Enjoy the last days of summer with a picnic in the fresh air thanks to this cool, sustainable collection of 10 Plant-Based Labor Day Recipes.
One of my favorite ways to celebrate Labor Day is with a good old-fashioned picnic in the outdoors! I love to enjoy those last warm summer days with a good hearty hike with friends and family, followed by a luscious plant-powered meal focusing on the season’s best produce. It’s the last chance to enjoy the bounty of late summer offerings, while looking forward to the oncoming fall season. From fresh appetizers and hydrating beverages to grill-ready main dishes and crispy salads—not to mention summery desserts, this recipe collection will help you plan a light and lovely Labor Day party menu. I am including some of my favorite plant-based outdoor recipes perfect for your Labor Day festivities, from my kitchen to yours.
Eat and Live Goodness,
Sharon
10 Fabulous Plant-Based Labor Day Recipes
Mint Water with Lime and Lemon
Make your own homemade infused waters with this budget-friendly, easy, healthy recipe for Mint Water with Lime and Lemon. You’ll save money and reduce your carbon footprint by making your own fresh lemon water recipe at home.
Avocado Salsa
Whip up this veggie-rich Avocado Corn Salsa for a dip that’s sure to please. Serve with whole grain crackers, corn or bean chips, and veggies for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Classic Bruschetta
You’ll find this classic staple based on seasonal, ripe tomatoes served in most restaurants in Italy as an appetizer with toasted rustic bread. But it’s so easy to make at home. And if you have an abundance of summer tomatoes on hand from your garden or the farmers market, this is the perfect summertime dish to make the most of those rich, juicy tomatoes.
Summer Green Bean Tomato Salad
Turn to summer-ripe produce, green beans and tomatoes, with a simple red wine vinaigrette and a sprinkle of sliced almonds and basil, to make a hearty, vegan-friendly, gluten-free salad for any meal.
Black Bean Corn Chili
The Southwestern flavors of this completely plant-based Black Bean Corn Chili make it an easy satisfying meal anytime of the year—you can also cook it up quickly in an Instant Pot.
Spicy Sesame Grilled Tofu
This easy, healthy recipe for Spicy Sesame Grilled Tofu pays homage to traditional flavors, including sesame, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, red chili, and seaweed.
Edamame Grain Vegan Burgers
These savory, home-made veggie burgers are filled with nutrient-rich whole plants, like edamame, quinoa, walnuts, oats, carrots, and flax.
Corn and Potato Boil
Inspired by the “boils” celebrated in the South and New England, this plant-powered version excludes the seafood normally included in these big steaming pots. This dish is the perfect way to celebrate simply perfect, late summer produce, such as fresh sweet corn and tender new potatoes.
Grilled Peaches with Basil
It’s peach season! So enjoy these yummy, succulent fruits while you have the chance. I love this easy way to serve fresh, ripe peaches. Just brush them with this olive oil-basil marinade and grill them up. Serve them with plant-based ice cream for a special treat.
Apricot Tart with Slivered Almonds
This easy vegan Apricot Tart with Slivered Almonds is so simple and wholesome—the perfect way to celebrate a bounty of fresh apricots when they are in season.
For other fresh outdoor Labor Day recipes, try even more of my favorites:
