LABOR DAY, HEALTHY DAY!

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the hard work that American workers do every day. What better way to do that than by having a cookout? In this blog post, we will share some of our favorite recipes for Labor Day. Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, we have you covered. So fire up the grill and get cooking!

 

With summer meal options like salads, grilled meat and seafood, fruit, vegetables, salsas, and dips, eating healthy on Labor Day is simpler than you may think. There's a good chance that you can find something nutritious to eat even if you're not the one cooking. However, if you're doing the cooking, I have a number of dishes (all naturally gluten-free) that may be used to create a mouthwatering and delectably nutritious Labor Day feast.

 

LABOR DAY MAIN MEALS

 

Think grilled meat, seafood, and kebabs when choosing a nutritious main dish. That barbecue-like, smoky flavor shouts deliciousness for Labor Day! Utensils can be used, yes, but they can also be ignored. Having enjoyment includes licking your fingers.

 

Here are some recipes for crowd-pleasing main dishes:

 

CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN

 

For a quick and simple evening meal, try the flavor-packed cilantro lime chicken! Lime, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and honey are just a few of the ingredients that transform plain chicken thighs (or breasts) into an incredibly tasty and simple main dish.

 

CARNITAS

 

Carnitas is shredded pork that has crispy, aromatic edges and is moist and soft. It's a mainstay of Mexican cooking and simple to prepare at home. To obtain those crispy, caramelized edges on the shredded pork, all you have to do is pour all the ingredients into your slow cooker, sit back and let it work its magic.

 

CARNE ASADA

Nothing compares to this tried-and-true recipe that makes me think of my trips to Mexico when it comes to the tastiest carne asada. It has a huge authentic flavor, is really soft, and is externally properly charred.

 

GARLIC GRILLED SHRIMP SKEWERS

Summer is all about grilled prawns on skewers with garlic. In less than 10 minutes, jumbo shrimp are grilled to perfection after being marinated in a wonderful garlic and herb mixture. A meal that is simple to prepare but elegant enough to offer at your next party is unbeatable.

 

CEDAR PLANK SALMON WITH MAPLE GINGER GLAZE

Grilling salmon on a cedar plank is a delectable and flavorful method. The salmon stays extremely juicy and retains its delicious smoky flavor, and you don't have to worry about it falling apart or adhering to the grill. Your new favorite salmon dish will soon be the one you make after brushing the salmon with my maple ginger glaze.

 

LABOR DAY SALADS

 

The best dish to eat on a hot summer day is a salad! They are nutrient-dense and will help you win the next round of cornhole (PS: Who else adores a game of cornhole?). They are light and refreshing. Salads can sometimes be considered main dishes, particularly if you include some protein.

 

Here are a couple of recipes for summer salads:

 

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA SALAD

The ideal salad for summer is a Mediterranean chickpea salad. Tossing chickpeas with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, and parsley results in a salad that is both hearty and filling enough to serve as a side dish for supper.

 

BROCCOLI SALAD

Broccoli, bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and goat cheese are all ingredients in broccoli salad. Additionally, a creamy mayonnaise yogurt dressing is added on top. So simple and tasty!

BERRY SPINACH SALAD

A simple 5-minute recipe for berry spinach salad is the ideal spring and summer salad. Baby spinach, goat cheese, red onions, and pecans are combined with fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries before being dressed with a sweet and sour raspberry vinaigrette.

 

EASY CUCUMBER SALAD

This cucumber salad has a lot to recommend it. It utilizes only the simplest ingredients, is simple to make, and is bursting with flavor. Crisp cucumbers and onions, a ton of dill, and a dash of tangy-sweet dressing are all present.

 

EGGPLANT SALAD WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATOES AND ARUGULA

This recipe for an eggplant salad couldn't be simpler. Simply add some vivid heirloom tomatoes, arugula, and some microgreens to some fresh, grilled eggplant.

LABOR DAY SIDE DISHES & SNACKS

The most typical side dish for a holiday weekend is potato salad — am I right? I do, however, have a family dish that will please your tummy. I also have a variety of snacks to sate your tinge of sweet or salty desires.

 

Here are some side dish and munchie recipes favorites:

 

VINEGAR COLESLAW (NO MAYO)

For individuals who enjoy coleslaw but dislike mayonnaise, vinegar coleslaw is a great no mayo coleslaw dish. The combination of green cabbage, onion, and carrots in this vinegar-based coleslaw gives it the ideal crunch and makes it acidic without being excessively sweet.

 

AVOCADO SALSA

 

Avocado salsa is a colorful and flavorful spread. It's a light mixture of avocados, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and cilantro that almost resembles a hybrid between guacamole and pico de gallo. It makes the ideal summer appetizer when served with tortilla chips.

 

BEST SALSA RECIPE

The best salsa recipe is about to be revealed. It is sultry, somewhat thick, and the ideal ratio of tangy and spicy, blended from a few simple ingredients. This handmade version is unbeatable compared to store-bought alternatives.

 

BAKED ZUCCHINI FRIES (GLUTEN-FREE, LOW-CARB)

With freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a combination of Italian spices, these baked zucchini fries are incredibly tasty and cheesy. Additionally, they are low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly for a delectable, healthy snack meal.

 

STONE FRUIT SALAD

This stone fruit salad is juicy, sweet, and cooling, so you should offer it at all of your summer gatherings. Simply combine five stone fruits from the summer, some minced mint, and a light vanilla honey syrup for a mouthful that gets sweeter and sweeter.

 

LABOR DAY DESSERTS AND SWEET TREATS

 

You don't want to be indoors slaving over a difficult dessert if you should be outdoors celebrating the event. These healthful treats can be prepared in advance and then served to the crowds when the moment is right or the sun begins to set. Whichever comes first!

 

Here are a couple of my preferred sweets for summer:

 

BERRY SHEET CAKE

This berry sheet cake is simple to make on one sheet pan and is delicate and pleasantly sweet. Simply whisk the mixture together, top it with fresh berries, and bake. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it makes the ideal summer treat.

 

COCONUT CHIA MANGO POPSICLES

Found a new favorite popsicle in these coconut chia mango treats! They are ideal for both children and adults because they are healthful, vegan, and naturally sweetened.

 

BERRY CRISP

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries abound in this warm, summertime dessert, which is baked beneath a sweet-crunchy covering. This gluten-free dessert comes together quickly and is sure to please.

 

NECTARINE PANNA COTTA WITH ROASTED PLUMS (DAIRY-FREE)

You've never eaten nectarine panna cotta this good (which also happens to be dairy-free and refined sugar-free).

 

One of those sweets you just have to have is this. You might be tempted by the name and the images, but as soon as you taste this lovely fruit treat, you'll fall in love with it all.

 

Those of you who have never had panna cotta are in for a treat. A classic Italian dish called panna cotta is created with gelatin, cream, and sugar. It tastes fairly good, but it's not exactly the healthiest option. And not so delicious if you can't have dairy. or without refined sugar.

 

MEYER LEMON COCONUT MACAROONS

 

These delectable Meyer lemon coconut macaroons are the answer to your sweet and citrusy craving. Additionally, they are paleo-friendly and gluten-free.

The small mounds of delectable coconut macaroons are exquisite. They're really easy to make and make the ideal sweet snack (if you can limit yourself to one or two).

 

The best part about coconut macaroons is how simple they are to make. You'll quickly understand how immensely addictive they are once you've made them.

 

ROASTED CHERRY CARDAMOM ICE CREAM (PALEO, VEGAN, DAIRY-FREE)

You will love cherries, and cardamom with a new favorite spice in it! It is a highly aromatic spice with many health advantages. Since it is related to ginger, many of its health benefits, including those of a detoxifier, digestive support, and anti-inflammatory, are shared. Did you know that cardamom is regarded as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine? Perhaps you ought to save this recipe for your upcoming Valentine's Day!

 

This dish is absolutely amazing for a few other reasons, including the fact that it is dairy- and egg-free. So if you're allergic to dairy or eggs, you're going to enjoy this!

LABOR DAY BEVERAGES

 

I always advise drinking a lot of water during the warm months to quench your thirst. And adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs is one of the finest ways to keep it interesting. But if you want to spice up the celebration of the last few days of summer a little, just mix yourself a pitcher of a cool, refreshing drink.

 

Here are a few of preferred beverages:

WHITE SANGRIA WITH MANGO AND BERRIES

The ideal fruity cocktail for the summer is white sangria. White wine, mango, strawberries, raspberries, and orange combine to form a sweet, simple, and visually appealing beverage. Though both are wonderful, it is also a little softer and lighter than my red sangria recipe.

 

Due to its delicious flavor, this white sangria recipe makes the ideal spring and summer cocktail. Additionally, it's quite simple to construct and appears that much more effort was put into it than it actually required. A plus always.

 

Why love this recipe for white sangria? because it may be prepared ahead of time for a party, BBQ, or outdoor event and because it is crisp, fresh, and delicious. In actuality, as it sits, the tastes all mix together beautifully.

STRAWBERRY MARGARITA

Everyone's favorite summertime libation is a strawberry margarita. With only 5 ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a festive, fruity cocktail in no time.

Having a frozen strawberry margarita is the epitome of fiesta. They're eye-catching, fun, and ideal for all of your tequila enthusiasts. Not to add that strawberry season is now at its prime. This calls for strawberry frozen yogurt, strawberry smoothies, and this cool cocktail for happy hour.

 

Prepare to make this margarita for Cinco de Mayo or any other summertime celebrations. The party will definitely get started with this delicious, fruity beverage.

 

AGUA FRESCA

 

Fruity beverage agua fresca is simple and refreshing. Even though it only contains fruit, water, lime juice, and a small amount of sweetener, this concoction will quench your thirst. For your next outdoor gathering or to enjoy in your backyard on a nice summer day, blend up a big jug of this.

Fruity beverage agua fresca is simple and refreshing. Even though it only contains fruit, water, lime juice, and a small amount of sweetener, this concoction will quench your thirst. For your next outdoor gathering or to enjoy in your backyard on a nice summer day, blend up a big jug of this.

 

WHAT IS AGUA FRESCA?

Agua frescas are non-alcoholic beverages created from fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, or seeds, despite the fact that they may sound like an exotic Mexican cocktail. They are frequently encountered among street vendors in Mexico and Central America. But just like they do with horchata, another popular beverage in Mexico, bodegas, restaurants, and juice bars also serve them.

 

Fortunately, making agua fresca at home is not difficult at all. Fruit that has been chopped, water, sugar, and a blender are all that are required. Which brings me to my next reason for loving handmade aguas frescas. They are much healthier than the majority of fruit juices found in stores since they are created with only natural ingredients and maximize the benefits of peak in-season fruits. So, my friends, let's start blending.

HORCHATA

Mexican iced rice milk drink called horchata is a straightforward concoction of rice, cinnamon, milk, and sugar. Let's put a healthier twist on the traditional. It is a cooling treat that is sweet and creamy on a hot day. Prepare a chilled pitcher for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration; I can assure you that your guests will enjoy it.

 

WHAT IS HORCHATA

Those of you who have never tried horchata are in for a treat. Horchata has traditionally been a grain-based beverage produced from a variety of nuts or grains that vary slightly between nations. Puerto Rico utilizes pulverized sesame seeds, while Spain uses dried, sweetened tiger nuts.

 

Horchata, a rice-based beverage that originated in Mexico, is well-known and beloved in the United States. But don't be deceived by the rice component. The earthy tastes and deliciously creamy texture are combined with sweet cinnamon flavor. It will be the ideal cooling beverage on a hot summer day.

 

Although horchata traditionally involves milk and sugar, it can also be produced without dairy and with sugar substitutes (which I will talk about below). Now that you have your bag of rice ready, let's start mixing!

 

LAVENDER LEMONADE

Lemonade with lavender is a delicious and refreshing variation on the traditional recipe. It is simple, fragrant, elegant, and ideal to sip on a warm day throughout spring and summer because it is infused with a lavender honey simple syrup.

The remedy for oppressively hot days is lavender lemonade. It has a complex flavor that gives it a subtle sweetness without being excessively sugary, making it feel sophisticated and a little fancy. It will definitely wow, making it ideal for brunches, parties, and get-togethers with friends.

Do you have any favorite cookout recipes that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments section below! And don't forget to have a happy and safe Labor Day! From all of us here at Jacobs and Co. Real Estate, we hope you have a great day!

JACOBS & CO. REAL ESTATE, LLC.

12923 Fitzwater Dr. Nokesville, VA 20155 

(703) 594-3800 | jacobsandco.com