with some recipes straight from the Meals on Wheels kitchen - sent with love!

As the sun-kissed days of summer bid us farewell, there is one final hurrah to enjoy - Labor Day!

This cherished holiday calls for outdoor gatherings, laughter, and of course, scrumptious food.

If you are planning a picnic or gathering to commemorate the occasion, why not blend favored tastes with healthy options?

We’ve gathered a medley of delectable dishes, some straight out of the Meals on Wheels kitchen, to make your Labor Day picnic not only delightful but also nutritious!

MOWLB CONFETTI GOLDEN COUSCOUS SALAD

This is a favorite springtime recipe at MOWLB, but its flavors can be enjoyed any time of year! 

Kickstart your picnic feast with a refreshing and delicious couscous salad packed with colorful vegetables.

Whole grain couscous is a great source of fiber, and it serves as the base for a colorful array of diced red and green peppers, celery, and onion. Add the zesty Italian and red wine dressing for a burst of flavor that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Serves:20

INGREDIENTS

1 lb Couscous Cooked (Pearl or Israeli)

¼ c red peppers diced 

¼ c green peppers diced

¼ c celery diced

¼ c onion diced

Toasted Almonds

DRESSING: 

¼ c oil

⅛ c red wine vinegar

1 T Italian Seasoning

1 ½ T Mrs. Dash

Variations: Golden Couscous add turmeric to couscous cooking water, use peas, green onions and diced cranberries

GREEK PASTA SALAD - FROM FOODANDHEALTH.COM

Upgrade the classic pasta salad by opting for this Grecian delight! Mix cooked pasta with cubes of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a handful of arugula. Dress it up with a Mediterranean dressing for a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious! This dish is served cold.

Ingredients

1 lb box of whole-grain pasta

½ cup feta cheese in cubes

½ cucumber diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half

¼ red onion diced

1 cup arugula

1 can garbanzo beans, drained

2 tablespoons roasted pine nuts

Dressing

3 Tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

½ of a lemon, juiced

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

2 Tablespoons chopped mint leaves

2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

1 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to the package, rinse with cold water and reserve

• Toss the pasta with the dressing

• Add the rest of the ingredients

• Toss together

• Serve immediately or chill for later use up to 2 days

MEXICAN STREET CORN (ELOTE) - FROM THE NUTRITION AND AGING RESOURCE CENTER

Mexican street corn (elote) is delicious corn on the cob loaded with a cheesy sauce elevated with cilantro and lime - creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavorful!

This recipe yields 4 corn on the cob.

Ingredients

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise (use mayo with avocado oil for a healthier alternative)

1 tsp garlic powder

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced and zested

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp ground black pepper

4 medium sweet corn on the cob, husks removed

¼ cup Parmesan or cotija cheese, crumbled

Chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to 400F, about 5-6 minutes

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed. Set aside for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into each other.

3. Place the corn on the grill and grill for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely charred and cooked through. Set aside on a plate.

   (You can also roast the corn in the oven at 400 F for 25 minutes or cook in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. However, grilling yields a sweeter and creamier taste.)

4. Spread and brush the sauce evenly over the corn and top with Parmesan (or cojita cheese). Drizzle with extra lime juice, cilantro, and a sprinkle of chili powder, if desired.

As you gather with friends and family to celebrate Labor Day, these delightful and healthy dishes will undoubtedly become the talk of the picnic. With a nod to the Meals on Wheels kitchen, we've curated options that are not only mouthwatering but also mindful of your well-being. So, fire up the grill, pack your picnic basket, and savor the last rays of summer with a feast that's both delicious and nutritious!