Are you looking for the perfect potluck side dish to wow the crowd? We’ve got you covered with this collection of Potluck Side Dishes!
Whether you want something light and refreshing or savory and comforting, the right dish can be a hit at any gathering.
We’ve rounded up our favorite recipes that are sure to bring smiles all around the table. From classic salads to creative casseroles, there’s something here that will impress your guests!
So get out your pots and pans, choose one of these delicious side dishes for potluck, and enjoy some quality time in the kitchen preparing for your next get together.
Side Dishes for Potluck:
1. Classic Coleslaw
Let’s start the summer season with our Classic Coleslaw recipe, a real contender for the best side dish for your potlucks!
This dish is super simple to make. Start by assembling the ingredients: red and green cabbage, carrot, mayo, cider vinegar, mustard, sugar and salt and pepper. Just a quick chop and mix of the ingredients and you’re good to go.
This creamy and crunchy coleslaw side dish will go with everything at your potluck from burgers to ribs.
2. Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto
This colorful Tortellini Pasta Salad with Prosciutto is a breeze to make and the perfect side dish for your potlucks or outdoor parties.
This upgrade of your usual pasta salad is full of cheesy tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, red bell peppers and Greek olives. And if that’s not enough, how about prosciutto, garlic and fresh herbs.
Give this Mediterranean salad a try with a loaf of crusty bread for a light dinner.
3. Corn Casserole
Corn Casserole, a classic Southern side dish, is a jazzed up version of cornbread that tastes great at any meal from holidays to pot lucks.
This yummy dish is totally effortless to make and needs only 5 ingredients: corn kernels, creamed corn, Jiffy corn muffin mix, butter and sour cream. Combine all the ingredients, transfer to a baking pan and bake in your oven. Simple!
Try this delicious casserole with BBQ chicken, ribs or fried fish for an authentic Southern meal.
4. Antipasto Pasta Salad
Whip up this easy and delicious Antipasto Pasta Salad at home and wow your potluck crowd.
This Italian-themed pasta salad is the ultimate combination of pasta, salty meats, tomatoes, briny olives, fresh mozzarella balls and artichoke hearts. And the home-made Italian dressing will make this side dish the star of your next potluck.
This salad has it all; protein, veggies and carbs. A complete meal in one bowl!
5. Succotash
Succotash is one of the oldest Thanksgiving side dishes, but this multi-colored veggie mix is great for any month of the year.
This delicious and rustic veggie dish is an amazing combination of corn and beans enhanced with cherry tomatoes, peppers and herbs. Toss it all together in creamy butter for an unbelievably yummy and nutritious side dish.
You will thank us for this amazing potluck recipe!
6. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
If you’re quinoa fan, then this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad recipe is just for you. It’s tasty, healthy, and goes with so many main dishes, lunches or as nutritious snack.
This fantastic salad is a simple mix of quinoa, a few veggies, some Mediterranean staples, and zesty lemon dressing.
A perfect side dish for potlucks, BBQs or a healthy lunch on the deck. Enjoy!
7. Pineapple Salsa (Easy Potluck Side Dish)
Celebrate summer with our fresh and delicious Pineapple Salsa! We guarantee it will be a huge hit at any gathering.
The flavor and texture combination of sweet and tangy ingredients are superb. All you need to do is chop, mix, chill, and serve.
This addictive and effortless side dish will give some serious tropical vibes to your potlucks. Give it a try!
8. Creole Coleslaw
Give your traditional coleslaw a jazzy makeover with our Creole Coleslaw recipe. Introduce this tempting new side dish at your next potluck and wait for the rave reviews!
This fantastic version is the same as your favorite coleslaw with the addition of two flavorful ingredients: creole seasoning and creole mustard. These two spicy add-ons will lift your coleslaw to the next level of deliciousness!
Spice up your next BBQ with this yummy dish.
9. Creamed Corn
This Creamed Corn will be your new favorite potluck side dish, and you can have this on your table in about 20 minutes.
You will love this creamy and full-of-flavor dish that you simply can’t get enough of. Plus, we assure you, you will never go back to canned creamed corn. Never, ever, when you have this delicious recipe!
Try it and make your summer potlucks or events unbelievably quick and easy.
10. Refried Beans
Make this easy Refried Beans side dish when you crave Mexican food and you’ll never go back to store-bought canned again.
All you need are a few easy ingredients and minimal effort to get this restaurant-quality dish at home.
It’s a seriously delicious contender for Taco Tuesday potlucks, just don’t admit how easy it was to make!
11. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
This Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is creamy and full of savory, sweet and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for your potlucks, summer cookouts, and barbeques.
A very straightforward dish to make, the secret to this delicious salad is in the dressing. Just follow some tips and tricks and you’ll get the best side dish for your next luau.
Better make a big bowl, this salad is going to be popular!
12. Caesar Salad
Caesar Salad is an all time favorite classic that goes with everything. And all you need is your favorite protein to turn it into an easy and healthy meal.
This super popular salad is easy to master at home and all you need is lettuce, croutons, parm cheese, and a creamy delicious home made dressing.
Take this elegant side dish to your next potluck and watch it disappear. And everyone will definitely want a copy of this recipe!
13. Grilled Zucchini
It’s summer, that means it’s time to fire up the grill. And have we found the perfect side dish for the season, Grilled Zucchini!
Your favorite summer squash has never been more delicious. A little bit of seasoning is all it takes, then let your grill work its magic.
Once you try it, we bet you’ll be pairing it with just about everything!
14. Watermelon Salad (10-Minute Potluck Side Dish)
Have some pool side party or BBQ get together coming up? Make this super easy and quick fruit salad, which is refreshing and inviting to every single person.
This vibrant Watermelon Salad is just what you need on any hot summer day. Our watermelon salad recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, juicy watermelon chunks, fresh mint leaves, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of lemon and honey for an added zesty kick.
15. Balela Salad
Introduce this Middle Eastern classic, Balela Salad, at your next potluck and get ready to receive rave reviews.
This hearty and colorful salad is bursting with delicious flavors and interesting textures. Just toss chickpeas, black beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, parsley, and mint in a super easy zesty dressing.
Try this healthy and protein rich veggie salad: you’ll love the seriously yummy flavors.
16. Mediterranean Pasta
This colorful Mediterranean Pasta is quick, easy and versatile. It can be whipped in just 20 minutes and can be meatless or add your favorite protein.
And missing an ingredient? No problem, substitute with another!
So when you want something quick and delicious for your next potluck, this Mediterranean dish can be a side or main dish. Either way, everyone will love it!
17. Green Beans Almondine
Convert your boring green beans into an elegant and classic French dish with our Green Beans Almondine recipe.
This fancy side dish features crunchy green beans tossed with tender shallots, garlic with bright lemony notes, and topped with buttery, toasted almonds.
A quick and easy dish to make and perfect for those potluck holiday dinners with friends and family.
18. Vietnamese Chicken Salad
Tired of your regular chicken salad? Then try our superb version of Vietnamese Chicken Salad.
This delicious one bowl meal is loaded with vibrant freshness from crunchy veggies, shredded chicken, and lots of herbs. And every bite has the perfect combination of flavors, thanks to our Nuoc Cham dressing.
Add a generous serving of peanuts on top and wait for all compliments at your next potluck!
19. Mexican Street Corn Salad
A sensational treat, this Mexican Street Corn Salad will be the new favorite at your next cookout or potluck.
This salad is an irresistible and delicious combination of fire-roasted corn seasoned with lime juice, mayo, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
A perfect side dish for your next Taco Tuesday get together!
20. Rainbow Pasta Salad
This Rainbow Pasta Salad will be a colorful side dish for your potlucks, cook outs and BBQs any time of the year. And it’s ridiculously easy to make and delicious at the same time.
The best part of this dish is that it needs less than 30 minutes of your time. Plus, it’s a super forgiving recipe that can include almost anything that you have in your fridge that day.
Serve with your favorite protein for a complete meal and a loaf of crusty French bread.
21. Maque Choux (Cajun Potluck Side Dish)
Get ready to experience this Louisiana Cajun dish, Maque Choux. This corn dish, perfect for summer when corn season is at it’s peak, is sweet, savory and a little spicy.
A combination of corn, bell peppers, and onions are sauteed in bacon grease along with creole seasoning and other flavor enhancers. Considered a side dish, it can easily become a main with the addition of seafood or meat.
A great potluck or BBQ side dish that goes great with ribs, chicken or seafood.
22. Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Bored with the same old cornbread recipe? Then give it a spicy Mexican upgrade with our fantastic Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread.
This cornbread is made from scratch and adding bacon, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos takes it to the next level.
It’s the perfect side dish for your next potluck, and leftovers go great with soup or a salad for lunch.
23. Mango Salad
Let’s celebrate summer with this fantastic, refreshing Mango Salad recipe. This cool and delicious salad is super healthy, nutritious and colorful.
Best of all, it’s a quick fix! The three main ingredients are tossed with a spicy, sweet, and savory dressing and toasted peanuts are added to give it a nice crunch.
A yummy, chilled side dish that’s especially good with BBQ ribs, chicken and seafood.
24. Steak Fries
Everyone loves fries and these Steak Fries are a breeze to make at home and are healthier than your usual soggy French fries.
These thick potatoes wedges are perfectly seasoned and are super crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
They make a perfect side dish with your favorite grilled steak and will be wildly popular at your next BBQ potluck.
25. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
When you’re looking for an interesting and delicious salad, this traditional Greek Salad, popularly known as Horiatiki, will fit the bill.
This fantastic salad is loaded with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, capers, and feta cheese. It’s then drizzled with a simple herb dressing and can serve as a main dish with added meat or seafood.
If you have a Mediterranean-themed potluck, this Horiatiki will fit in just perfectly!
26. Southern Squash Casserole
If you’re a lover of southern food, then this classic Southern Squash Casserole recipe is just for you. It will make a great side dish for your holiday dinners, potlucks or anytime you fry chicken!
Imagine your favorite sweet squash folded in a creamy cheesy sauce and then topped with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a super cozy comfort food that is so delicious everyone will keep coming back for more!
Pair this yummy casserole as a side dish with grilled, fried or BBQ mains for an authentic Southern meal.
27. Cherry Tomato Gratin
This beautiful Cherry Tomato Gratin recipe couldn’t be any easier. It simply needs a few minutes of work time to get this healthy and delicious casserole to your next potluck, BBQ or cookout.
The slightly blistered tomatoes and crispy baguette cubes are drizzled with olive oil, herbs, and a slight shaving of parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes and your yummy, colorful casserole is done!
Enjoy!
28. Hibachi Fried Rice
Made famous by Japanese steakhouses, this Hibachi Fried Rice, is delicious and quick and easy to make.
A perfect dish when you have leftover rice, you’ll also need veggies, ginger, garlic, eggs, flavor enhancers and the hero of this dish: butter! Add your favorite meat or seafood and you’ll have a complete meal in one pan.
A great side dish for a BBQ potluck!
29. Spanish Summer Salad (Pipirrana)
Another sensational salad to celebrate summer is this Spanish version, Spanish Summer Salad (Pipirrana).
This fabulous salad has fresh sweet tomatoes, crunchy peppers, cucumbers, olives, and hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein punch. It’s healthy, nutritious and completely addictive, so make a big bowl!
This authentic Spanish Salad will be the star of your outdoor events and potlucks.
30. Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
This Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan recipe is perfect for holidays potlucks or any family get-togethers.
Your usual sweet potatoes will gets a 5-star make-over with a glaze made of maple syrup and spicey chili. Add tasty, crunchy pecans and you have a fabulous side dish that will quickly disappear!
Enjoy!
31. Fried Green Tomatoes
If you’re from the South, these Fried Green Tomatoes are a must in the summertime!
Well seasoned and super crispy on the outside, with a tender and succulent inside, they’re perfect as an appetizer or side dish, or even just an anytime snack.
Fried Green Tomatoes isn’t just the name of a movie from the early 90’s, they’re one addictive treat that you just have to try!
32. Tabbouleh
If you’re looking for a new salad recipe, we have just the one… Tabbouleh!
This famous Levantine salad is bursting with herby flavors from plenty of fresh parsley, veggie power from tomatoes and cucumber, and it has a hearty bite from bulgur wheat.
And once you drizzle on that easy homemade dressing… perfection!
33. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Wow everyone with our Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel at your next holiday meal, potluck or everyday dinner. This buttery, scrumptious side dish will be the star of the meal!
In this warm and cozy classic dish, you jazz up your sweet potato casserole with crunchy, buttery, sweet nutty pecans. Yum!
Give it a try! It will become your family’s new favorite in no time.
34. Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions
This Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions is a classic side dish from your grandmother’s generation. And, the best part, it’s super easy to make at home.
To make this elegant side dish, you’ll need basic pantry staples, pearl onions and less than 20 minutes of your time. Nothing could be easier!
A perfect side dish for your family’s potluck Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. Enjoy!
35. Cowboy Caviar
Is this a salsa? Or a salad? Or a dip?? Cowboy Caviar… This colorful, no-cook, hearty appetizer will take care of all your get togethers.
Make a giant bowl of Cowboy Caviar, throw in some tortilla chips and the entire party will be scooping this till it disappears.
Oh my, so many amazing potluck side dishes to try. You better get cooking!
Check out these other great recipe collections!
Potluck Recipe Ideas
Potluck Appetizers
Potluck Desserts
Pasta Salad Recipes
Coleslaw Recipes
Macaroni Salad Recipes
Potato Salad Recipes
Fruit Salad Recipes
Jello Salad Recipes
35 BEST Potluck Side Dishes
This collection of Potluck Side Dishes includes plenty of different recipes that are sure to wow the crowd at your next gathering!
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrot, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1.5 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, carrot and dressing.
- Taste and adjust sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper to your liking.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 133Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 6mgSodium 237mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 2g
Nutrition information calculated by Nutritionix.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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