35 Potluck Ideas

Whether you’re organizing an office lunch, a family reunion, or a community event, these 35 potluck ideas offer easy and enjoyable meal solutions.

Potlucks are an excellent way to unite people, share delicious food, and celebrate community. Therefore, we offer inclusive and simple recipes for preparing, transporting, and serving.

From hearty main dishes to crowd–pleasing sides and delectable desserts, you’ll find options to delight everyone at the gathering.

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 that can be served as a starter, side dish, or light dinner idea.

2. Stuffed bell peppers

These vegetarian bell peppers are excellent to make ahead and bring to potlucks, barbecues, cookouts, and picnics.

They make a healthy Mediterranean meal with a lentil and rice–based filling.

Also, they are conveniently prepped beforehand and maintain their 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.

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. Quinoa salad

The next potluck superstar is a convenient Mexican–inspired quinoa 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 side dish for summer events and winter gatherings.

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

8. Broccoli salad

Broccoli salad is a quick and tasty way of enjoying this cruciferous 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 and yogurt for the dressing.

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

9. Stuffed zucchini

Stuffed zucchini is an excellent choice for a potluck meal due to its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to accommodate various dietary preferences.

Whether served as a vegetarian main course or a side dish, these ricotta-stuffed zucchini are delicious and visually appealing, making it a hit at any gathering.

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, though, as the veggies tend to lose their crunch.

11. Chickpea quinoa salad

Here is a Mediterranean salad with chickpeas, olives, fresh veggies, 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.

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.

13. Sweet potato casserole

Vegan sweet potato casserole is an excellent potluck side dish or dessert. It offers comfort and indulgence in a plant-based and dairy–free format.

Its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and crowd–pleasing appeal make it a standout option that suits a variety of diets.

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. Tortillas with refried beans

Our next potluck item is a build–it–yourself meal. Crispy corn tortillas are topped with savory refried beans, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso.

These tortillas are easy to assemble and perfect for sharing at your next gathering.

16. Vegetable lasagna

Vegetable lasagna is a fantastic choice for a potluck meal. It is a satisfying and flavorful option that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Its layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and various vegetables make it a hearty, nutritious dish that appeals to vegetarians and omnivores alike.

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 fresh lemon juice and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

19. Macaroni salad

This creamy macaroni salad can be made with simple veggies and a tangy mayo-yogurt dressing. It’s a delicious pasta 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. Vinegar coleslaw

Vinegar coleslaw with green apple is an excellent addition to any potluck. It offers a light, tangy, and refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.

With its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors, this coleslaw variation brings a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and savory elements.

21. Watermelon salad

Watermelon salad is excellent for picnics and potlucks and as a light and healthy meal. It will leave you satisfied and hydrated.

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

Mix the salad no more than a few hours ahead; combine the ingredients shortly before serving.

22. Creamy dill potato salad

Dill potato salad is creamy and tangy, and it’s 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. Avocado spread

Creamy avocado spread with tahini is a beautiful dip to serve at your next potluck.

Its tangy flavor and rich texture make 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 recipe is also a meal–planning superstar, making it a wholesome option for lunches throughout the week.

25. Vegan brownies

Our rich vegan brownies do not contain dairy or eggs, making them suitable for 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.

26. Apple crisp

From early fall through Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, this vegan apple crisp is the perfect recipe for special potluck meals and as an everyday treat.

The apples are soft and packed with aromas. The top is perfectly golden and crisp, almost like eating apple pie without doing all the work.

27. Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana consists of layers of tender eggplant, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, creating a protein–rich vegetarian dish.

It’s easy to prepare in advance, making it perfect for potlucks and meal prep.

28. Mushroom Wellington

Mushroom Wellington is a stunning vegetarian centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to assemble.

Protein–rich lentils, walnuts, and mushrooms are wrapped in flaky puff pastry for a satisfying main course.

29. Zucchini banana bread

Zucchini banana bread is a clever way to sneak extra vegetables into a beloved treat.

It’s easy to make and great for using up overripe bananas and excess zucchini. It’s also a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, brunch, and cookouts.

30. Easy pasta salad

Pasta salad with white beans is a quick and versatile dish for feeding a crowd.

This 20–minute dish is easily customizable and stores well in the fridge for about three days.

31. White bean dip

White bean dip is a protein–rich alternative to traditional hummus that’s incredibly easy to make.

Serve it for your next potluck, perfect for pairing with fresh vegetables and whole grain crackers.

32. Mediterranean salad

Next on our potluck list is a colorful and refreshing salad that’s easy to assemble and visually appealing.

This bean salad is a healthy choice featuring heart–healthy olive oil and nutrient-dense legumes and vegetables.

33. Pumpkin pasta bake

This comforting pumpkin casserole is easy to transport and reheat at the potluck.

It’s perfect for kids and adults and a great and subtle way to add more veggies to your plate.

34. Chickpea pasta salad

Chickpea pasta salad is an easy potluck option, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Protein-rich chickpeas make this a satisfying vegetarian main dish that everyone will love.

35. Zucchini boats

Your guests will love these zucchini boats, which are easy to make with simple pantry staples and have a rich Italian-inspired flavor.

Like our stuffed eggplant and stuffed butternut squash, zucchini boats are excellent main courses for a delicious meal with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Tips for stress-free potluck ideas:

1. Double the Recipe: If you have an easy-to-make recipe, consider doubling the quantities to ensure there is 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, such as gluten–free, vegetarian, or vegan options.