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Labor Day gatherings call for dishes that are easy to prep, full of fresh flavors, and perfect for warm-weather feasting. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or contributing to a potluck, a good salad can balance out the grilled mains and heavier sides.
This list brings together crisp, seasonal ingredients—from juicy peaches to sweet corn and garden-fresh tomatoes. These refreshing Labor Day salad ideas are simple, colorful, and crowd-friendly, with options for everyone from veggie lovers to protein seekers.
Let’s celebrate the last tastes of summer with something light, chilled, and delicious.
1. Peach and Burrata Salad
I love pairing ripe summer peaches with creamy burrata. Tossed with arugula, basil, and a honey-balsamic drizzle, it’s a fancy-looking salad that comes together in 10 minutes.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Peach and Burrata Salad recipe.
2. Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad
Sweet grilled corn, creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion come together with a squeeze of lime. It’s got a little char, a lot of crunch, and zero leftovers.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 6g
Get the Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad recipe.
3. Watermelon Feta Salad
This is a go-to on hot days. I cube seedless watermelon and toss it with crumbled feta, mint leaves, and a splash of lime juice. It’s salty, sweet, and super refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
Get the Watermelon Feta Salad recipe.
4. Tomato Cucumber Red Onion Salad
When tomatoes are at their best, I slice them thick with cucumbers and onions, then toss everything in a light vinaigrette. Simple, juicy, and always hits the spot.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Tomato Cucumber Red Onion Salad recipe.
5. Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon and Herbs
This lemony orzo salad is one of my potluck staples. I mix cooked orzo with cucumbers, parsley, dill, and crumbled feta for a bright, tangy side that pairs with everything.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon and Herbs recipe.
6. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella slices, and basil leaves drizzled with thick balsamic glaze—this is a classic that never fails. I chill the tomatoes a bit before serving for extra refreshment.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
Get the Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze recipe.
7. Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing
Pineapple, mango, kiwi, and strawberries tossed in a zesty coconut-lime mix. I like to serve this cold from the fridge—it’s like a mini vacation in a bowl.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing recipe.
8. Quinoa Summer Salad
This hearty, plant-based salad includes quinoa, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and parsley tossed in a lemon-olive oil dressing. Light, filling, and great for make-ahead.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
Get the Quinoa Summer Salad recipe.
9. Coleslaw with Apple and Carrot
A twist on the usual slaw—I shred crisp apples and carrots with cabbage, then toss everything in a light, tangy yogurt dressing. Great next to burgers or grilled chicken.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Coleslaw with Apple and Carrot recipe.
10. Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes
Cold pasta salad gets an upgrade with fresh pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan. I serve this one in big batches, and it always disappears quickly.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Get the Pesto Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes recipe.
11. Cucumber Dill Salad
Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions tossed in a simple dill vinaigrette. It’s crisp, cold, and incredibly easy to pull together—my favorite when I need a fast side.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Get the Cucumber Dill Salad recipe.
12. Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Fresh spinach leaves, strawberries, blueberries, and candied pecans tossed with homemade poppy seed dressing. I love how it balances sweet and savory for summer tables.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Berry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing recipe.
13. Southwest Black Bean Salad
This one’s bold and colorful—black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and a chili-lime dressing. It’s hearty enough to eat as a meal and pairs well with grilled meats.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 7g
Get the Southwest Black Bean Salad recipe.
14. Broccoli Apple Salad
Chopped raw broccoli, sweet apples, red onions, and sunflower seeds tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing. It’s crunchy, lightly sweet, and great for prepping ahead.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
Get the Broccoli Apple Salad recipe.
15. Chickpea Tomato Salad with Feta
I toss canned chickpeas with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta, then drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s quick, protein-packed, and satisfying without being heavy.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
Get the Chickpea Tomato Salad with Feta recipe.
16. Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches and Almonds
Peppery arugula, charred peach slices, slivered almonds, and a maple-balsamic dressing. It feels fancy but is super easy to throw together last minute.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Get the Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches and Almonds recipe.
