Grilled Italian sausages are the game-changer you’ve been waiting for this Labor Day. Tired of the usual burgers and hot dogs? It’s time to elevate your cookout game. These sausages are not just delicious; they bring a burst of flavors that will make your holiday meal unforgettable. For a dash of inspiration, don’t miss this fantastic recipe from Delish.com, which pairs these sausages with a white bean and avocado salad. Trust us, this alternative Labor Day meal is a surefire hit!
Why Choose Grilled Italian Sausages for Labor Day?
When it comes to cookouts, variety is the spice of life. Grilled Italian sausages offer a unique blend of flavors that set them apart from your standard cookout fare. They’re seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices that give them a distinct, mouthwatering taste. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can serve them in a bun, slice them into a pasta dish, or even enjoy them solo with a side of mustard. The options are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this scrumptious alternative Labor Day meal, you’ll need the following:
For the Grilled Italian Sausages:
- 4 sweet Italian sausages
- 4 hot dog buns, split
For the White Bean and Avocado Salad:
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 16 1/2 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Additional Items:
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a meal that will be the talk of the cookout!
Prepping the Grill
Preparing your grill is the first step to achieving those perfect grilled Italian sausages. Make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high. A well-preheated grill ensures even cooking and those beautiful grill marks we love. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn until they’re covered with white ash. For gas grills, preheating for about 10 minutes should do the trick. Once the grill is ready, you’re set to start cooking!
The Perfect Onion Marinade
A good marinade can make all the difference, and this one is a game-changer. In a medium bowl, mix your chopped red onion with apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Let this mixture sit for a while, tossing it occasionally. The apple cider vinegar helps to soften the onions and meld the flavors, making it a perfect complement to your grilled Italian sausages. It’s a simple step, but it adds an extra layer of flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
Assembling the White Bean and Avocado Salad
Creating a white bean and avocado salad is easier than you might think, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled Italian sausages. While we can’t share the exact recipe from Delish.com, we highly recommend checking it out for a detailed guide. In general, you’ll want to combine your rinsed cannellini beans, diced avocado, and freshly chopped parsley. Add in your marinated onions and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Toss everything together, and you’ve got a refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the sausages.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your grilled Italian sausages and white bean and avocado salad ready, let’s talk about how to serve them. You can go the traditional route and serve the sausages in hot dog buns. Or, for a low-carb option, skip the buns and plate the sausages next to a generous serving of salad. Are you looking for drink pairings? A crisp white wine or a light beer can enhance the flavors even more. And don’t forget a dollop of mustard or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that final touch!
The Final Sizzle
Grilled Italian sausages are more than a tasty alternative for your Labor Day cookout; they’re a culinary adventure. With their rich flavors, versatility, and the refreshing contrast of a white bean and avocado salad, they offer a complete and satisfying meal. So why settle for the usual when you can elevate your cookout game?
Call to Action
Ready to make this Labor Day unforgettable? Grab your grill, gather your ingredients, and give grilled Italian sausages a try. Don’t forget to check out the original recipe on Delish.com for the perfect white bean and avocado salad. And once you’ve tasted the magic, share your experience with us. We’d love to hear how your alternative Labor Day cookout meal turned out!
Enjoyed our Labor Day cookout meal ideas? Complete your festive spread with our show-stopping Patriotic Trifle Recipe. It’s the perfect dessert to round off any patriotic celebration. Click here to add a sweet finish to your Labor Day gathering!
Images courtesy Delish.com
Editorial Update: We strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date. As part of our ongoing efforts, this article has been moved from Recipe to HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS on 09/10/2023.
This article was first published on August 29, 2016, and updated on November 1, 2023. We’ve fixed a broken link and enriched the content to improve your reading.
