The Last Long Weekend of Summer Is Upon Us: Make it One to Remember with These Recipes

It feels like summer just arrived, but September is already here – and so is Labor Day weekend, the final holiday weekend of the season. While the weather might not be cooling down any time soon, the change of seasons often means there's less time to grill and fewer opportunities to enjoy the fresh, colorful produce of summer.

So why not celebrate the season's close with its best bounty? Instead of highlighting cuts of meat, put plants on the grill! Our plant-based grilling recipes are as creative as they are exciting. You can make fruits like cantaloupe, blackberries and peaches sides or the stars with grilled salads like our Grilled Peach Halloumi Salad or Arugula and Cantaloup Salad. Or, liven up classics with new twists (our Warm Potato Salad Niçoise is a great pick!).

If your summer garden is still serving up vibrant fresh veggies and fragrant herbs, this is the perfect weekend to put them to use. You can highlight your own homegrown ingredients whether you're cooking for yourself or a crowd. We've got recipes that'll make your veggies the star – including some delicious, creative burger inspiration. No matter what plants you're putting on the menu, adding your own savory, spicy or sweet compound butter can take your star dish to the next level.

And before you preheat your grill this weekend, don't forget to check out our healthier grilling tips. That way, no matter what's on the menu, you're keeping your food as healthy as possible from barbecue to plate (Psst: This also makes for great foodie fodder).

Give Your Cookout a Mediterranean Twist

Sure, Labor Day is usually all about hamburgers, hot dogs and other classic cookout foods. But with the latest research showing that eating a single hot dog can shave 36 minutes off your life, the classics might not be the best choice. Plus, the last official long weekend of the summer calls for something special – so why not put some Mediterranean-inspired seafood on the grill?

Salmon, which is as delicious as it is good for you, is just one versatile option. You can grill meaty salmon steak with plenty of bold flavor; just try our Smoky Grilled Salmon with Citrus Jalapeño Butter. Or, add sake and miso to top your salmon steaks with an addictive Japanese-inspired sauce with our Miso Wild Sesame Salmon Steaks.

Craving something a little more classic? You can turn seafood into burgers too! Just try our Salmon Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries or Hawaiian Tuna Burgers with Carrot-Beet Slaw. Packed with lean protein and plenty of health benefits, these not-so-traditional burgers will be the star of any BBQ.

Get more seafood recipe inspiration »

Sweeten Up Your Weekend with Grilled Desserts:

Turn Juicy Peaches into a Grilled Upside Down Cake

There’s so much going on with this scrumptious dessert, and it's all totally delicious. Best of all, it’s easy to put together. Try it with any of your favorite seasonal stone fruits – nectarines, plums, apricots or even a combination.

Ever Had a Grilled Sundae? We've Got a Must-Try Recipe

If you've never paired sweet grilled fruit with cool, creamy ice cream, you've got to try our Grilled Plantain Sundays. Topped with a sweet coconut-spiked caramel sauce, it's the perfect indulgence for a holiday weekend.

Have Fresh Berries? Put Them in This Grilled Berry Cobbler

There's truly no better way to put fresh, in season berries to use than in a sweet, warm and crumbly cobbler. We've got a version you can make right on the grill to end your BBQ – and you can use berries out of your own backyard.

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What we've been reading this week:

If you're in for a hot Labor Day weekend, check out Outside's expert advice on keeping kids – and yourself – cool during heat waves.

Vegetarian Times explains how to pick a multivitamin, what to pay attention to on vitamin labels, and more in a handy supplement guide.

If back-to-school season has you stressed, try Yoga Journal's meditations to find calm and banish parenting stress.

Duck eggs and oat ice cream are the latest "healthy" trends – but are they really good for you? Oxygen dives into both to find out.

Sneak in a few final summer treats with Vegetarian Times' top frozen dessert recipes. These ice creams and popsicles are all vegan-approved.

Been feeling extra sore after your workouts? Your diet might be the culprit. Women's Running explains how diet can affect muscle soreness.

Learn how adaptogenic herbs can soothe stress, boost energy and keep immunity strong with Better Nutrition's guide to different adaptogens.

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