19 Labor Day Dinners That’ll Make the Grill Work Overtime

Labor Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and keep it going well past the first round of burgers. These recipes bring bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and just the right amount of char to the table. From seafood skewers to juicy steaks, they prove the grill can handle more than the basics. Here are 19 dinners that make the holiday cookout something to remember.

Grilled steak with peaches and onions on a wooden cutting board. — Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled rockfish tacos take about 25 minutes, featuring flaky grilled fish tucked into warm tortillas with fresh toppings. The mild rockfish pairs well with bright salsa and creamy sauce. The grill adds a light smokiness without overpowering the fish. These tacos make seafood feel right at home on the holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Rockfish Tacos

Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled maple mustard chicken is ready in under 30 minutes, marinating tender chicken breasts in a sweet and tangy glaze. Maple syrup adds depth while mustard balances with a slight bite. The grill seals in the juices and gives a smoky edge. This dish keeps things simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Maple Mustard Chicken

Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Bone in pork chop topped with hollandaise sauce and shrimp, on a white plate next to green beans. — Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled pork chop surf and turf takes about 35 minutes, pairing juicy pork chops with buttery shrimp. The savory pork and sweet seafood complement each other perfectly. A quick seasoning lets the natural flavors shine. It’s a grill-friendly twist on a restaurant-style pairing.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chop Surf and Turf

Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

Grilled tri-tip steak sliced and topped with a colorful pineapple mango red pepper salsa. — Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tri-tip with pineapple mango red pepper salsa cooks in about 40 minutes, topping tender beef with a fresh, fruity salsa. The sweetness of pineapple and mango balances the savory richness of the tri-tip. Red pepper adds crunch and color. This recipe brings both heat and brightness to the grill.
Get the Recipe: Tri-tip with Pineapple Mango Red Pepper Salsa

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Plate of basil pesto chicken with grilled tomatoes and avocado slices. — 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled basil pesto chicken with charred tomatoes and avocado takes just 20 minutes, coating chicken breasts in herby pesto. The grill caramelizes the pesto while keeping the meat juicy. Charred tomatoes add sweetness and avocado brings creaminess. It’s a quick, colorful option for busy holiday cooks.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains. — Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Grilled shrimp grain bowl is ready in about 30 minutes, combining smoky shrimp with a base of hearty grains and fresh vegetables. The shrimp cook quickly, picking up flavor from the grill. A light dressing ties everything together. It’s a lighter option that still feels substantial.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Grilled Scallops With Lemon, Mint, And Pinot Grigio Sauce

Grilled scallops with a lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce. — Grilled Scallops With Lemon, Mint, And Pinot Grigio Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled scallops with lemon, mint, and Pinot Grigio sauce take about 15 minutes, searing quickly for a tender texture. The sauce adds bright citrus, fresh herbs, and a subtle wine aroma. Scallops stay sweet and delicate. This is a fast but elegant choice for the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Scallops With Lemon, Mint, And Pinot Grigio Sauce

Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema

Side view of salmon skewers with more in background. — Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Peach salmon skewers with peach jalapeño crema cook in about 20 minutes, pairing salmon chunks with sweet peaches on skewers. The crema adds creaminess and a touch of heat. Grilling caramelizes the fruit and crisps the fish edges. These skewers bring a sweet-spicy balance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Peach Salmon Skewers With Peach Jalapeno Crema

Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Chicken skewers on skewers with lemon wedges. — Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Grilled chicken kofta kebab takes about 25 minutes, seasoning ground chicken with herbs and spices before shaping onto skewers. The grill locks in moisture and adds a smoky note. The spices give it bold, savory flavor. They’re great with flatbread or fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Kofta Kebab

Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Garam masala cedar plank salmon cooks in about 25 minutes, infusing the fish with warm spices and a light cedar aroma. The spice blend gives depth without overwhelming the salmon’s natural flavor. The plank keeps the fish moist while grilling. This dish blends smoky and spiced in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Cedar Plank Salmon

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Grilled chicken breasts stuffed with ham, pineapple and Jarlsberg cheese garnished with green onion. — Grilled Hawaiian Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled Hawaiian chicken is ready in about 30 minutes, marinating chicken in a pineapple-soy blend for sweet and savory flavor. The grill caramelizes the sugars for a golden finish. Pineapple slices add extra sweetness and char. It’s a tropical twist for the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Closeup of a filet mignon with green sauce on a gray plate. — Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Filet mignon with peach mango cilantro sauce cooks in about 25 minutes, pairing tender beef with a fresh fruit-based sauce. The sweetness of peach and mango contrasts with the rich steak. Cilantro adds brightness to each bite. This is a grill-friendly way to make steak feel special.
Get the Recipe: Filet Mignon with Peach Mango Cilantro Sauce

Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks on a plate. — Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Colombian marinated chicken drumsticks take about 40 minutes to grill after soaking in a citrusy, herb-filled marinade. The flavors penetrate the meat for juicy, well-seasoned chicken. The grill gives crisp skin and smoky edges. These drumsticks are flavorful enough to stand on their own.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Chicken wings on a white plate with sauce and carrots. — Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled chicken wings with Buffalo sauce are ready in about 25 minutes, crisping up on the grill before getting tossed in tangy, spicy sauce. The char adds depth to the heat. They’re easy to grab and eat outdoors. Perfect for casual cookout snacking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Close up photo of grilled boneless pork chops. — Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Ultimate grilled pork chops take about 20 minutes, seasoning thick chops simply before grilling to juicy perfection. The high heat creates a golden crust while keeping the center tender. The flavor is rich and savory without much fuss. These chops are a reliable favorite for any grill session.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Greek lemon chicken kabobs cook in about 25 minutes, marinating chicken in lemon, garlic, and herbs before skewering. The citrus keeps the meat bright and tender. The grill adds smoky char to each piece. They’re a fresh, shareable dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Lemon Chicken Kabobs

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken with tomatoes and basil. — Mediterranean Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Mediterranean grilled chicken is ready in about 30 minutes, seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and lemon. The marinade keeps the chicken juicy and aromatic. Grilling gives it crisp edges and deep flavor. This dish pairs easily with salads or flatbreads.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Ranchera Meat

Ranchera meat takes about 20 minutes on the grill, marinated with lime juice, garlic, and spices for bold flavor. The thin cut cooks quickly while staying tender. It’s often served sliced with tortillas and toppings. This is a no-frills, flavor-packed choice.
Get the Recipe: Ranchera Meat

Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions

Grilled steak with peaches and onions cooks in about 30 minutes, topping beef with caramelized fruit and vegetables. The sweetness of peaches balances the savory steak. Onions add depth and a bit of bite. It’s a simple pairing that tastes like summer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak with Peaches and Onions