Summer potlucks are all about good food, good company, and not breaking the bank! We've rounded up some of the most delicious and budget-friendly dishes that are guaranteed to impress your guests.
From zesty salads to comforting sides, these recipes are perfect for any casual get-together, ensuring your next potluck is a flavorful success without a hefty price tag..
Table of Contents
Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
These deviled eggs are a vibrant and flavorful twist on a classic, infused with the smoky, tangy, and creamy notes of Mexican street corn.
Each bite is a delightful surprise, combining the familiar comfort of deviled eggs with the exciting flavors of elote.
They're perfect for adding a pop of color and taste to any potluck spread..
Pro Tip: Make the deviled egg filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; fill the egg whites just before serving to keep them fresh.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Deviled Eggs
Dill Pickle Dip
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this cool and creamy dill pickle dip! Packed with the tangy crunch of pickles and the fresh zest of dill, this dip is incredibly easy to make and utterly addictive.
It's the perfect companion for a variety of dippers, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering..
Pro Tip: For an extra pickle punch, mix a few extra finely chopped pickles into the dip just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
This retro dessert salad is a delightful medley of sweet, salty, and tart flavors, all in one no-bake treat.
A crunchy pretzel crust forms the base for a creamy, dreamy layer, all topped with a vibrant strawberry Jell-O mixture filled with real strawberries.
It's a refreshing and fun dessert that's always a showstopper..
Pro Tip: To prevent the pretzel crust from becoming soggy, ensure the cream cheese layer is spread evenly to create a good seal before adding the Jell-O topping.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Transport your taste buds south of the border with this vibrant off-the-cob version of Mexican street corn.
Roasted corn kernels mingle with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and cilantro, all coated in a creamy, zesty dressing.
It's a refreshing and flavorful salad that's perfect as a side dish or a light meal..
Pro Tip: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Peach Pico de Gallo
Add a burst of fresh, fruity flavor to your next meal with this delightful peach pico de gallo.
The sweetness of ripe peaches pairs perfectly with tomatoes, jalapeño, and lime for a vibrant salsa that's both refreshing and full of character.
It’s fantastic with chips or as a topping for grilled dishes..
Pro Tip: For a chunkier salsa, pulse the ingredients in the food processor in batches, stopping before it's completely smooth.
Get the Recipe: Peach Pico de Gallo
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is a fun and flavorful twist, bringing together the creamy, tangy goodness of deviled eggs with tender pasta and crisp veggies.
It’s a hearty and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from BBQs to holiday meals.
The combination of familiar flavors makes it an instant crowd-pleaser..
Pro Tip: Make this pasta salad ahead of time; the flavors meld and deepen beautifully overnight.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
S'mores Icebox Cake
Bring the campfire indoors with this no-bake S'mores Icebox Cake! Layers of graham crackers, creamy marshmallow fluff, and rich chocolate pudding create a dreamy dessert that’s reminiscent of everyone's favorite outdoor treat.
It's a cool, decadent, and easy-to-make indulgence that’s perfect for any celebration..
Pro Tip: Toast the mini marshmallows on top with a kitchen torch for an extra authentic s'mores flavor.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Icebox Cake
The Best Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly cheesy and creamy baked mac and cheese.
Tender noodles are enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust.
It's a foolproof recipe that's guaranteed to be a family favorite and a potluck superstar..
Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce, as pre-shredded cheese can sometimes lead to a grainy texture.
Get the Recipe: The Best Mac & Cheese
Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Savor the comforting, rich flavors of slow-cooked baked beans, a timeless classic for any gathering.
Made with tender navy beans, savory bacon, and a sweet, molasses-infused sauce, these beans are hearty and deeply satisfying.
They’re the perfect side dish to complement grilled meats or any potluck spread..
Pro Tip: Make these beans ahead of time; they taste even better when the flavors have had a chance to meld overnight.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Baked Beans
Ultimate Potato Salad
This is the potato salad you've been dreaming of! Creamy, tangy, and loaded with classic additions like hard-boiled eggs, crunchy celery, and onion, this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.
It’s the perfect picnic staple that’s sure to be devoured by everyone at your next summer event..
Pro Tip: Chill the potato salad for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Potato Salad
Pimiento Cheese Spread
Dive into the rich, tangy, and slightly spicy world of authentic Southern pimiento cheese.
This creamy spread, made with sharp cheddar, tangy pimientos, and just the right touch of cayenne, is incredibly versatile.
Enjoy it with crackers, celery, or as a delicious sandwich filling..
Pro Tip: For the best texture and flavor, always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
Get the Recipe: Pimiento Cheese Spread
Green Bean Potato Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Add a Mediterranean flair to your potluck with this vibrant and easy green bean potato salad.
Featuring tender potatoes and crisp green beans tossed in a flavorful sun-dried tomato pesto and olive oil dressing, this mayo-free dish is as refreshing as it is delicious.
It's a simple, gluten-free side that's perfect for outdoor entertaining..
Pro Tip: This salad is best made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. Keep it chilled until serving.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Potato Salad with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Simple Creamy Coleslaw
This easy coleslaw recipe delivers a creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced flavor that’s ideal for summer gatherings.
With a slightly sweet dressing made from honey and apple cider vinegar, it’s a refreshing contrast to rich grilled foods.
It comes together in minutes, making it a go-to potluck side..
Pro Tip: For the best texture, allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to soften the cabbage slightly.
Get the Recipe: Simple Creamy Coleslaw
Best Homemade Biscuits
Whip up a batch of the best homemade buttermilk biscuits that are impossibly soft, flaky, and golden.
This simple 6-ingredient recipe is perfect for any meal, offering buttery layers of pure comfort.
Serve them warm with your favorite toppings for a touch of homemade goodness..
Pro Tip: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, lard, and buttermilk, are very cold for the flakiest results.
Get the Recipe: Best Homemade Biscuits
Cornbread Salad
Experience a delightful Southern favorite with this cornbread salad, featuring crumbled jalapeno cheddar cornbread layered with savory bacon, beans, and fresh veggies.
Bound together with a creamy ranch dressing, it’s a substantial and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any potluck or barbecue, especially when made ahead..
Pro Tip: This salad is best assembled at least a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cornbread to absorb some of the dressing.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Salad
Lemon Brownies
Brighten up any occasion with these incredibly easy lemon brownies! Made with a cake mix and a few simple ingredients, they're wonderfully soft, chewy, and packed with a delightful citrusy punch.
The tangy lemon glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes these brownies utterly irresistible..
Pro Tip: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain their chewy texture.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Brownies
Easy Cowboy Caviar
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this vibrant Cowboy Caviar! This colorful bean salad is brimming with black beans, corn, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime dressing.
It's the perfect dip for chips or a refreshing side dish that's as healthy as it is delicious, tasting even better the next day..
Pro Tip: For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños to the mix.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cowboy Caviar
Dill Pickle Chopped Salad
Satisfy your pickle craving with this uniquely delicious Dill Pickle Chopped Salad! It's a refreshing mix of crunchy greens, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dill pickle dressing that's bursting with flavor.
This salad is a fantastic way to enjoy pickle goodness in a lighter, more satisfying format..
Pro Tip: Add croutons or pita chips just before serving for extra crunch.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Chopped Salad
Strawberry Dip
Whip up this delightful Strawberry Dip for a sweet treat that's as easy as it is delicious! Combining fresh strawberries with creamy whipped topping and cream cheese, it's a luscious, fluffy dip perfect for dipping fruit, cookies, or graham crackers.
It's a simple, no-bake dessert that’s always a hit..
Pro Tip: If the dip liquefies slightly after storing, simply give it a good stir before serving.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Dip
Potluck Pickle Wraps
These Potluck Pickle Wraps are the ultimate 3-ingredient appetizer that are ridiculously easy to make and incredibly addictive.
Simply spread cream cheese on ham, wrap around a dill pickle, chill, and slice.
They're a perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering!.
Pro Tip: Soften the cream cheese at room temperature or briefly in the microwave for easier spreading.
Get the Recipe: Potluck Pickle Wraps
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Bursting with fresh flavors and minimal effort, this Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad is a summer dream! With just five ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a delightful and light dish that works perfectly as a main or a side.
It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for any cookout or barbecue..
Pro Tip: This pasta salad keeps well, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
Lemon Delight Dessert
Experience pure bliss with this layered Lemon Delight dessert, also known as Lemon Lush! Featuring a buttery walnut crust, a dreamy cream cheese layer, and bright lemon pudding, all topped with cool whip, it’s a refreshing and utterly delicious treat.
It’s perfect for sharing and can even be made a day in advance..
Pro Tip: If you don't like lemon, try chocolate or pistachio instant pudding for a different flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Delight Dessert
Seven Layer Salad
A true Southern classic, this Seven Layer Salad is a showstopper for any occasion! Each layer offers a delightful combination of fresh lettuce, crisp vegetables, savory cheese, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs, all tied together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
It's a beautiful and delicious salad that’s perfect for potlucks..
Pro Tip: To keep the bacon crisp and cheese fresh, add them just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
This delightful Fruit Salad with Cool Whip is a refreshing and sweet treat, perfect for summer cookouts and potlucks.
It's a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy a medley of fresh fruits tossed with a light, creamy dressing, making it a beloved dessert that appeals to all ages..
Pro Tip: For best results, use the freshest seasonal fruits available to maximize flavor.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
S'mores Bars
Bring the campfire indoors with these incredibly easy S'mores Bars! They feature a graham cracker cookie base layered with rich milk chocolate and gooey marshmallows, creating a taste that’s just like classic s'mores.
Ready in just 30 minutes, they're a perfect gooey, chocolatey, and buttery treat..
Pro Tip: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing; they are much easier to cut when firm.
Get the Recipe: S'mores Bars
Watermelon Skewers
Add a pop of color and refreshing sweetness to your next gathering with these vibrant Watermelon Skewers! With juicy watermelon, sweet melon, salty prosciutto, and mozzarella pearls, all drizzled with balsamic glaze, they're a delightful and easy-to-eat appetizer or side that’s perfect for summer..
Pro Tip: For a patriotic twist, use watermelon, mozzarella pearls, and blueberries.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Skewers
Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad is a zesty and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs.
Packed with corn, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro in a light lime vinaigrette, its fresh flavors and colorful presentation make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser..
Pro Tip: To make ahead, store the pasta mixture and the dressing separately and combine just before serving to prevent mushiness.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Orzo Pasta Salad
Honey Cornbread
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tender with this incredibly easy Honey Cornbread.
It's a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals or can be enjoyed on its own with a generous spread of butter and honey.
Baking it in a cast iron skillet creates an irresistibly golden crust..
Pro Tip: For an extra delicious crust, grease your baking pan or skillet with an additional tablespoon of butter.
Get the Recipe: Honey Cornbread
Classic House Salad
Elevate your meal with this simple yet satisfying Classic House Salad.
Featuring a fresh mix of crisp greens, tomatoes, and onions, topped with crunchy croutons and cheddar cheese, it's the perfect complement to any dinner.
The homemade sweet and tangy vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully..
Pro Tip: Use the freshest ingredients possible for the most vibrant and delicious salad.
Get the Recipe: Classic House Salad
Watermelon Basil Salad
Beat the summer heat with this incredibly refreshing Watermelon Basil Salad! Juicy watermelon, salty feta, crisp red onion, and aromatic basil come together in a delightful mix, all brought together by a sweet and tangy honey vinaigrette.
It’s a simple, 15-minute salad that’s perfect for any warm-weather gathering..
Pro Tip: Ensure your watermelon is ripe for the sweetest and juiciest base for the salad.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Basil Salad
Sausage Squash Casserole
This Sausage Squash Casserole is a delightful and hearty side dish that's perfect for any summer potluck or family get-together.
It combines tender squash with savory sausage, making it a comforting and flavorful option that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
It's a fantastic way to use up summer squash, and the optional sausage adds a delicious depth..
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables in the rendered sausage fat before assembling the casserole.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Squash Casserole
Classic Waldorf Salad
A timeless classic, this Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and delightful addition to any summer spread.
Its blend of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, tender celery, and sweet grapes, all coated in a creamy dressing, offers a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.
It’s a bright and satisfying salad that always feels a little bit special..
Pro Tip: To keep the apples from browning and add a subtle citrus note, toss them with a bit of lemon juice before mixing them into the salad.
Get the Recipe: Classic Waldorf Salad
Bright Lemon Dill Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this fragrant Lemon Dill Rice.
It’s incredibly simple yet bursting with fresh flavor from zesty lemon and aromatic dill, making it a perfect light accompaniment to any summer meal.
The bright notes of lemon and the fresh herbaceousness of dill create a wonderfully uplifting taste..
Pro Tip: Stir in some toasted slivered almonds or a handful of fresh peas just before serving for added texture and color.
Get the Recipe: Bright Lemon Dill Rice
BLT Pasta Salad
This BLT Pasta Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on a summer favorite, combining the classic tastes of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with tender pasta.
All tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing, it's a satisfying dish that’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a casual weeknight dinner.
It’s a hearty and delicious way to enjoy those iconic BLT flavors in a new format..
Pro Tip: For best results and to prevent the lettuce from wilting, consider adding it just before serving, or keep the dressing separate until ready to toss.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad
Bursting with the sweet taste of summer, this Strawberry Spinach Salad is a vibrant and refreshing choice.
The combination of tender spinach, juicy strawberries, and a delightful strawberry vinaigrette creates a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy profile.
It's a light yet satisfying salad that feels both healthy and indulgent..
Pro Tip: Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy counterpoint that complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Strawberry Spinach Salad