A guest post by Kelly Wilson.
There isn’t a better way to celebrate our hard work throughout the rest of the year than by taking some time off during the long Labor Day weekend. Use this opportunity to gather with family and friends over the barbecue grill to create culinary treats that are beyond typical, ordinary hamburgers
Berry Good Salad
This creative take on the green salad allows you to utilize your grill skills while presenting a delicious, seasonal dish for the end of the summer. Throw a pound of chicken breasts on the barbecue, seasoned as desired. Once cooled, slice the grilled chicken and mix with roasted pecans and the vinaigrette of your choice, along with summer berries like strawberries, raspberries, blackberries or blueberries.
Pasta Salad from the Barbecue
Even though the barbecue flavors technically don’t come from the grill, you can add your own grilled meat to make it more legit. This particular recipe idea originally comes with pulled pork, but any grilled meat would be delicious in this pasta salad.
First combine 1/2 cup bbq sauce of choice, 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and chili powder, garlic, and hot sauce to taste. Mix with the cooked pasta of your choice, along with chopped seasonal veggies like vibrant bell peppers, zucchini or yellow squash. Add grilled meat as desired, refrigerate and serve!
Get Super Sloppy
If you don’t want to take the time with individual burgers or if you want a fun alternative for the kids, consider making some traditional sloppy joes using this recipe from Rachael Ray. Serve with buns or rolls that have been toasted on the grill and some melted cheese to add even more flavor.
Beyond Cheese Quesadillas
With this recipe idea, you can save some money at the grill without losing any valuable nutrition. Make quesadillas using black beans or pinto beans, along with cheese and salsa, then grill until the insides are warm and bubbly. Have each person make their own quesadillas and serve with a variety of salsas made from seasonal fruits and vegetables for some extra fun at your barbecue!
Don’t Neglect Dessert
Your barbecue grill can take dessert to the next level. Using skewers, have your guests make their own fruit kabobs to throw on the grill, then offer sorbet, ice cream or whipped cream to complete this yummy dessert. Another option is to place halved peaches on the barbecue, first brushing the surfaces with oil. Once the peaches are tender, place one half in a bowl with ice cream and a sprinkling of coconut. Garnish with simple shortbread cookies for a yummy treat!
Kelly Wilson is a freelance writer who will be grilling over the long Labor Day weekend. For more information on getting together with family and friends in a special venue, visit Sunny Day Tree Farm, an event site open year-round and the location of the best Christmas Trees in Oregon during the holiday season.
