25 Potluck Ideas

1. Creamy pasta salad

This creamy pasta salad (with homemade egg-free mayonnaise) is excellent for potlucks, barbeques, cookouts, and picnics.

It’s a quick and versatile meal, and you can serve it as a starter, side dish, or light and refreshing main.

2. Farro salad

The next meal on our list is a tasty, satisfying, and colorful farro salad with a creamy mustard dressing.

It’s excellent to make ahead and bring to potlucks, barbecues, cookouts, and picnics or as a healthy lunch or quick dinner.

This grain-based meal can be conveniently prepped beforehand and maintain its fresh flavors and textures for days.

3. Muhammara

This Muhammara dip is a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired spread, bursting with the rich flavors of roasted red peppers, walnuts, and herbs.

Bring it to your potluck will undoubtedly add an exotic twist to the gathering and delight everyone’s taste buds with its unique and savory profile.

TIP: store leftover muhammara in the fridge for up to 5 days. We recommend putting it in a small bowl or an airtight container and cover by a thin layer of olive oil and plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

4. Hummus

Hummus is an excellent potluck companion as it adds a touch of Mediterranean flair and a creamy dip option to the gathering.

Just bring some pita or Naan bread for dipping, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both healthy and delicious.

5. Falafel

Falafel is a delicious blend of chickpeas, herbs, and spices formed into crispy, bite–sized balls.

Its handheld nature makes it easy for guests to enjoy without the need for utensils, and since it is vegetarian and vegan–friendly, it accommodates all dietary preferences.

TIP: Serve it with tahini sauce and pita bread for a complete Middle-Eastern dish.

6. Rice salad

The next potluck superstar is a convenient Italian–inspired rice salad you can make a few days in advance.

It’s easy to travel with, and whether you serve it warm or chilled, this crowd-pleasing dish adds a wholesome touch to any potluck gathering.

7. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is the perfect potluck choice because the apples provide a refreshing contrast and prevent the cabbage from wilting.

This creamy salad remains fresh and crunchy throughout the event and makes for a versatile side dish with any main.

8. Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad is a quick and tasty way of enjoying this healthy vegetable as a creamy and crunchy side dish for BBQs, parties, and potlucks.

This recipe is lighter as we replace sundried tomatoes with bacon and use homemade mayonnaise for the dressing.

TIP: you can make this broccoli salad two days before, and it will taste even better.

9. Banana zucchini bread

This banana zucchini bread offers a moist, tender crumb and rich flavor, making it an irresistible treat for gatherings.

It’s an excellent snack similar to banana bread, and it’s great for sharing as it pleases diverse palates but also offers a healthier twist to a beloved classic. It’s a crowd–pleaser for holidays, potluck, and parties.

10. Orzo salad

Orzo salad is a healthy potluck idea and offers a bowl of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing.

Packed with fiber-rich orzo and colorful veggies, it provides essential nutrients while keeping calories in check.

TIP: you can make orzo salad up to a day in advance. We advise against making it earlier since the veggies tend to lose their crunch.

11. Moroccan carrot salad

Here is a Mediterranean salad with sweet roasted carrots, aromatic cumin, and zesty lemon dressing that you must try.

Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching side dish to your potluck event, while its versatility as a vegetarian dish ensures it’s a crowd–pleaser for all to enjoy.

12. Lighter mashed potatoes

Elevate your office party or potluck with this velvety smooth mashed potatoes, a side dish that guarantees satisfied taste buds.

With only five ingredients, you can turn your potatoes into a creamy-licious mash that makes an excellent potluck dish.

TIP: Serve it with a square of butter and chives, or enjoy it with our delicious mushroom gravy on top.

13. Pesto pasta

Pesto pasta is the perfect potluck crowd–pleaser, where fresh basil and pine nuts marry zesty garlic for a convenient and delicious dish.

We’ll show you how to make a quick and easy pesto pasta as they do it in Italy, and this recipe is also with dairy-free instructions.

14. Romesco sauce

Drizzle this creamy romesco sauce over grilled vegetables, or serve it as a dip for crusty bread to add a touch of Mediterranean magic to your potluck gathering.

You can make this quick sauce at home with simple pantry staples that you can find in most supermarkets.

15. Bruschetta

Bruschetta offers a combination of tomato flavor and crispy bread, making it a crowd–pleaser at any potluck.

Serve it as a delicious and easy–to–share addition to your gathering as a Mediterranean input.

TIP: Top your bruschetta with other toppings, such as cheese, sauteed mushrooms, and olive tapenade.

16. Chickpea pasta salad

This chickpea pasta salad is versatile, tasty, and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and plant–based protein from wholesome ingredients.

It’s a crowd-pleasing option that’ll make your potluck unforgettable. Find this recipe at the bottom of the page, in the recipe box.

17. Spaghetti salad

Spaghetti salad is a potluck favorite; it combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh veggies and herbs.

Tossed in a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a veggie–packed, crowd–pleasing dish perfect for sharing.

TIP: You have to swap wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta brand for gluten-free.

18. Eggplant dip

Surprise guests at your potluck and community event with this creamy, smoky eggplant dip.

Roasted eggplant blended with tahini creates a velvety texture, while a medley of Mediterranean spices adds exquisite flavor.

TIP: Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered with foil in the fridge for two to three days. Stir in some fresh lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil before serving it.

19. Macaroni salad

This creamy macaroni salad can be made with simple veggies and a tangy mayo-yogurt dressing. The result is a delicious dish with a cooling crunch and irresistible creaminess.

TIP: You can make it ahead and serve it as a main or side dish for potlucks and office events.

20. Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad is a quick and refreshing way to enjoy this healthy vegetable as a creamy and crunchy side dish for BBQs, parties, and potlucks.

Whether served as a side dish or the main attraction, this broccoli salad adds a healthy and flavorful touch to any potluck spread.

21. Watermelon salad

This watermelon salad is excellent for picnics and potlucks and as a light and healthy meal, as it will leave you satisfied and hydrated.

TIP: to get ahead in the kitchen, you can dice the watermelon in advance and keep it in an airtight container or a bowl wrapped in plastic for up to a day.

Avoid mixing the salad more than a couple of hours ahead; combining the ingredients shortly before serving is best.

22. Creamy dill potato salad

Dill potato salad is creamy, tangy, and excellent to make ahead for BBQs, cookouts, picnics, and potlucks.

It’s a crowd–pleasing side dish for an everyday dinner, and it stores well in the fridge for up to three days.

23. Zaalouk

Zaalouk is a delicious Moroccan dip made from roasted eggplants and tomatoes infused with aromatic spices and herbs.

It has a smoky flavor and rich texture, making it a perfect addition to any potluck or office event.

24. Black bean salad

The tender roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious contrast to earthy black beans and colorful bell peppers, making this salad crowd–pleasing.

With its nutritious and hearty components, this salad is also a meal–planning superstar, making it a wholesome option for lunches throughout the week.

25. Vegan brownies

Our rich vegan brownies are the last item on this list of potluck ideas. This dessert is without dairy or eggs, making them inclusive of all dietary preferences.

Their fudgy texture and intense flavor will undoubtedly be the star of your potluck and show that plant–based desserts can be just as indulgent as traditional ones.

More easy potluck ideas

Wow your guests with these easy and nutritious potluck ideas that store well in the fridge:

• Grain bowls and salads (barley salad, zucchini salad)
• Potato sides (loaded potatoes, air fryer potatoes, roasted carrots and potatoes)
• Dips (spinach dip, onion dip, guacamole, tzatziki)
• Spreads (pesto, white bean dip, avocado spread)

Three tips for stress-free potluck ideas:

1. Double the Recipe: If you have a go-to recipe that’s easy to make, consider doubling the quantities to ensure enough to go around.
2. Make Ahead: Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance and taste just as good (or better) when served later. This will reduce the stress of last-minute cooking.
3. Plan for Dietary Restrictions: Ask guests about dietary restrictions in advance so you can plan accordingly. Prepare at least one dish that caters to specific dietary needs, for example, gluten–free, vegetarian, and vegan options.