Labor Day Cookout Ideas: 15 Global-Inspired Recipes to End Summer with a Bang

Asian-Inspired Burgers: Start with ground beef or chicken and infuse it with a blend of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The magic happens in the toppings – crown your burger with tangy kimchi, pickled vegetables, and a creamy sriracha mayo. The result? A burger that’s bursting with umami flavors and a delightful crunch.

Southwestern Fiesta Burgers: Give your cookout a Mexican flair with these zesty turkey burgers. Season the ground turkey with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for a flavor-packed patty. Top it off with creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and crispy tortilla strips for added texture. It’s like a fiesta in every bite!

Mediterranean Lamb Burgers: Transport your guests to the shores of the Mediterranean with these aromatic lamb burgers. Mix ground lamb with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint, and lemon zest for a burger that’s both juicy and fragrant. Serve it with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce and a sprinkle of crumbled olives for an authentic touch.

Surf and Turf Skewers: Combine the best of land and sea by alternating succulent shrimp and scallops with bite-sized pieces of steak or chicken. Thread colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions between the proteins for a visually stunning skewer. Marinate everything in a citrusy herb dressing to infuse layers of flavor.

Surf and Turf Skewers: Combine the best of land and sea by alternating succulent shrimp and scallops with bite-sized pieces of steak or chicken. Thread colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions between the proteins for a visually stunning skewer. Marinate everything in a citrusy herb dressing to infuse layers of flavor.

Korean BBQ Skewers: Introduce your guests to the bold flavors of Korean cuisine. Marinate chunks of chicken, tofu, or mixed vegetables in a sauce made with gochujang (Korean red chili paste), sesame oil, ginger, and a touch of honey. Grill the skewers until they’re slightly charred for an authentic Korean BBQ experience.

Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad: This refreshing salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Combine juicy cubes of watermelon with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint leaves. Toss it all in a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. The contrast between the cool watermelon, tangy feta, and aromatic mint creates a symphony of flavors that epitomize summer.

Grilled Corn and Black Bean Salad: Take advantage of the season’s sweet corn with this colorful salad. Grill corn on the cob until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. Mix the grilled corn with black beans, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Dress it all with a zesty lime-cumin vinaigrette for a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing. This dish not only tastes great but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your Labor Day cookout spread.

Quinoa Pasta Salad with Pesto: For a modern twist on the classic pasta salad, combine cooked quinoa with colorful rotini pasta. Add cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red bell peppers for crunch and color. Toss it all in a homemade pesto dressing for a burst of herbal flavor. This salad is not only delicious but also offers a protein-packed option for vegetarian guests.

Edamame Hummus: Give classic hummus an Asian twist by swapping chickpeas for edamame beans. Blend cooked edamame with garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and a touch of olive oil until smooth. The result is a vibrant green dip that’s both visually appealing and packed with protein. Serve with an assortment of fresh vegetables and pita chips for dipping.

Spicy Mango Salsa: Bring a tropical flair to your cookout with this sweet and spicy salsa. Dice ripe mangoes and combine them with finely chopped red onion, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. This bright and zesty salsa pairs perfectly with tortilla chips and adds a refreshing touch to grilled meats.

Whipped Ricotta with Herbs: For an elegant yet simple appetizer, whip ricotta cheese until light and fluffy. Fold in a mixture of finely chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and dill. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil and sprinkle with cracked black pepper before serving. Offer an assortment of crostini, sliced vegetables, and breadsticks for dipping. This creamy, herb-infused dip provides a cool contrast to spicier grilled dishes.

Red, White, and Blue Trifle: Create a stunning layered dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. In a large glass bowl, alternate layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and cubes of angel food cake. Top the trifle with a generous layer of whipped cream and garnish with a star-shaped cookie for a festive touch. This make-ahead dessert is not only visually appealing but also light and refreshing after a hearty cookout meal.

Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Ice Cream: Take advantage of late-summer peaches with this simple yet elegant dessert. Halve ripe peaches and brush them with a mixture of melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Grill the peaches cut-side down until they’re caramelized and tender. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sprinkled with ground cinnamon. The combination of warm, caramelized fruit and cool, creamy ice cream is irresistible.

S’mores Cookie Bars: Bring the campfire experience to your cookout with these indulgent cookie bars. Start with a chewy chocolate chip cookie base. Before the cookies are fully baked, press marshmallows and broken graham cracker pieces into the top. Finish baking until the marshmallows are golden and gooey. These bars capture the essence of s’mores in a convenient, handheld form – perfect for outdoor celebrations.

Marination Magic: The key to flavorful grilled meats lies in the marinade. Create balanced marinades by combining an acid (like citrus juice or vinegar) with oil, herbs, and spices. For most meats, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. For a quick flavor boost, try a dry rub instead – simply mix your favorite spices and rub them onto the meat just before grilling.

Perfect Sear: To achieve that coveted crispy exterior on grilled meats, start with high heat. Pat your meat dry before grilling to promote better browning. Once you place the meat on the grill, resist the urge to move it too frequently. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice crust before flipping. For thicker cuts, use the two-zone grilling method: sear over high heat, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.

Grilling Vegetables Right: Don’t forget about your veggies! Brush them lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. Start with denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots, as they take longer to cook. Add quicker-cooking items like zucchini or bell peppers later. For small or delicate vegetables, use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.

Watermelon Mint Cooler: Blend fresh watermelon chunks with mint leaves, lime juice, and a touch of honey. Strain and serve over ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic option that captures the essence of summer.

Grilled Pineapple Mojitos: Give a tropical twist to the classic mojito by grilling pineapple chunks until caramelized. Muddle the grilled pineapple with mint leaves and lime juice, then add white rum and a splash of soda water for a smoky-sweet cocktail.

Berry Sangria: Combine red wine with a mix of fresh berries, citrus slices, and a splash of brandy. Let it chill for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This fruity, refreshing sangria is perfect for sipping on a warm Labor Day afternoon.