While Labor Day isn’t as big of a “food holiday” as others, it stands as a sort of end-of-summer celebration. Recipes that are perfect for this Monday are a mix of summery fresh ingredients with a hint of longing for those crisp autumn days. These 31 Labor Day Paleo recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for any holiday all year round.
1. Chunky Turkey Chili
Chili is usually a cold weather staple, but this Paleo-friendly version uses chunky summer vegetables, which add both texture and nutrition. Ground turkey is loaded with health-promoting proteins that when combined with the veggies, makes for a perfectly balanced Paleo meal. This is the perfect bridge between summer and fall, and will become a go-to favorite even after the weather has turned, well, chilly.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Chunky Turkey Chili
2. Loaded Bacon Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
While you might not get traditional mac ‘n cheese on a Paleo diet, this one will trick your mouth into believing you’re getting the real deal. It’s the perfect deluxe dish for holidays, plus it’s kid-friendly and the ultimate comfort food. You’ll never believe there’s not actual cheese in this dish.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Loaded Bacon Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
3. Fried Catfish with Spicy Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries
Cole slaw is one of those ubiquitous holiday meals that goes perfectly with everything, but especially with fried fish and fries. This dish is 100 percent Paleo, and will have you running back for seconds (and thirds).
Recipe by Pastured Kitchen | Fried Catfish with Spicy Slaw and Sweet Potato Fries
4. Shrimp, Watermelon, and Tomato Salad
This easy to put together Paleo salad recipe combines tender shrimp with sweet watermelon and cherry tomatoes. Tossed with a little lime juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this amazing Paleo salad will be a big hit at your next barbecue.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Shrimp, Watermelon, and Tomato Salad
5. Avocado Bacon Burger
It doesn’t get more Paleo or classic Labor Day than a juicy beef burger that is topped with ripe avocado. This classic dish is perfect year-round, and can be jazzed up with additional toppings, like cole slaw, bacon, and even Paleo fried pickles.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Avocado Bacon Burger
6. Sweet & Crunchy Chicken Slaw
Make your slaw a main dish with this delicious classic dish that includes chicken for some protein. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or holidays, this one-dish meal will quickly become a family staple.
Recipe by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen | Sweet & Crunchy Chicken Slaw
7. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Want a dish that doubles as both an appetizer and an entree? This stuffed pepper dish is quick to prep and filled with zingy spices that will delight anyone who’s a fan of tacos (and who doesn’t love tacos?).
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Stuffed Poblano Peppers
8. Simple Tuna Salad
It doesn’t get much easier than this simple tuna salad! Packed with protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, this Paleo tuna salad tastes great when eaten on its own, served upon a bed of mixed greens, or wrapped up in lettuce leaves.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Simple Tuna Salad
9. Peach Ginger Ice Cream
This ice cream is AIP friendly, so if you’re following that plan for an autoimmune disorder, you can still indulge in a delicious treat that pairs the freshness of summery peaches with the warmth and spice of autumnal ginger.
Recipe by Phoenix Helix | Peach Ginger Ice Cream
10. Toasted Marshmallow S’more Tart
What better way to say farewell to summer than by toasting it with a delicious Paleo s’more? This fabulous dessert serves six to eight, making it the perfect take-along to a Labor Day party, or any special event!
Recipe by Against All Grain | Toasted Marshmallow S’more Tart
11. Satay Chicken Skewers with “Peanut” Sauce
Kebab lovers will go crazy for these Satay Chicken Skewers with “Peanut” Sauce. Not only are they an excellent choice for serving at your next event as an appetizer, but they’ll also serve up well as a snack. They’re easy to make and nutritious! If you don’t have access to a grill, the chicken is just as delicious roasted or broiled.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Satay Chicken Skewers with “Peanut” Sauce
12. Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Legs
While most barbecue sauces are full of sugar, this homemade recipe uses a smoky dry rub followed by a light maple syrup glaze for a heavenly sweet and smoky flavor.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Smoky Maple Glazed Chicken Legs
13. Prosciutto Melon Wrap-Ups
This salty-sweet appetizer is a perfect homage to summer’s flavors while staying relevant during any season of the year. You’ll want to make extras of these: your guests will be coming back for seconds and thirds.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Prosciutto Melon Wrap-Ups
14. Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Fries
These easy two-ingredient fries are a game changer come snack time. While avocado usually gets mashed into a guacamole or blended into a cool smoothie, for this recipe you’ll be wrapping avocado slices in bacon and baking them for a dish filled with healthy fats and protein.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Bacon-Wrapped Avocado Fries
15. Endive Salmon Poppers
This exotic-looking appetizer is perfect for a special dinner party, a BBQ, or a farewell-to-summer party. Salty smoked salmon is topped with pungent minced onion and creamy slices of avocado for a perfect and sophisticated mix of flavors.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Endive Salmon Poppers
16. Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
Grilled fruit is a delicious way to upgrade any meat dish. In this recipe, you’ll be grilling pineapple slices next to chicken marinated in a mouthwatering, sticky-sweet glaze. The combination makes for the perfect sweet and savory dish!
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
17. Bacon Chips and Guacamole
This low-carb option is the perfect protein-packed snack—and really, who doesn’t love bacon or guac? Paired together, this appetizer will be a smashing success.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Bacon Chips and Guacamole
18. Mini Parsnip Cakes with Creamy Buffalo Dip
These mini parsnip cakes are crisp and flavorful, and are a great appetizer or side dish for any outdoor event or party.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Mini Parsnip Cakes with Creamy Buffalo Dip
19. Mustard Pork Chops
These herb-crusted mustard pork chops pack mouthwatering savory flavor. Plus, they’re ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weekends or holidays filled with lots of family and friends.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Mustard Pork Chops
20. Coconut Milk Ice Cream
This dairy-free ice cream is the perfect complement to any Labor Day dessert. Jazz it up with your favorite fruits or chocolate, or enjoy the fresh coconut on its own.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Coconut Milk Ice Cream
21. Buffalo Deviled Eggs
What’s a Labor Day (or any other) party without deviled eggs? These take the classic version to the next level.
Recipe by Living Loving Paleo | Buffalo Deviled Eggs
22. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites with Cashew Cream Cheese
This quick snack recipe is made with a cashew cream cheese that takes only two ingredients, but tastes just as rich and indulgent as the traditional dairy version. When topped on cucumber slices, it makes a decadent snack that is easy, healthy, and downright delicious.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites with Cashew Cream Cheese
23. Carrot Cake Donuts
These lightly sweetened donuts are a carrot cake lover’s dream! They’re made from an almond and coconut flour base, which lends the same thick, satisfying texture you expect from a classic donut. These donuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday snack!
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Carrot Cake Donuts
24. Grilled Peach, Avocado, and Crab Salad with Peach Dressing
This salad is grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and low-carb—the perfect allergen-friendly side or main dish for any type of gathering. If you aren’t a fan of crab, swap it out for your protein of choice.
Recipe by Lexi’s Clean Kitchen | Grilled Peach, Avocado, and Crab Salad with Peach Dressing
25. Paleo Creamsicle
This is a favorite Paleo-friendly drink that pairs delicious warming vanilla vodka with bright and fresh citrus.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Paleo Creamsicle
26. Zucchini Pizza Bites
Pizza is always in season, and these delightful finger-food appetizers are the perfect way to snack on healthy yet tasty ingredients that no one will know is actually Paleo. Take these as a carry-in to a party you’re attending, or delight your guests of any age when you serve these at your BBQ or party.
Recipe by PaleoPlan | Zucchini Pizza Bites
27. Hasselback Apples
Warm and spiced, these hasselback apples are the perfect indulgent dessert to welcome fall. Top with coconut ice cream for à la mode decadence.
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Hasselback Apples
28. The Ultimate Fudgey Paleo Brownies
Brownies are the perfect dessert for any day of the year. These are completely Paleo and tree nut free
Recipe by Girl In Healing | The Ultimate Fudgey Paleo Brownies
29. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers with Cashew Cheese
This is the perfect spicy appetizer with a creamy center, which is ideal for BBQs, parties, and special events. Think jalapeño poppers without the frying!
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers with Cashew Cheese
30. Buttery Avocado Lime Cheesecake
If there’s one ingredient that should always be in a Paleo kitchen, it’s avocado. The nutty flavor and creamy texture are perfect for making a dairy-free cheesecake that will be sure to delight guests, Paleo or not!
Recipe by PaleoHacks | Buttery Avocado Lime Cheesecake
31. Cucumber Cilantro Margarita
A refreshing toast to end of summer by pairing the perfect hint of cucumber with the classic margarita.
Recipe by Against All Grain | Cucumber Cilantro Margarita