68 Easy Labor Day Recipes

Updated on Sep. 08, 2024

Our easy Labor Day recipes prove 15 minutes (or less!) is more than enough time to pack in the flavor.

Now Trending

Labor Day is celebrated with picnics, parades and parties. And what do these have in common? The food!

This holiday is supposed to be a no-fuss fun time for friends and family, and these recipes are just the place to start. From salads to dips to sandwiches, we want the best food with as little effort as possible.

Make sure your Labor Day party is full of smokey grilled meats and stress-free cooking!

1/68

Pistachio Mallow Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This fluffy salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas

This fluffy pistachio salad is creamy while not being overly sweet. You can whip it up quickly for guests and don’t have to worry about it sitting out for too long. Unlike most treats, the flavor gets better the longer it stands.

2/68

Smash Burgers

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Now is not the time to cut the calories or skimp on the salt. Go for ground chuck that is at least 80/20. If you can find a blend with ground brisket or short rib, all the better. The best burger comes with being liberal with the kosher salt—it's beef's best friend, trust me. — James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

These quick and easy smash burgers are going to be the star of your next cookout. Coat the meat liberally with salt for the best flavor. You can even experiment with the type of meat and go for a ground brisket or short rib blend.

3/68

Dreamy Fruit Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings about 4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it with apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania

This thick cream cheese dip is made extra sweet with marshmallow creme. It goes great with any fruit, and you can even use the leftovers on toast the next morning.

4/68

Five-Minute Blueberry Pie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you like the taste of fresh blueberries, you'll love this pie. Since it's a breeze to whip up, I make it often, especially in summer. -Milda Anderson, Osceola, Wisconsin

This quick pie relies on the taste of fresh blueberries. If you’re in a pinch for your next Labor Day potluck, consider this all-natural summer dessert.

5/68

Kansas Cucumber Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cucumbers are my very favorite garden vegetable, so I use this recipe often. I got it from a friend years ago. I've heard this refreshing dish keeps very well in the refrigerator, but it goes so fast around our house, I've never found out for myself. —Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas

This cucumber salad resembles what you typically see in a potato salad, all the way down to the vinegar and dill. The kicker? Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise. This allows it to not only be crunchy and tart, but also sweet and creamy.

6/68

Speedy Shrimp Flatbreads

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are hooked on flatbread pizzas, especially this shrimp flatbread pizza recipe. I make at least one a week just to have something tasty around as a snack. This one came together easily because I had all the ingredients on hand. —Cheryl Woodson, Liberty, Missouri

These five-ingredient flatbreads are a quick and easy Labor Day recipe. Garlic-herb cheese and sun-dried tomatoes mimic a traditional pizza sauce spread that you’ll find yourself repeating in other flatbread experiments.

7/68

Marshmallow Fudge

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: You'll find it nearly impossible to resist this rich chocolate delight. It's chock-full of marshmallows and graham crackers—and no one will believe that the tantalizing treat is low in fat. —Holly Mann, Temple, New Hampshire

If you like s’mores, then you’re going to love this marshmallow fudge. The on-the-go treat is great for your next Labor Day party. Kids and adults will love the low-fat snack.

8/68

Dijon-Bacon Dip for Pretzels

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: With just four ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge, this quick appetizer comes together in a snap. If you like the zip of horseradish, start with a teaspoon or two and add more to taste. —Isabelle Rooney, Summerville, South Carolina

Horseradish is the unsung hero of this tangy and smokey dip. While the dip is for pretzels, word on the street is it’s great with corn chips too.

9/68

Taco Pinwheels

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 dozen pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator: These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

If you overestimated how much meat you’d need for Taco Tuesday, these taco pinwheels are the perfect way to use up leftovers. Served with salsa, they’re tangy, creamy and portable!

If you like tuna salad or even egg salad, you’re going to want to save this sandwich recipe. With celery, onion and mayo, this dilly dish is both crunchy and soft.

10/68
11/68

Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This cucumber and onion salad is one of the first recipes I came up with myself. It's a great salad for picnics or potlucks. I always come home with an empty bowl! —Brynn Steckman, Westerville, Ohio

This tangy salad is perfect for a picnic. It’s cool and refreshing without being too heavy. You’ll have plenty of room for a nice grilled dinner.

12/68

Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread

Total Time 10 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My friends and family always ask me to make it. I guarantee you’ll be asked for the recipe. —Lisa Moore, North Syracuse, New York

This recipe is essentially a green onion hummus. It’ll brighten any Labor Day party table while tasting amazing. You can serve pita chips, corn chips, or carrots with this recipe.

13/68

Cobb Salad Sub

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When we need a quick meal to share, we turn Cobb salad into a sandwich masterpiece. Sometimes I substitute tortillas for the bread and make wraps instead. —Kimberly Grusendorf, Medina, Ohio

Whether you make this as a wrap or a sandwich, this quick salad-turned-meal is stocked full of the best flavors. The smokiness from the ham and bacon is cut with fresh tomatoes and balsamic dressing. A cheesy richness in the form of Gorgonzola and hard-boiled eggs tie it all together.

14/68

Pina Colada Fruit Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Give friends a taste of the tropics on warm summer days with this refreshing fruit blend. For a little extra punch, you might add a splash of coconut rum. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana

If you like piña coladas…you’ve come to the right fruit salad. Almond and coconut extract combine with piña colada mix to make a light and refreshing course that you won’t want to miss.

15/68

Candy Bar Apple Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa

This candy bar apple salad is as straightforward as it comes. Pudding mix, whipped topping, apples and Snickers bars combine to make a sweet and creamy salad with a satisfying crunch. We recommend Granny Smith apples to balance the sweetness.

16/68

Best Deviled Eggs

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia

What sets this recipe apart, and perhaps what gives it the title of “best”, are the herbs. Parsley, dill weed and chives work overtime to make a tangy and flavorful appetizer.

17/68

Ice Cream Cookie Dessert

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Our family loves dessert, and this chocolaty, layered treat is one of Mom's most-requested recipes. It's so easy to prepare this Oreo ice cream cake! —Kimberly Laabs, Hartford, Wisconsin

Surprise any Oreo lover with this chocolaty, layered treat. Anything goes in terms of the ice cream flavor you use, so switch it up for some amazing combinations!

18/68

Broccoli Raisin Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a simple but sensational side dish, I throw together this refreshing broccoli salad with raisins. I adjusted a friend's recipe to cut a few calories. The raisins add sweetness, and the bacon gives it a nice crunch. —Angela Oelschlaeger, Tonganoxie, Kansas

Sweetness is key in a broccoli salad and this dish doesn’t miss. No flavor is overpowered so you can taste it all; the smokiness of the bacon, the crunch from the broccoli and even the fruitiness of the raisins.

19/68

Dill Pickle Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My love for pickles led me to create this dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned, it's addictive! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota

With cream cheese, sour cream and pickles, you have a creamy dip that can double as a sandwich spread. To make this recipe your own, test different flavors of pickles.

20/68

Caprese Salad Kabobs

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 kabobs
From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

This on-the-go salad snack is perfect for a party. They’re simple, stunning and tasty, with balsamic vinegar dressing giving them some zing.

21/68

Chocolaty S’mores Bars

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: One night my husband had some friends over to play poker and he requested these s'mores bars. They polished off the pan and asked for more! I shared the recipe, and now their families make them, too. —Rebecca Shipp, Beebe, Arkansas

These s’mores bars are chocolatey and addictive. The perfect way to end a cookout, they’re easy to carry and even easier to customize. Try adding some peanut butter or candies for a whole new experience.

22/68

Blueberry Lemon Trifle

Total Time 15 min
Servings 14 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A refreshing lemon filling and fresh blueberries give this sunny dessert sensation plenty of color. Don't worry about heating up the oven—this trifle doesn't require baking. —Ellen Peden, Houston, Texas

This no-bake dessert is a standout on any table, just look at the colors! The angel food cake makes it light and airy while still having a natural and fresh taste from the blueberries.

23/68

Spectacular Overnight Slaw

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To come up with this dish, I used a number of different recipes, plus some ideas of my own. It's great for a potluck because it's made the night before and the flavor keeps getting better. Whenever I serve it, I'm inundated with recipe requests. —Ruth Lovett, Bay City, Texas

This make-ahead coleslaw gets better the longer you let it sit. It’s easy to assemble and is a great tangy side to go along with any smoked meats. With peppers and olives, it even adds a splash of color to the table.

24/68

Homemade Guacamole

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

You can’t go wrong with homemade guacamole, especially in the presence of foods that bring up the heat. With lime, cilantro and fresh tomato, this recipe is cooling and fresh.

25/68

Broccoli Salad Supreme

Total Time 10 min
Servings about 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. —Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon

Broccoli and grapes are an unlikely flavor combination that brings together two of the best food textures, crunch and crisp. Did we mention it also has bacon?

26/68

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 10 servings (2-1/2 cups)
From the Recipe Creator: I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

This cheesy bacon and chive dip tastes just like a baked potato topping, while the waffle fries act as the potato. You can use full-fat products if you’d prefer.

27/68

Chocolate Chip Dip

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Is there a kid (or a kid at heart) who wouldn’t gobble up this creamy dip for graham crackers? It beats dunking them in milk, hands down! —Heather Koenig, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

This cookie dough di is sweet and creamy. It’s great for graham crackers, apple slices, pretzels and even animal crackers.

28/68

Fresh Cucumber Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Crisp garden-fresh cukes are always in season when we hold our family reunion, and they really shine in this simple salad. The recipe can easily be expanded to make large quantities too. —Betsy Carlson, Rockford, Illinois

This vinegar and dill salad is sweet and refreshing. Letting it sit overnight really enhances the flavors. With such little preparation time, you can make as much or as little as needed.

29/68

Dill Vegetable Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama

This creamy dill dip goes great with any veggies you have on hand. Serving them together in a cup makes for a cute centerpiece and an herby snack.

30/68

Hot Pizza Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 24 servings (about 3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator: You can assemble this easy appetizer in a jiffy. The pizza dip goes very fast, so you may want to make two batches. —Stacie Morse, South Otselic, New York

Pizza sauce and cream cheese make the foundation of this layered dip. You can top it with any of your favorite pizza toppings, but green peppers give it a nice pop of color.

31/68

Marshmallow Fruit Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 5 cups (40 servings)
From the Recipe Creator: You can whip up this sweet and creamy dip in just 10 minutes. I like to serve it in a bowl surrounded by fresh-picked strawberries at spring brunches or luncheons. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Cherry yogurt is the star of this light and fluffy fruit dip. It goes great with any fruit, but we recommend apples and strawberries.

32/68
33/68

Easy Seafood Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and liked it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma

This citrus salad is refreshing and healthy. With shrimp and crabmeat, it’s an appetizer that’s hearty enough to act as the main course.

34/68

Brownie Batter Dip

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I’m all about the sweeter side of dips, and this brownie-batter variety fits in with my life’s philosophy: Chocolate makes anything better. Grab some fruit, cookies or salty snacks and start dunking. —Mel Gunnell, Boise, Idaho

Fruit, cookies or salty snacks are great options for this brownie dip. The smooth and buttery treat is great for kids and chocolate lovers.

35/68

Easy Macaroni Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 34 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty pasta salad is sure to please appetites of all ages—and it serves a lot of folks! —LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota

This hearty pasta salad is full of veggies. With celery, peppers, olives and peas, there’s a lot of green! Even kids will love this hidden gem potluck recipe.

36/68

Balsamic Cucumber Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia

This easygoing cucumber salad really showcases summer garden veggies. You can use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, or try a homemade recipe.

37/68

Mushroom Cheese Bread

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This savory grilled bread is delightful with barbecued steak, baked potatoes and corn on the cob. For variation, we sometimes use half cheddar cheese and half mozzarella. —Dolly McDonald, Edmonton, Alberta

This savory grilled bread has a mayo and cheese topping that makes it all the more rich. If you like mushrooms, you’re going to want to give this barbecue appetizer a try.

38/68

Nutella-Stuffed Strawberries

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Gourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Chocolate-covered strawberries usually come at a steep price. Luckily, this version is inexpensive and easy to make at home. Hazelnut spread makes them an irresistibly nutty Labor Day dessert.

Italian salad dressing mix really makes these sandwiches something special. You can turn the herby spread into a dip for crackers.

40/68

Strawberry Corn Salsa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 5-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina

This bright and summery salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be served with tortilla or pita chips. It’s sweet, fruity and bursts in your mouth.

41/68

Secret-Ingredient Stuffed Eggs

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My take on deviled eggs is full of surprises. The down-home appetizer Mom used to make gets an upscale touch from mango, goat cheese and pecans. People love these tempting treats. —Beth Satterfield, Dover, Delaware

Can you keep a secret? Mango, goat cheese and pecans make this appetizer shine. The mango doesn’t come on too strong. Rather, it adds a nice subtle touch to the savory dish.

42/68

Swift Strawberry Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A simple blend of syrup, orange juice and caramel topping forms the light dressing for the fresh berries and the crunchy cashews found in this sensational salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

A caramel, orange juice and maple syrup blend makes this strawberry salad as much of a dessert as it is a side dish. It offers a nice juxtaposition to grilled meats and other savory foods.

43/68

Honey-Pecan Kiwi Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This dish won second place in a summer salad recipe feature published in our local newspaper. But it takes first place with my family, always happy to try my new creations. —Marla Arbet, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Kiwi is an underrated summer fruit, and an even more underrated salad ingredient. With honey, lime and yogurt, this salad is sweet and tart.

44/68

Broccoli and Apple Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Even my picky daughter loves this fast-to-make salad! My yogurt dressing on a crunchy veggie salad makes a cool and creamy side dish. —Lynn Cluff, Littlefield, Arizona

This cool and creamy side dish showcases the power of plain yogurt. With onion, bacon and apples already having such strong flavor profiles, you don’t need much to jazz up the dressing in this recipe.

45/68

Chunky Mango Guacamole

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: When serving a crowd, double or quadruple this guacamole. The onion, tomato and mango can be chopped in advance. Add avocado just before serving. —Diana Nienberg, McComb, Ohio

This chunky guacamole has a nice mild flavor. The bigger pieces allow you to really taste the tomatoes, onions and mango. To avoid browning, add the avocado last.

46/68

Nacho Popcorn

Total Time 10 min
Servings 5 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota

Parmesan cheese, chili powder and hot sauce upgrade a basic bowl of popcorn to a nacho-inspired treat. The zesty combination is a nice alternative to the usual butter and salt.

47/68

Spinach, Apple & Pecan Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: One day, company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled these together and invented a salad superstar. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois

This is the perfect Labor Day salad because it combines the flavors of summer and fall. Feta cheese and bacon add some sharpness to the meal.

48/68

Ham & Jack Pudgy Pie

Total Time 10 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: Pepper jack cheese adds spicy flavor to these warm, melty sandwiches. —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin

These melty ham sandwiches bring together the delicious pairing of salsa and pepper jack cheese. This grilled cheese is a quick and easy classic that probably won’t require a trip to the grocery store.

49/68

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Your guests are in for a sweet surprise when they try this chocolate chip cheese ball—it tastes just like cookie dough! Rolled in chopped pecans, this chip-studded spread is wonderful on regular or chocolate graham crackers. I especially like it because it can be assembled in a wink. —Kelly Glascock, Syracuse, Missouri

This sweet surprise tastes just like cookie dough! Rolled in chopped pecans, this spread can be served with cookies, graham crackers and pretzels.

50/68

S’mOreos

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My son introduced us to this twist on classic s'mores when we were camping. Have a jar of Nutella around? Slather on the inside of the graham cracker halves before you build this one-of-a-kind treat. —Christina Smith, Santa Rosa, California

Oreos and s’mores are some of our favorite cookout desserts, so why not combine the two? By putting creamy peanut butter and an Oreo in the middle of the s’more, you can live out your Parent Trap dreams.

51/68

Blueberry Graham Dessert

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When you're short on time but long for cheesecake, try this fruity dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as cheesecake without the effort. Instead of making individual servings, you could layer the ingredients in a glass serving bowl. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

When you’re short on time but long for cheesecake, try this blueberry dessert. Ricotta and cream cheeses give every bit as much flavor as proper cheesecake without all the effort.

52/68

Quick Watermelon Salsa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 3 cups
From the Recipe Creator: On hot days, this sweet combo of watermelon, pineapple and fresh cilantro has everything you want. The flavors blend beautifully, it’s pretty, and it comes together in no time. —Betsy Hanson, Tiverton, Rhode Island

When it’s hot outside, you’re going to want this watermelon and pineapple salsa. The orange juice and hot pepper sauce mixture gives it a bit of a bite.

53/68

Chocolate Chip Bars

Total Time 15 min
Servings about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: People are always surprised when I tell them these chocolate chip bars come from the microwave. Chockfull of chocolate chips, the bars are especially good served with a big glass of cold milk. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Can you believe these bars come from the microwave? These walnut bars are a wonderful after-dinner treat with a big glass of milk.

54/68

Pastrami Roll-Ups

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois

Who has time for sandwiches nowadays? These pickle roll-ups have two kinds of strong cheeses, cream cheese and blue cheese.

55/68

Star-Spangled Parfaits

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts

This patriotic dessert is a nice testament to Labor Day. It helps that it’s tasty! Raspberry walnut vinaigrette and strawberry Greek yogurt make it even more fruity.

56/68

Cookout Caramel S’mores

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Easy delectable treats make a playful finish to an informal meal. Toasting the marshmallows extends our after-dinner time together, giving us something fun to do as a family. —Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois

Rather than having a chocolate bar in the middle that melts and gets everywhere, this take on the classic treat uses chocolate syrup. This no-mess snack also uses caramel ice cream topping.

57/68

Citrus Avocado Salad

Total Time 10 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe nicely showcases grapefruit and oranges, which are at their peak around the holidays. Citrus fruits pair well with a sweet dressing. —Sonia Candler, Edmonton, Alberta

The lemon poppyseed dressing in this salad is refreshing and different from what you usually see. By highlighting underused fruits, like grapefruit, the salad feels original.

58/68

Fresh Fruit Salsa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 5 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This salad has all the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York.

This fruit salsa is as colorful as it is simple. Letting the fruits shine, the dressing is a simple vinegar and lime mixture with heat coming from the jalapeño pepper.

59/68

Chipotle Lime Avocado Salad

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I use my music to promote a healthy lifestyle, like eating your veggies. This bright salad is loaded with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes and a little heat factor. —DJ Cavem, Denver, Colorado

A sweet and spicy dressing coats the avocados and cucumbers that sit on tomatoes. This fun and colorful salad packs just the right amount of heat.

60/68

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

Total Time 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine

Balsamic vinegar adds a nice tang to desserts that you won’t want to miss out on. The resulting cake is warm, fruity and delicious! It’s the perfect way to end a night of grilling.

61/68

Peachy Jalapeno Guacamole

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Fresh jalapenos and summer-ripe peaches give this creamy guacamole so much flavor. It's got a little kick, but I love that it's not so spicy it burns off my taste buds! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Peaches in guacamole make it all the more summery. The hint of sweetness really stands against the other savory ingredients.

62/68

Fruit Skewers

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator: We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

63/68

Raspberry Ice Cream

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 1-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: "When our garden produces an abundance of raspberries, we know it's time to make this fruity frozen dessert," reports Diana Leskauskas of Chatham, New Jersey. "It's super in the summertime...and a treat throughout the year made with frozen raspberries." —Diana Leskauskas, Chatham, New Jersey

64/68

Tangy Texas Salsa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings (1/3 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator: I'm a "transplant" from Wisconsin currently living in Texas. Even after 20 years, I can't get enough of our wonderful local citrus. This is one way to work it into a main dish. The combination of tangy fruit, spicy jalapeno and distinctive cilantro is perfect over any meat, poultry or fish. We also dip into it with chips. —Lois Kildahl, McAllen, Texas

The combination of fruit, jalapeño and cilantro is perfect over any meat, poultry or fish. You can use it as a dip, too.

65/68

Bacon Horseradish Spread

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This spread is a great choice for any occasion because it's loaded with flavor and comes together in a snap. Start with one or two teaspoons of horseradish and add more to suit your taste. —Terri Peterson, Spring Valley, Illinois

This bacon and horseradish dip is bursting with flavor. The smooth texture makes it a great vehicle for any kind of chip.

66/68

Honey-Rum Grilled Bananas

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These grilled bananas are the perfect dessert following a cookout. My family was skeptical at first, but everyone tried the recipe and they all agreed it was delicious. I use coconut rum from the Bahamas. —Lori Wendt, Mahomet, Illinois

If you’re already using the grill, you might as well end the night with these honey, cinnamon and rum bananas. For bananas a la mode, add vanilla ice cream for a bananas foster-style treat.

67/68

Beer Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado

Ranch dressing mix and cheddar cheese flavor this addictive beer dip. It goes perfectly with pretzels and can even be made with nonalcoholic beer.

68/68

S’mores on a Stick

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My kids love to take these for treats everywhere. That's lucky for me since they are so easy to make. Beside the sprinkles, try mini candies for toppings.—Ronda Weirich, Plains, Kansas

These fun popsicle stick treats are not just reserved for kids. Since the marshmallow topping is more of a spread, it’s less messy than a traditional s’more. The chocolate drizzle on the outside makes them all the more festive.