Healthy, happy Labor Day menu

by Stephanie Weaver on August 31, 2012

Family picnic 1973

End of the summer picnic in the mid-70s. Mom, my brother, my grandma, my cousin, yours truly, my favorite great aunt

When I asked my U.S. readers what comes to mind when they hear the words, “Labor Day” here is what they said: “Family.” “BBQs and pie!” “My life is better because my aunties fought for unions.” What do you think of when you hear the words Labor Day? For me, it’s the end of summer, the last lovely three day weekend before school kicks off and work seems to kick into higher gear.

Blueberry Pie gluten-free sugarfree healthy recipe

Classic blueberry pie, you’ll never miss the gluten or refined sugar

Here are some healthy options for a Labor Day BBQ menu

Homemade BBQ sauce
This is great on chicken, tofu, or tempeh

Vegan sloppy joes

Steak and roasted potato salad
Super-easy to do on the grill. Add in some portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Pesto corn on the cob: Mix pre-made pesto with olive oil and brush the mixture on freshly grilled corn on the cob instead of using butter.

Smoky baked beans

German potato salad with vegan coconut bacon bits

Quick mustard potato salad: Bake or boil potatoes until cooked. Cut into cubes and toss with Joe’s Mustard Sauce for a healthy take on potato salad.

Watermelon rind pickles or refrigerator pickles

Mango-nectarine salsa with lightly salted (or baked) corn chips.

Crispy Asian slaw instead of heavy cole slaw. Use black sesame seeds to give it plenty of visual appeal.

Watermelon salad with tofu “feta”

Strawberry-rhubarb-cherry pie
Substitute canned cherries if you can’t get fresh strawberries or rhubarb.

Classic blueberry pie

Tequila-lime-watermelon granita

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Chloe Jeffreys September 1, 2012 at 12:11 PM

When I lived in San Diego, Labor Day meant the hottest days–September and October–were yet to come. But here on the mountain, Labor Day means winter is coming.

I do miss the long, long Indian summers of Southern California. I’m not ready for hot cocoa and long pants yet.

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2 Recipe Renovator September 1, 2012 at 4:04 PM

Yes, Chloe, it’s quite toasty here right now. Heading to the beach right after I write this. Have a great holiday up there on The Mountain.

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3 Jenny (VintageSugarcube) September 1, 2012 at 1:20 AM

I LOVE the family picnic picture. Soooo fabulous. Thanks again for the wonderful picnic kit. It is soooo fantastic. :)

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4 Recipe Renovator September 1, 2012 at 4:05 AM

Jenny, so glad you like the kit. Yes, I’ll bet you have your eye on Aunt Dorothy’s fabulous cat-eye glasses, don’t you? :)

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