Labor Day Delights – 5 Dishes To Impress Your Guests As Summer Winds Down

Labor Day Weekend is almost here. It’s a fantastic opportunity to create unforgettable patio dining memories for customers looking to enjoy great weather, a long holiday weekend, and meals with friends, family, and coworkers. Maximize your outdoor dining space before the cold Chicago weather arrives. Place your wholesale meat and poultry orders now. Here are five tasty dish ideas to kick off autumn and keep your venue’s outdoor dining space busy with satisfied guests this holiday.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Chicken Wings

Sports fans will enjoy this classic finger food dish as they watch the game. These glazed wings pack a sweet and spicy punch.

Marinate chicken wings in a mixture of honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, minced ginger, and garlic. Grill the chicken wings for about 8-10 minutes, turning twice until they’re crispy and golden, basting them with the glaze as they cook.

To balance the fiery kick of the wings, offer a cooling and creamy cucumber ranch dip made by blending fresh cucumber, greek yogurt, chopped dill, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The dip’s refreshing quality perfectly contrasts the wings’ spicy intensity, allowing patrons to enjoy every bite without overwhelming their taste buds.

Mango Tango Chicken Salad

Grill boneless Joyce Farms chicken breasts to perfection, then slice and arrange them atop a bed of mixed greens, including spinach, arugula, and baby lettuce.

Drizzle with a tangy mango-lime vinaigrette to bring all the elements together in a refreshing medley. Mix 1/4 cup mango puree, 3 tablespoons of lime juice freshly squeezed, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, salt & pepper for this vinaigrette.

Combine the mixed greens and half of the mango-lime vinaigrette in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat the greens evenly. Add ripe mango slices, avocado chunks, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta cheese for contrasting textures and flavors. Drizzle the remaining mango-lime vinaigrette over the entire salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad

For a light yet satisfying option, offer a Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad that bursts with freshness. Marinate 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano.

Grill the chicken until charred, and slice it into thin strips. Toss together with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Finish with a zesty Greek dressing for a vibrant and healthful choice.

The marinade ingredients include one quarter cup olive oil, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced, 1 teaspoon of fresh, dried oregano, salt & pepper to taste. Greek dressing ingredients: 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of your favorite Dijon mustard, one quarter cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon fresh, dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

Grill the chicken pieces for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Start by whisking together a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and a touch of honey for a hint of natural sweetness.

Now cut your boneless and skinless chicken breast into uniform chunks. Place the chicken pieces into a bowl and pour a portion of the teriyaki marinade over them. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

While the chicken marinades, prepare the pineapple. Remove the outer skin and core, then cut into bite-sized pieces similar to the chicken. Alternating between chicken and pineapple, thread the pieces onto wooden or metal skewers. Place them onto the grill, allowing them to cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side.

The chicken should be cooked through, with a slight char on the edges, and the pineapple will take on a delightful caramelized hue. Serve with a side of steamed rice or vegetable medley.

Cajun BBQ Chicken Sliders

Kick up the spice and indulge patrons with Cajun BBQ Chicken Sliders. Start with a marinade mixture combining the bold flavors of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, and a touch of brown sugar for balance.

Marinate chicken tenders for 1-2 hours, then grill to perfection. Pile the grilled chicken onto soft slider buns and coat them with a generous amount of rich, smoky barbecue sauce.

Top with crispy fried onions and a slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. These sliders bring a touch of Southern comfort to your outdoor dining experience and are sure to be a hit.

Order Now So You Are Primed And Ready For The Holiday Rush

Northwest Meats has you covered for Labor Day weekend. Contact our team to place orders from our top-tier selection of wholesale seafood, pork, beef, and chicken products. As always, we guarantee quality with every cut we sell and our knowledgeable team is always here to help steer you toward the cuts that will help your menu to shine this Labor Day.