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Labor Day Food Ideas: Side Dishes

With summer winding down, Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite warm weather side dishes before you start craving fall comfort foods.

Here are some of our favorites whether you're having a huge family cookout or just enjoying the AC with friends.

Sauteed Zucchini, Squash, and Onions

Prepared sauteed zucchini, squash, onions, and peppers plated in a white round bowl.
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

This side dish uses fresh summer veggies like squash, zucchini, and peppers and takes just a few minutes to cook so your kitchen won't get too hot.

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Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad

Prepared broccoli cauliflower salad in a glass bowl ready to be served
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

Fresh, crisp vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers are mixed with bacon and onion in a creamy slightly sweet and tangy dressing

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Southern Coleslaw

Prepared southern hot dog slaw recipe in a large glass mixing bowl
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

Crisp cold and creamy, this classic southern coleslaw is great on hot dogs, burgers, pulled pork, or as a side dish.

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Southern Relish Potato Salad

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A Southern staple, mustard potato salad is a must-have for any cookout.

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German-Style Cucumber Salad

Prepared creamy cucumber salad in a stainless steel bowl.
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

This German-style cucumber salad is cold and refreshing. The best part is it can be made ahead of time.

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Marinated Cucumber, Tomato, and Onion Salad

Ingredients for cucumber, tomato, and onion salad mixed together in a glass mixing bowl.
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

A wonderful way to use fresh summer produce like tomatoes and cucumbers. This marinated salad is also best made ahead.

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Hawaiian Mac Salad

Prepared Hawaiian macaroni salad garnished with sliced green onion in a white round bowl.
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

While Hawaiian macaroni salad may be traditional to serve with dishes like kalua pork, it's also a nice cold side dish for just about any warm weather meal.

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Bacon Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs garnished with cayenne pepper, bacon, and sliced green onion on a white plate on a black slate countertop
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

Here in the South deviled eggs are definitely considered a side dish. These bacon deviled eggs are sure to become one of your favorites.

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Loaded Baked Potato Salad

prepared baked potato salad in a small round white bowl on a black slate surface
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

A loaded baked together is a delicious side dish to many grilled dishes but who wants to eat something hot when it's sweltering outside? This loaded baked potato salad is the perfect solution.

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Broccoli and Bacon Salad

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Another delicious no-lettuce salad, this time with broccoli, bacon, red onion, and sunflower seeds.

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Cucumber Radish Macaroni Salad

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This macaroni salad is cool and crisp with veggies including cucumbers and radishes.

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K&W Mac & Cheese

Featured image for baked macaroni and cheese.
Image Credit: SmartSavvyFood.com

This side dish is a classic for things like ribs or BBQ chicken. It does require baking and boiling some noodles, but it's not so bad because you don't have to make a roux or cheese sauce - while still being super cheesy. Plus, it's just like the mac and cheese you can find at K&W Cafeteria.

Get the recipe.