34 Labor Day Sides That Go With Anything Off the Grill

Grilling may be the star of Labor Day, but the sides are what keep everyone coming back for seconds. The right extras can turn a simple cookout into a full-on spread worth remembering. Labor day sides bring balance, variety, and a little extra flair to whatever you throw on the grill. They're the dishes that help stretch the meal, keep conversations going, and make sure no plate feels empty. After all, what's a holiday cookout without something great to scoop alongside that burger or steak?

A black bowl with cooked broccolini, a wedge of lemon, and a metal spoon on a dark surface. — Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

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Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dairy-free mac and cheese has a creamy texture that comes from simple plant-based ingredients. It reheats nicely, which makes it a smart option for meal prep. Serve it on its own or use it as a side with larger meals.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Bacon Green Beans

A fork lifts green beans and bacon pieces from a white plate. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bacon green beans cook quickly and bring just the right amount of smoky flavor. They go well with many main dishes and are easy to prepare. They're also dependable enough to serve as one of your labor day sides.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Asparagus spears are topped with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. White serving tongs are holding some of the asparagus. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted asparagus gets a crisp texture and is finished with Parmesan for extra flavor. The cleanup is minimal, and the recipe only takes a short amount of time. It's a great side dish for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Crab Fried Rice

Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crab fried rice skips heavy sauces while still delivering plenty of flavor. It comes together in less time than you might expect and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can serve it as a main dish or enjoy it as one of your labor day sides.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Vegan Mexican Rice

Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This vegan Mexican rice is fluffy and full of flavor without being heavy. It uses simple pantry staples that most people already keep on hand. Pair it with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled vegetables for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bowl of sautéed cabbage topped with crispy bacon strips. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This skillet cabbage with bacon brings a warm and savory flavor that's perfect for comfort food lovers. The cabbage softens as it cooks while the bacon keeps its crispness. It's a dependable choice when you want a hearty side without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Ratatouille

Ratatouille blends zucchini, eggplant, and other vegetables into a simple, filling dish. It's a smart way to use up seasonal produce and goes well with many main courses. You can enjoy it warm from the pan or serve it at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crock pot mac and cheese stays creamy and smooth without becoming mushy. It cooks while you focus on other things, which makes it convenient for family meals. It also works well as one of those easy labor day sides when hosting a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Teriyaki Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Teriyaki noodles are quick to prepare and come coated in a flavorful sauce. Crisp vegetables add texture without adding extra steps. This dish works well for weeknights or as a shareable side at a casual get-together.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These green beans get tossed with garlic butter for a simple yet bold flavor. They're ready in under 15 minutes and use only a few ingredients. It's one of those easy labor day sides that people ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks cook evenly in the oven with a light drizzle of oil and seasoning. The edges crisp while the center stays tender. They're a simple, hearty option that requires little effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cooking rice in the slow cooker takes the guesswork out of texture. It comes out fluffy and ready to pair with almost anything. This method is especially helpful when you're busy preparing several other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans with cherry tomato halves and crumbled feta, served with a fork on a white tablecloth. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This green bean and tomato salad is fresh and colorful with a bright summer flavor. It doesn't take long to prepare and holds up well if made in advance. Bring it along to cookouts or enjoy it at home with grilled mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a sprig of parsley. Red potatoes and a grater are in the background on a beige cloth. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mashed red potatoes are smooth and creamy with just the right amount of garlic. They're simple enough for weeknights but also dependable for holidays. Serve them hot with nearly any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Muriwo Unedovi

A white baking dish filled with a cooked vegetable medley, including chopped greens, tomatoes, onions, and red peppers, with a serving spoon inside. — Muriwo Unedovi. Photo credit: Daniel's Plate.

Collard greens simmered in peanut sauce give this dish a comforting, earthy flavor with a touch of spice. It's warm, filling, and much easier to prepare than it looks. Leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Muriwo Unedovi

Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

A plate of roasted broccoli florets topped with grated cheese and served with lemon wedges. — Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

This roasted broccoli gets a crispy edge from Parmesan and a bright finish from fresh lemon juice. It's simple to prepare and pairs well with pasta, chicken, or fish. Even those who don't usually eat broccoli often enjoy this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Lemon

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with two pats of butter and chopped parsley, next to a wooden spoon and a red-and-white checkered cloth. — Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Mashed potatoes cook quickly in the Instant Pot and turn out fluffy every time. The texture stays smooth, and cleanup doesn't take long. They're an easy choice when you need a reliable side for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky Kale

A white bowl filled with kale salad mixed with a creamy dressing and topped with chopped nuts, placed on a light-colored surface. — Garlicky Kale. Photo credit: Daniel's Plate.

This kale cooks quickly and ends up with a perfect balance between tender and chewy. The garlic hits strong, which keeps it from tasting bland. Since it shrinks down a lot, you'll want to start with more than you think. It's an easy way to get greens on the table without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Kale

Lemon Feta White Bean and Green Bean Salad

A bowl of green bean salad with white beans, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, and lemon wedges, served with a wooden spoon. — Lemon Feta White Bean and Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: Sungrown Kitchen.

The combo of beans, feta, and lemon dressing comes together in minutes and tastes bright without being sharp. I like that it holds up even if you prep it ahead. It works great for cookouts since it stays cool and refreshing. Honestly, it's one of those sides that feels a little special with barely any effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta White Bean and Green Bean Salad

Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

A bowl of mixed salad containing broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, red peppers, and crumbled white cheese on a wooden surface. — Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower. Photo credit: Refresh My Health.

Crunchy broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots make this salad feel light but still filling. The dressing keeps everything crisp without weighing it down. I like serving it chilled next to something grilled. It's simple but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Veggie Salad with Broccoli & Cauliflower

Garlic and Basil Sesame Noodles

A plate of cooked spaghetti garnished with chopped green onions and herbs, set on a white surface with a red napkin and whole green onions beside the plate. — Garlic and Basil Sesame Noodles. Photo credit: Hot Eats and Cool Reads.

These noodles come together fast with garlic, basil, and a little heat from sesame flavors. I usually toss in whatever veggies I have, and it still works. You can serve them warm or cold, which keeps leftovers interesting. It's the kind of dish you'll throw together more than once.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Basil Sesame Noodles

Kimchi Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with sliced cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage, garnished with cilantro and black sesame seeds. A fork is placed on a napkin beside the bowl. — Kimchi Slaw. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

This slaw takes the usual cabbage mix and kicks it up with kimchi. It's crunchy, tangy, and spicy all at once, so it doesn't fade into the background. I like stacking it on tacos, but it also works just fine solo. It's way more fun than any mayo-based version.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Slaw

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh herbs, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. — Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Let Us Munch Lettuce.

Quinoa adds some extra heft to this fresh, lemony salad. The herbs keep it bright, while the texture stays light enough for warm days. Since it packs easily, I often make it ahead for lunches. It's one of those sides that doubles as a full meal if you want.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

A square baking dish filled with cheesy jalapeño cornbread, topped with sliced jalapeños, next to a bowl of sliced jalapeños and a plate on a purple surface. — Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread. Photo credit: Modern Honey.

This cornbread bakes up fluffy inside with crisp edges and plenty of melted cheese. The jalapenos bring just the right kick without being overpowering. It's perfect with chili, but honestly, it stands on its own too. I've seen it disappear fast at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

A white oval plate filled with roasted multicolored carrots and parsnips, garnished with chopped parsley, on a marble surface. — Hot Honey Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Next Level Baker.

The hot honey caramelizes in the oven and leaves the carrots with crispy edges. They're sweet, sticky, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. I've served them with chicken and beef, but they also work straight from the pan. Honestly, they rarely make it to the table in my house.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Creamy Chickpea Salad

A bowl of chickpea salad with sliced cucumbers, chopped herbs, and a creamy dressing, with a spoon in the bowl. — Creamy Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Let Us Munch Lettuce.

This chickpea salad stirs together quickly but still tastes like you put in effort. The creamy dressing coats every bite, and it doesn't turn watery in the fridge. It holds up well for meal prep or a cookout. I like keeping a batch ready for lazy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Salad

Mexican Roasted Potatoes

A plate of roasted, seasoned potato cubes garnished with chopped herbs; a fork is holding one of the cubes above the plate. — Mexican Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Unique Cooks.

These potatoes roast up crispy with smoky seasoning that clings to every piece. They're an easy side when you want something warm without extra prep. I've brought them to gatherings and they hold up just fine. Honestly, they're even good cold the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Roasted Potatoes

Spring Mix Salad

A bowl of mixed green salad topped with crumbled cheese, sliced almonds, shredded carrots, and seeds sits on a marble surface with a fork and napkin nearby. — Spring Mix Salad. Photo credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

This salad uses a handful of simple ingredients but still feels put-together. You get crunch from the seeds, creaminess from feta, and a boost from roasted asparagus. A splash of balsamic ties it all together. It's light but doesn't get lost on the table.
Get the Recipe: Spring Mix Salad

Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

A plate of creamy mixed salad with purple cabbage, corn, sliced jalapeños, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs, served on a white dish. — Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This mix of corn, cabbage, and creamy chili-lime dressing brings crunch with every bite. It works great on tacos, burgers, or as a stand-alone side. Since it keeps well, I usually prep it early. It's one of those salads that disappears faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw

Italian Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy pasta topped with breadcrumbs and chopped herbs, with a sprig of thyme beside it. A fork and knife are partially visible on the right. — Italian Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

This version of mac and cheese skips the plain stuff and adds herby flavor to the mix. I threw in whatever cheese I had, and it still turned out creamy and bold. It's simple enough for a weeknight but feels upgraded enough for guests. Honestly, no one leaves disappointed.
Get the Recipe: Italian Mac and Cheese

Potato Salad

This potato salad leans on Cajun seasoning and mustard for a spicier kick than usual. The potatoes stay firm and hold their shape, so it doesn't turn mushy. It's a hit at cookouts since it feels different from the standard version. I like that it always stands out on the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with rotini pasta, lettuce, croutons, bacon pieces, and drizzled with creamy dressing. — Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: This Family Eats.

This salad doubles down with both pasta and the crunch of Caesar greens. The chicken pulls it into full meal territory, which makes it perfect for batch lunches. I like how the creamy dressing brings everything together. It's easy to make ahead and just grab later.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Honey Glazed Carrots

A bowl of sliced roasted carrots garnished with fresh herbs, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. — Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

These roasted carrots get sticky edges from the honey and stay tender inside. You can switch up the herbs, but thyme fits especially well. They're quick to prep and look great on the table for holidays. Somehow, they end up gone before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini

This broccolini comes out with charred tips and a tender bite in minutes. I like tossing it in while I finish the main dish because it basically cooks itself. It works with chicken, pasta, or even fish. Honestly, it's one of the easiest sides I've tried.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Broccolini