for more? View our entire recipe collection.
