25 potluck side dishes to steal the show
Are you ready to be the star of your next potluck gathering? This collection of potluck side dishes will ensure your contribution is the talk of the table!
Ah, potlucks. They take the work out of hosting a crowd and make it easy. No more slaving over the kitchen for days… simply whip out one dish.
But potlucks aren’t only about convenience – they’re about diversity and tradition.
There’s something for everyone with potlucks, like the creamy richness of a crockpot potatoes or the refreshing crunch of Brussels sprouts slaw – whether you’re the hearty eater (like my husband), the health-conscious (like my father – aka the “fruitarian” given his current penchant for a piece of fruit beyond all else), the adventurous foodie (like myself) – the potluck table has everyone covered.
Potlucks are also about tradition – especially once you lock onto your signature dish.
My go-to potluck side dish for many years was a layered garden salad that wouldn’t have been out of place at an 80s dinner but was still exceptionally delicious. It was a family hit back in said 80s and even made a feature in my 21st birthday way back in 1995. Even this Christmas just been, my stepmother made it.
These days, I usually make a this trifle as a potluck dessert.
In this way, potluck dishes can tell a story – where each person is sharing a part of themselves, their heritage, or even a cherished family recipe. If you’re like me and hate small talk, asking about the tradition of a dish is a great idea.
But I’m getting ahead of myself – because this round up is about those of you wanting to find that perfect potluck side!
These 25 best potluck side dishes not only taste amazing but are also easy to transport and serve.
Which one will become your new signature dish?
Potluck side dishes
Antipasto is a traditional Italian first course that typically consists of cured meats, olives, peppers and other vegetables that are sometimes marinated in olive oil and vinegar. This zesty antipasto is all of the best parts of traditional antipasto but in easy make ahead salad form.
A hearty and flavorful pasta salad made with avocado buttermilk dressing and bacon.
With a rich and creamy dressing and the perfect amount of crunch, this salad is made with broccoli, red onion, almonds and fresh grapes.
Brussels sprouts slaw with maple mustard vinaigrette has thinly sliced raw brussels sprouts and cabbage, plus apple and a maple mustard dressing for added sweetness. This slaw is topped with chopped pecans for extra crunch. It will be a hit at your gathering.
This caprese orzo pasta salad is the perfect light pasta salad that mixes together orzo with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil and is tossed in a light balsamic vinegar dressing. You can make this salad as part of your weekly meal-prep or make it ahead for a big get together. Guests always love this fresh salad at parties.
This chicken quinoa salad recipe has great texture, flavor and color. It’s filled with fresh veggies like cucumber, bell pepper and red onion. Plus, you’ll get a large helping of fiber from hearty quinoa and velvety black beans. And don’t forget the boost of protein that comes from perfectly seasoned, juicy baked chicken. Top everything with a simple, homemade lemony dressing for next level deliciousness!
Are you looking for the ultimate side dish for BBQ season? Or you’ve got leftovers of corn on the cob? Try this fantastic corn and avocado salad with feta, cilantro, red quinoa and lime with a touch of habanero heat. It’s a dreamy, refreshing salad, plus looks fantastic and balanced.
This creamy corn casserole recipe is super-easy, yet it’s made entirely from scratch, without Jiffy corn muffin mix. It's really easy to prepare, tastes deliciously sweet and buttery, and is guaranteed to be a hit every time.
You’ll love these crockpot funeral potatoes for an easy dish that will be a big hit at any potluck. It’s the richest and most creamy side dish you will ever make, and the slow cooker does all the work.
An easy Italian pasta salad with balsamic dressing! 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients are all you need to enjoy this great balsamic pasta salad. Minimum effort, mega taste
This easy Greek orzo salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs and get togethers. Whenever you need an easy and healthy side dish, that is guaranteed to disappear first, make this gorgeous Greek orzo salad.
Made with fewer than 10 ingredients with only about 10 minutes of active prep work, this Mexican pasta salad is the cool, creamy side dish every laid-back potluck needs.
Italian pasta salad is a cold summer salad perfect for picnics, potlucks or grilling dinners. Full of fresh vegetables and herbs, salami, mozzarella cheese, tossed in an easy homemade Italian dressing. It’s easy and delicious.
This KFC coleslaw recipe is very easy to make and a good side dish for potlucks.
Kisir, Turkish bulgur salad, is definitely a crowd pleaser. Bulgur is combined with herbs, flavored with tomato paste, spices, lemon juice and olive oil.
These marinated heirloom tomatoes are bright, bold, and delicious. They’re a flavorful and easy side dish for any potluck.
This pumpkin couscous salad is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad made with Israeli couscous and feta. Add roasted pumpkin, dried apricots, and toasted pine nuts and you have the perfect pasta salad for a potluck.
This Mexican street corn salad recipe (also known as esquites) is packed with fresh flavors and cotija cheese. This is the perfect side dish that turns the classic Mexican street food into a delicious and easy to make salad.
This vibrant and delicious orzo arugula salad is filled with juicy grapes, toasted pine nuts, feta, and asparagus tossed in an easy lemon vinaigrette.
Pesto pasta salad with chicken is a quick, easy, and wildly flavorful pasta salad recipe! It's a great option for potlucks, picnics, BBQs.
This recipe for scalloped potatoes with heavy cream or au gratin potatoes is foolproof! Just another reason to love it.
These amazing sweet and spicy Instant Pot baked beans are hearty enough to be a meal, but make for a mind-blowing side dish too! We took regular baked beans and kicked them up a notch…or ten!
Chilis, soups, and barbeques need this sweet cornbread cast iron skillet recipe! Baking in a hot cast-iron skillet gives each piece of cornbread crispy edges and the perfect tender crumb. This egg-free recipe is sweetened with just the right amount of maple syrup and coconut sugar – you’ll want to keep coming back for more once you try it!
This green bean, potato and tomato salad with creamy mozzarella and tangy lemon mustard vinaigrette is a healthy, make-ahead dish everyone loves.
The flavors of potato salad get a serious upgrade when combined with a loaded baked potato salad! Stuffed full of bacon, cheese, herbs, and green onion the flavor of this red skin potato salad is just unbeatable. This potato salad is made with simple ingredients and is a delicious American classic.
A successful potluck is about bringing people together, and what better way to do so than with a spread of diverse and delicious sides?
Each recipe has been chosen for its flavor, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing qualities in the hope that it will become your new signature side.
Cook with joy and share with love with these potluck side dishes.