Potlucks offer an opportunity for friends to come together and share their culinary creativity. What’s not to love about a gathering where everyone contributes their favorite dish?
The challenge, however, lies in deciding what to bring, particularly when tasked with creating a side dish that complements the other offerings.
To alleviate this concern, we’ve compiled a list of 18 mouthwatering potluck side dishes, each carefully selected to provide a perfect accompaniment to any spread.
Scallion And Greek Yogurt Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
While its elegant presentation and rich flavor may lead you to believe that this dish requires a significant amount of effort, nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward and quick to prepare. The majority of your time will be spent on simple assembly rather than active cooking, allowing you to focus on other tasks while still impressing your guests with a seemingly complex culinary masterpiece.
Greek Pasta Salad
When the summer season calls for a refreshing and flavorful potluck contribution, our Greek Pasta Salad is an ideal choice. Not only does it boast a delightful balance of light and bold flavors, but its ease of preparation makes it perfect for those with limited time on their hands. By combining the essence of summertime with olives, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, this salad is sure to be a hit.
To take it to the next level, we recommend utilizing high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for an added depth of flavor.
Sesame Soba Noodles
For Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, this Sesame Soba Noodles recipe is a must-try (also check out ’30 Of The Easiest Noodle Recipes’). This dish is a umami flavor bomb that’s not only incredibly easy to prepare but also remarkably versatile. One of its greatest strengths lies in its flexibility – it can be served hot or cold, making it an ideal choice for potlucks where attendees may have different preferences.
Moreover, the recipe allows you to add your favorite vegetables with ease, making it a great way to use up any fresh produce you might have on hand.
Easy Sauteed Zucchini
When attending potluck parties, many individuals tend to bring their most indulgent dishes, making for an overindulgent experience. However, this can be overwhelming for some guests. For those seeking a lighter option, the Easy Sauteed Zucchini recipe is an excellent choice. This side dish is perfect for summer gatherings or BBQs and requires minimal effort to prepare.
Lemon Dijon Roast Potatoes And Broccoli
For those who crave the freshness of a salad but yearn for something heartier, we suggest exploring the delightful fusion of flavors and textures found in our Lemon Dijon Roast Potatoes And Broccoli recipe. This satisfying dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Tabbouleh
When it comes to potluck parties, the Eastern Mediterranean cuisine is a crowd-pleaser. This tabbouleh recipe is sure to impress, and the best part? It requires no cooking whatsoever! For optimal flavor, don’t be shy about using generous amounts of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and aromatic herbs.
If you want to take your potluck game to the next level, consider pairing this side dish with some crusty sourdough bread and a dollop of creamy homemade hummus (see our related article on what hummus tastes like).
Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Rice
For those short on time or not enthralled by the idea of devoting hours to cooking, this Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan rice is a lifesaver. This straightforward recipe is designed to please even the most discerning palates at your next gathering. At its core are two essential components: fluffy white rice and nutty parmesan cheese. To elevate the dish to new heights, we suggest investing in premium long-grain Jasmine rice and freshly shredded parmesan.
Finally, bring it all together by serving the rice with a sprinkle of fragrant parsley for added visual appeal.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
When planning a potluck, it’s natural to worry about pleasing the pickiest of eaters. One tried-and-true crowd-pleaser is a classic dish that combines two beloved ingredients: potatoes and cheese. This indulgent scalloped potato recipe is sure to be a hit, with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Make no mistake, guests will be coming back for not just seconds, but thirds – so be prepared to make a generous batch!
Zucchini, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Bacon, And Crispy Onions
This BBQ potato salad recipe is a showstopper at any summer gathering. Its tangy and salty flavors create an irresistible combination that pairs perfectly with grilled favorites like burgers or hot dogs. Your friends and family will be begging for the recipe, so don’t be surprised if it’s the star of your next potluck. Go ahead and indulge in this creamy delight!
Sweet Vinegar Coleslaw
Looking to shake up the usual coleslaw routine? This chunky, zesty recipe is the perfect antidote. Not only does it make a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with any meat, but it’s also versatile enough to be used as a creative filling in sandwiches or burgers. Imagine it – pulled-pork sandwich goodness, elevated by the tangy slaw, or a spicy bean burger given an extra boost of flavor and texture. This slaw is sure to bring a fresh twist to your next potluck or gathering.
Taco Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a beloved summer staple, but sometimes it’s nice to shake things up from the classic mayo-based recipes. That’s why we’re excited to share this vibrant taco pasta salad recipe with you! This flavor-packed dish combines traditional Mexican flavors, offering a delightful twist on the usual potluck fare.
Smoked Salmon Poke Bites
Potlucks can be a delightful way to bring people together, but let’s face it – they can also be messy affairs. One-pot dishes might be convenient, but they can quickly overwhelm the table. That’s why we’re excited to share this Smoked Salmon Poke Bite recipe, which offers a refreshing alternative. Not only are these bite-sized morsels easy to make and serve, but they’re also surprisingly healthy and visually appealing. The best part?
They’re small enough that guests will likely go back for seconds (or thirds, or fourths…). Just be sure to prepare a large batch, as their popularity is sure to grow!
Green Goddess Salad
As enthusiasts of culinary innovation and trendsetters, the phrase ‘Green Goddess Salad’ probably rings a bell. What’s impressive about this dish is its ability to exceed expectations and deliver on the excitement surrounding it.
Southern Style Baked Beans
Imagine walking into a party and being greeted by the unmistakable aroma of mouth-wateringly delicious baked beans. Yes, you read that right – baked beans at a party! But trust us, this Southern-Style Baked Beans recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in generous use of spices, so don’t be shy. To take it to the next level, we recommend using high-quality, smoked thick-cut bacon that adds a satisfying texture and depth of flavor.
This dish is particularly well-suited for pairing with BBQ favorites, but its appeal extends far beyond that.
Grilled Asparagus
Hosting a gathering that caters to vegetarians? This mouthwatering grilled asparagus recipe is bound to steal the show! Its vibrant flavor profile – a harmonious balance of zesty, buttery, and fresh notes – makes it an excellent addition to any main course. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a starring attraction, this delectable offering is sure to impress.
Berry Delicious Fruit Salad
Sweet treats often take a backseat at gatherings. Yet, they’re always a hit! What better way to balance out the savory dishes than with a refreshing fruit salad? This recipe is particularly impressive, featuring a honey-lime-fresh mint dressing that elevates the flavors of the fruit. To achieve optimal results, be sure to use seasonal fruits that are as ripe as possible.
Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes
Indulge in the harmonious union of garlic, butter, cheese, and potatoes, as this recipe will surely delight your taste buds! The potatoes are transformed into a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, all while being smothered in an indulgent yet fresh buttery marinade. To take these spuds to the next level, consider sprinkling them with crunchy bacon bits and fragrant parsley.
And remember, the key to unlocking their full potential lies in using the precise amount of garlic – don’t be shy, as a little goes a long way! Go ahead, treat yourself to this delightful dish.
Conclusion
The allure of potlucks lies in their ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and shared culinary experiences. As we hope this list will inspire you to venture into uncharted cooking territory and delight those around you with the fruits of your labor.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.