Celebrate Labor Day with Our Make-Ahead Menu!

Fall may not officially begin until Sept. 22, but Labor Day, which falls on Monday, marks the official end of summer. Heck, lots of kids have already begun their school year, and the rest will head back to the classroom on Tuesday. Celebrate the end of the season with our easy Labor Day Menu. It boasts lots of fresh, end-of-season flavor, and it’s good for you too.

To sipWatermelon-Basil Agua Fresca

Nothing says “summer” like watermelon, which is the base for this not-too-sweet Mexican refresher. Add a splash of tequila for the adults–we won’t tell

Make-ahead tip: Cube the watermelon up to a day in advance, but wait until just before the guests arrive to blend it with the rest of the ingredients so the flavors stay nice and bright.

To snack: Beautifully Basic Bruschetta

If you wanted to go beyond this basic bruschetta recipe, you could add chopped olives or capers, or sneak a slice of buffalo mozzarella under each mound.

Make-ahead tip: Make the tomato mixture ahead of time and store at room temp for up to a few hours. You can also toast (or grill) the bread ahead of time too. Then rub with the garlic and let cool completely before transferring to a sealed container

To startBLT Bread Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing

This salad combines the elements of the classic BLT sandwich with a luscious dressing.

Make-ahead tip: Combine the dressing ingredients and refrigerate; toast bread.

The main attractionDouble Decker Portobello Burgers

These portobello burgers will win you over from beef burgers … they're that good. Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture that appeals even to committed carnivores.

Make-ahead tip: Marinate the mushrooms and slice the onion up to a day ahead of time.

On the sideCorn and Quinoa Pasta Salad

This riff on traditional American picnic fare is a whole-grain bonanza, thanks to the quinoa, whole-grain pasta and fresh corn.

Make-ahead tip: Cook the quinoa and pasta the day before; combine with the remaining  ingredients on party day.

Don’t forget dessertNo-Bake Peanut Butter Popcorn Treats

These popcorn treats are a crunchy, salty-sweet indulgence. Kids and adults alike will love them.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare the treats up to 2 days ahead and store in an airtight container.

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Picture of Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

My mission is to inspire and equip you to live a richer life through real food by becoming a more competent, confident home cook.


I’m the author of Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith, and Enduring Love, founder and CEO of Nourish Evolution, and the creator of Cook the Seasons, Home Cooking School, and the Real Food Reset, and I empower intentional women to cook in a way that brings them (and their families) joy, health, and ease.

Making the shift from processed food to real food doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an evolution that occurs over time, with effort, intention, and belief. And it will change the course of your life. Are you ready to take the first step? I’m so glad you’re here … and I’m honored to be with you on the journey to becoming nourished!

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