17 Irresistible Labor Day Appetizers, Including Dips, Fritters, Salsa, and More

The best part of holiday eating is never the main dishes or even the sides. Is that a hot take? I'll stand by it. Particularly during summer cookout season, I get so much more enjoyment out of grazing on crisp vegetables dipped in cooling yogurt dips, biting into fresh tomatoes bursting with earthy sweetness, and slurping a bowl of cold, velvety gazpacho than I do eating the main dish hot off the grill. If you're throwing a big end-of-summer gathering for Labor Day, make the stunning appetizer recipes below, and you'll see what I mean.

01 of 17

Spicy Grilled Watermelon

Give summer watermelon an unexpected savory twist with this sweet-and-spicy grilled version. Watermelon wedges are brushed with honey, lime, cayenne, and salt, then seared over a very hot grill until lightly charred. Fresh mint and lime add a bright, refreshing finish to this playful summer side.

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02 of 17

Taco Dip

All the best taco toppings come together in one irresistibly scoopable dip. A fluffy cream cheese and sour cream base gets seasoned with bloomed spices, onion, and lime, then piled high with lettuce, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, cilantro, and hot sauce.

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03 of 17

Grilled Queso Panela With Roasted Tomatillo and Poblano Salsa

Queso panela is made for the grill, developing a golden, lightly browned exterior while staying soft and sliceable inside. Here, the mild cheese is paired with smoky roasted tomatillo and poblano salsa, then finished with fresh onion and cilantro. Serve with warm tortillas for an easy summer appetizer.

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04 of 17

Hummus B'Tahini (Hummus With Tahini)

This classic hummus keeps things simple, letting creamy chickpeas and nutty tahini take center stage. Lemon and salt provide just enough brightness, while an immersion blender makes it easy to achieve a smooth, silky texture. Serve with warm pita, vegetables, or as part of a mezze spread.

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05 of 17

Grilled Corn Ribs

Fresh summer corn gets a fun makeover in these grilled corn ribs. Thin strips of corn are tossed with seasoned butter before hitting the grill, where they become smoky, browned, and packed with flavor. A creamy, spicy Cotija sauce and fresh garnishes take these irresistible bites over the top.

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06 of 17

Cowboy Caviar

This colorful Texas-inspired salad combines tender black-eyed peas, sweet corn, fresh vegetables, and a bright, smoky vinaigrette. It's hearty enough to stand on its own but made for scooping with tortilla chips. Letting everything rest briefly before serving gives the flavors time to meld together.

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07 of 17

Grilled Vegetable Board

Turn a collection of summer vegetables into an impressive centerpiece with this colorful grilled vegetable board. Tomatoes, peppers, onions, zucchini, and eggplant are cooked using different techniques to bring out their best textures, then dressed while warm with a flavorful vinaigrette. Serve alongside grilled bread for sharing.

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08 of 17

Charred Salsa Verde

Smoky, spicy, bright, and deeply flavorful, this charred salsa verde is an instant upgrade for tacos, grilled meats, or tortilla chips. Tomatillos and other vegetables are broiled until charred, blended into a vibrant salsa, then briefly fried to intensify their sweet, smoky flavor before fresh cilantro is added.

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09 of 17

Creamy Bean Dip and Roasted Tomato Salad

This silky white bean dip transforms simple pantry staples into an elegant appetizer. Cooked beans are blended with lemon, garlic, and olive oil until exceptionally smooth, then topped with punchy roasted cherry tomatoes inspired by puttanesca. The combination is creamy, tangy, savory, and perfect with crusty bread.

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10 of 17

Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters) With Tzatziki

These Greek zucchini fritters are crisp around the edges, tender inside, and packed with fresh herbs and tangy feta. Salting and draining the zucchini keeps them from becoming soggy, while creamy tzatziki provides the perfect cool, refreshing contrast. Serve them warm as a mezze or light summer meal.

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11 of 17

Grilled Chermoula Sardines

Fresh sardines get a bold Moroccan treatment with a tangy, garlicky chermoula marinade before hitting a ripping-hot grill. The intense heat crisps and chars the skin while keeping the fish tender and juicy inside. Serve with lemon, bread, or a simple salad for a rustic, flavorful meal.

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12 of 17

Tarte à la Tomate et à la Moutarde (French Tomato and Mustard Tart)

Ripe summer tomatoes, tangy mustard, cheese, and buttery pastry come together in this classic French tomato tart. The simple combination delivers far more flavor than its short ingredient list suggests, with juicy tomatoes balanced by savory mustard and a crisp, golden crust. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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13 of 17

Oi-Sobagi Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi

This fresh Korean cucumber kimchi delivers all the punchy flavor of kimchi without the wait for fermentation. Crisp cucumbers are salted and stuffed with a vibrant mixture seasoned with gochugaru and finely cut vegetables. Refreshing, crunchy, and lightly spicy, it's an ideal summer banchan to enjoy the same day.

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14 of 17

Greek Tomato Fritters

'Juicy summer tomatoes, fresh herbs, and briny feta come together in these crisp-edged Greek fritters. A carefully balanced mixture keeps the fritters flavorful and crunchy rather than soggy, while chopped and grated tomatoes provide vibrant flavor throughout. Serve them warm as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread.

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15 of 17

Red Lentil Kofte

These Turkish red lentil kofte are hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile. Tender red lentils are combined with bulgur, sautéed onion, tomato paste, pepper paste, and warm spices, then shaped into satisfying little bites. Serve them at room temperature or chilled with lettuce and lemon as part of a meze spread.

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16 of 17

Labneh Dip

Creamy labneh becomes an irresistible centerpiece with a vibrant jade-green herb oil and contrasting toppings. Fresh cilantro and scallions bring brightness, while honey, chili crisp, and sliced scallions add sweetness, heat, and texture. Serve with warm bread or vegetables for a dip that's as beautiful as it is flavorful.

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17 of 17

Andalusian Gazpacho

This intensely refreshing Andalusian gazpacho gets its deep flavor from ripe tomatoes, carefully salted vegetables, and a clever freeze-and-thaw technique. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, onion, and garlic are transformed into a silky, chilled soup that's bright, savory, and perfect for the hottest days of summer.

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