Labor Day Party Recipes

Grilled shrimp skewers are just one of many recipes you can make this Labor Day weekend. — Photo by Gallo Images/agefotostock

Is it really possible that Labor Day is already around the corner? That's a sign that cool weather isn't far behind — and we'll all be ready for comfort foods like soups and stews and roasted meats. But for now, the air remains warm, and the last of the summer harvest is ready for your table. Try a Labor Day weekend fest with these hand-picked, healthful appetizers, main courses and desserts that are perfect for a holiday. 

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Expandable Potato Salad by Nava Atlas

Potato salad is a Labor Day staple. By using a simple base salad that goes well with other various ingredients, guests can pick their own optional additions for a customized potato salad.

Per serving: 187 calories, 4g fat, 31g carbohydrates, 4g protein, 3.8g fiber

Chickpea, Red Pepper, Basil and Lemon Salad by Barbara Kafka

This salad is incredibly easy to make, as well as nutritious. It can be served as either an appetizer or main dish, and if you already have cooked quinoa on hand, the salad can be assembled in minutes. Because of the nutritional properties of quinoa, this salad is a very good source of protein and fiber and relatively low in fat.

Per serving: 446 calories, 7g fat, 76g carbohydrates, 22g protein, 19g fiber

White Bean Dip With Garlic Scapes by Diane Morgan

Creamy dips can traditionally be quite high in fat and calories, but since this dip uses white beans to create a rich, smooth texture, you don't need to worry about having seconds. While garlic scape season has passed, the white bean dip can be easily transformed with other summer favorites, such as red peppers, cucumbers and even regular garlic.

Per serving: 71 calories, 2.7g fat, 9g carbohydrates, 3g protein, 2g fiber

Bow Ties With Feta, Olives and Golden Raisins by John Ash

Add a bit of Greek inspiration to your Labor Day weekend with this delicious pasta salad. In half an hour or less, you can have this fresh, summery side dish ready for enjoyment. White wine, kalamata olives, basil and sweet raisins come together to conjure up a complementary yet uniquely flavored pasta salad.

Per serving: 346 calories, 13g fat, 48g carbohydrates, 9g protein, 4g fiber

Carnitas by Sara Moulton

Give any gathering, big or small, a Mexican twist with these carnitas. Preparation is relatively simple, which is key if you're looking to feed a decently sized crowd. Portion control is easy to keep an eye on with these, as they are served as soft tacos. Because of this, this dish is relatively low in calories, but still quite high in protein.

Per serving: 337 calories, 12g fat, 22g carbohydrates, 36g protein, 6g fiber

Next: Pineapple shrimp skewers with honey marinade. »