Summer Potluck Recipes

If you need easy potluck ideas, we've got the right recipe for every scenario. From classics like potato salad and pasta salad to new favorites like gooey butter bars, our potluck recipes are ready whenever you need to make and take.
Start Slideshow

1 of 34

Farro Fruit Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

 

 

Fruit salad has never been so trendy, thanks to pistachios and healthy grains like farro. Dress the make-ahead blueberry salad in its finest: a tart and tangy DIY dressing. Grab a Mason jar and get shaking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 34

Caprese Watermelon Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A bowl of watermelon is so last summer. For a fresh spin, give the juicy pink fruit some friends: mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and pepper. Double the salad recipe for a larger (or especially hungry) crowd.

3 of 34

Curried Chicken Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

 

Give the potluck table a vacation from the regulars with a citrusy, global dish: curried chicken salad. Get a head start by chilling the OJ-spiked salad up to 24 hours before toting it to your potluck. This chicken recipe makes four main-dish servings, but on a potluck table it can serve many more as a side dish.

 

 

 

Advertisement

4 of 34

Easy Monster Cookie Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Admit it -- you love monster cookies just as much as the kiddos. This five-ingredient recipe lets you skip the scooping and head straight for the oven. Just be sure to not to eat all of them before party day!

5 of 34

Parfait BFFs: Strawberry + Rhubarb

Because everything's cuter in a Mason jar. Whip up a dessert so delish, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

6 of 34

Pork and Noodle Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A ginger-soy dressing gives Asian flair to this crisp pork and cabbage salad. Easy wonton crisps make a delightful side dish.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 34

Summer Pasta Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try a new pasta salad that's colorful and delicious. Garden-fresh ingredients, such as summer squash, tomato, and baby spinach, combine with thinly sliced prosciutto and fresh mozzarella for a scene-stealing pasta salad.

8 of 34

Root Veggie Chips with Sea Salt

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potato chips and dip? Not this time. Bake a colorful batch of your own using beets, parsnips, and rutabagas. And remember: A little sea salt goes a long way!

9 of 34

Perfectly Crunchy Bean Salad

Love three-bean salad? Don't let it lose its crunch before potluck time -- we've got the secrets!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 34

Triple Ruby Relish

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweeten up the relish tray with your new favorite condiment featuring some of summer’s freshest ingredients: watermelon, strawberries, radishes, and mint. Make the cool topper up to two days before party time.

11 of 34

Oven-Barbecued Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Smoky, tangy, and finger-lickin' good, there's nothing like a great barbecue sauce -- especially when it's homemade. Our concoction stars garlic, brown sugar, and two kinds of peppers for layered flavor that's perfect on tender baked chicken.

12 of 34

Herbed Potato Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Packed with fresh herb flavor and spicy Dijon, this potato salad doesn't need a heavy dressing. If you're looking for herb inspiration, we love the way plump red potatoes taste with tarragon, dill weed, or parsley.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 34

Gooey Butter Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

There's no doubt about it: These moist, almond-infused bars are a guaranteed potluck dessert win. The fresh berry topping is tossed with ginger and honey for bursts of sweetly spiced fruit flavor.

14 of 34

Totally Scrumptious Potato Salad

Is potato salad your go-to potluck recipe? Then you've got to check out our tips for how to make potato salad that is awesome every time.

15 of 34

Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Feta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The light, refreshing combination of melon and cucumber gets a tangy twist from dill weed and feta in this party-perfect summer salad. Add a hint of nutty flavor to the lemon dressing with poppy seeds.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 34

Savory Escarole Slaw

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's not a complete potluck without a zesty, fresh coleslaw. Our recipe features escarole, a mild lettuce that's similar to radicchio. A simple dressing of red wine vinaigrette and honey creates just the right blend of sweetness and tang.

17 of 34

Lemon-Lime Bars

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Melt-in-your-mouth layers of lemon and lime filling burst with citrus flavor and combine with a buttery crust for an easy bar recipe that's perfect for potlucks.

18 of 34

Edamame-Avocado Dip

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Go ahead: Spring for a totally different type of dip. Edamame adds a nutritious freshness while pesto brings savory flavor for an avocado spread that's the perfect appetizer when served with hearty pita chips.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 34

Texans' Beef Brisket

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

They say everything's bigger in Texas, and the bold flavor in our Lone Star State-inspired brisket is no exception. A homemade sauce and easy smoking technique will have you barbecuing like a pro in no time.

20 of 34

Frosty Caramel, Chocolate, and Pecan Torte

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layers of chocolate cookie crust, frozen whipped chocolate, and a surprise creamy caramel-pecan center make a delicious frosty treat that beats the summer heat.

21 of 34

Root Beer Pulled Pork Sandwiches

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pulled pork shows off its sweet side in these hearty sandwiches. Add tomatoes and lettuce for a crisp veggie crunch. To save time, make the pork a day ahead and heat in a slow cooker at your party.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 34

Mexican Mac and Cheese

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic mac and cheese meets zesty pork taco in this creative make-and-take casserole. Top with your favorite taco fixings for a dish that's sure to be an instant crowd favorite.

23 of 34

Frozen Neapolitans

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We took this make-ahead ice cream dessert to the next level with an out-of-this-world marshmallow, almond, and chocolate crispy cereal crust. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for good measure.

24 of 34

Grilled Onion Flatbread with Bacon and Arugula

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take something unexpected to your next get-together with this veggie-loaded summer pizza. Worcestershire and ale add a hint of smokiness to the easy cream cheese sauce, which complements the sweet tomatoes and sharp arugula.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 34

Raspberry-White Chocolate Dessert Squares

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A crunchy pretzel-pecan crust, creamy white chocolate, fluffy whipped pudding, and tart raspberries -- that's what summer dessert dreams are made of.

26 of 34

Grilled Corn Salsa

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this easy appetizer the day before your potluck to let the flavors marinate overnight in your fridge. Serve the salsa with chips and veggies as a dip or atop your favorite grilled meats.

27 of 34

Spiked Raspberry-Lemonade Cupcakes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

When life gives you lemons, make cupcakes! Fresh lemon and a dash of raspberry liqueur add sweet citrus flavor to our fun and fruity treats.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 34

Mexican Salad Platter

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Need a last-minute potluck idea? Use a deli-roasted chicken and pile on layers of fresh tomatoes, onions, avocados, and black bean and corn salsa. It's simple, delicious, and ready in a snap.

29 of 34

Sweet and Tangy Four-Bean Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tomatoes and sugar add the sweetness while a homemade Dijon-and-cider vinaigrette adds tanginess to this flavorful twist on traditional bean salad. Make it up to two days ahead of time, then add the green beans just before serving.

30 of 34

Lemonade Cake

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

What's better than cold lemonade on a hot summer day? Lemonade cake! This simple dessert packs a punch of refreshing citrus in every bite. Just before serving, garnish with lemon slices for an extra-special touch.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 34

Deviled Egg Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This irresistible salad travels beautifully. Simply toss together a mixture of lettuce, peppers, bacon, and onion with these easy-to-make deviled eggs. A splash of dill vinaigrette adds fresh flavor.

32 of 34

BBQ White Beans with Peppers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Swap out the same old baked beans for this fresh, quick version. Yellow mustard and vinegar add a tangy snap that balances the maple syrup and salty ham.