11 Tasty Ways to Use Leftovers from Labor Day

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When the holiday weekend is over, the good food doesn’t have to end! If you’ve been wondering how to use leftovers from Labor Day, these creative recipes are the answer. From chicken turned into hearty patties to fresh fruit reimagined in a light dessert, they make the most of your cookout extras. Each one is easy to pull together, big on flavor, and perfect for keeping that summer spirit alive all week long.

Leftover Watermelon

Cool off with a refreshing watermelon Italian ice. Just puree and freeze your extra slices, along with a little sweetener and lime juice, for an icy treat.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Granita

Leftover Chicken

Turn chicken into savory patties with a crispy outside and a tender middle. These chicken cakes are perfect with a dollop of aioli or tucked into a sandwich for lunch.

Get the recipe: Leftover Chicken Patties

Leftover Strawberries

Toast up some baguette slices and top with cream cheese, fresh strawberries, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a quick, elegant way to give extra berries a new life.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Bruschetta

Leftover Salsa

Stir leftover salsa into creamy yogurt for a zesty, protein-packed salad dressing. It’s an easy upgrade for taco salads, grain bowls, or even as a veggie dip.

Get the recipe: Healthy Taco Salad Dressing

Leftover Potatoes

Give baked potatoes or sweet potatoes a Tex-Mex twist with black beans, guacamole, and cheese. This hearty dish is satisfying enough to stand on its own for dinner.

Get the recipe: Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Leftover Toppings

Gather leftover tomatoes, onions, and corn to toss together a colorful black bean and corn salsa. It’s fresh, zesty, and perfect for scooping up with chips.

Get the recipe: Black Bean Corn Salsa

Leftover Shrimp

Extra shrimp from the grill? Turn them into a poke bowl with rice, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It’s a simple way to build a vibrant meal with leftovers.

Get the recipe: Shrimp Poke Bowls

Leftover Guacamole

Spread leftover guacamole on toast and top with hard-boiled eggs for an easy breakfast or snack. It’s creamy, protein-rich, and a smart way to enjoy every last scoop.

Get the recipe: Breakfast Guacamole Toast

Leftover Corn

Shave off the corn kernels and mix them into a creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad. With lime, Cotija cheese, and a little spice, it’s a side dish everyone will want seconds of.

Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Cups

Leftover Zucchini

Transform shredded zucchini into golden, crispy cakes with feta and onion. They make a tasty snack, side, or even a light main dish when paired with a salad.

Get the recipe: Fried Zucchini Cakes

Leftover Onion

Give extra onions new life by turning them into quick pickled pink onions. Tangy, crisp, and colorful, they add a pop of flavor to tacos, salads, burgers, and more.

Get the recipe: Pickled Pink Onions