Celebrate Labor Day with a Flavorful Grill Menu

The unofficial end of summer can be celebrated in style by gathering around the grill. Labor Day is the perfect occasion to move beyond traditional fare and embrace seasonal flavors. Consider creating a menu featuring dishes such as blackened Santa Maria tri-tip and vibrant chicken and vegetable skewers. Pair these with charred corn pasta salad and buttery grilled garlic potatoes for an elevated backyard barbecue that makes the most of summer ingredients.

Blackened Santa Maria Tri-Tip

This Blackened Santa Maria Tri-Tip promises bold flavors, making it ideal for sharing. A spiced rub creates a perfect caramelized crust, and the tri-tip remains juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20 minutes resting)
Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2-pound tri-tip
• Santa Maria Seasoning (see below)
• Oil, for the griddle

Santa Maria Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, ground or chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Season the Tri-Tip

Mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried rosemary, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Rub evenly over the tri-tip and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Preheat the Griddle

Set to low heat and preheat for 20 minutes.

Cook the Tri-Tip

Drizzle oil on the griddle and cook the tri-tip for 15 minutes. Add more seasoning, flip once a crust forms, and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Rest and Serve

Remove the tri-tip, let it rest for 10 minutes, slice against the grain, and serve.

Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

These Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers are bursting with fresh summer flavors. Juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables make them perfect for Labor Day.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-4 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 zucchinis
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 large red onion
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms

Lemon Herb Marinade

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Basil leaves

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, parsley, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken, refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.

Prepare the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450 F), lightly oil grates.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating for color and flavor.

Grill

Grill skewers over direct heat for 12-15 minutes, turning to ensure even cooking.

Finish and Serve

Transfer skewers to a platter, garnish with lemon juice and basil leaves.

Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes

These Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes make a perfect side dish. Tender baby potatoes with herbs and cheese are wrapped in foil and grilled to perfection.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby Yukon gold potatoes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat grill to medium (375-400 F). Mix potatoes with butter, olive oil, garlic, cheese, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assemble the Foil Packet

Lay two foil sheets out, place potatoes in the center, and seal tightly.

Grill

Cook packet over medium heat for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway.

Finish and Serve

Open packet, transfer potatoes to a dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and enjoy.

Santa Fe Grilled Corn Salad

Fresh and colorful, Santa Fe Grilled Corn Salad is a perfect Southwestern-inspired side for your cookout. Sweet corn, black beans, and avocado are paired with a lime-cilantro dressing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

• 5 ears fresh sweet corn, husks removed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 large avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Lime Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Grill the Corn

Preheat grill to medium-high (400-450F), brush corn with olive oil, grill for 10-12 minutes until charred.

Prepare the Dressing

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, zest, honey, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Salad

Combine grilled corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onion, cilantro, and Cotija cheese. Add dressing and toss gently.

Serve

Fold in avocado before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.