28 Potluck Side Dishes Guaranteed to Please Everyone

These crowd-favorite recipes for salads, slaws, tarts, casseroles, and more will earn your dish rave reviews.

tomato mozzarella pasta salad in white bowl
Credit: Ren Fuller

Potluck side dishes like salads, slaws, tarts, and casseroles can bring your dish rave reviews with minimal effort. Picking the ideal dish for a potluck party can feel overwhelming, but these foolproof recipes ensure success, whether it's for a holiday meal or a summer barbecue. Choose from a variety of sweet or savory options, suitable for diverse dietary preferences. Relax and enjoy the gathering with these delightful dishes.

01 of 28

Shredded Cabbage Slaw With Ginger Vinaigrette

shredded cabbage with ginger vinaigrette topped with sesame seeds
Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Warm and spicy ginger adds heat to a vinaigrette that's made with yuzu rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, and sugar. It's tossed over shredded Savoy and red cabbage, plus finely julienned carrots and topped with toasted sesame seeds.

02 of 28

Three-Pepper Corn Casserole

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Credit: Mike Krautter

Corn casserole is always a crowd-favorite, especially for Thanksgiving. The creamy, rich side dish is amped up with minced chipotle in adobo, chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper, and shredded pepper jack cheese.

03 of 28

Dill, Potato, and Egg Salad

Dill, Potato, and Egg Salad
Credit: Petrina Tinslay

No mayo here! Chopped hard-boiled eggs and cooked, diced potatoes are combined with cornichons, sliced shallots, and a lively Dijon dressing for a simple potluck side dish.

04 of 28

No-Knead Tomato Focaccia

tomato focaccia bread
Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Want to wow your crowd with homemade bread at the potluck party? Start with this easy no-knead recipe that shines a bright light on juicy cherry tomatoes.

05 of 28

Pasta Salad With Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Chickpeas

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Chickpeas
Credit: Ren Fuller

Pasta salads often get a bad rap but this version is flavorful, full of texture, and packed with protein! Hearty chickpeas are tossed with a dream team of tomatoes and cubed mozzarella, plus chopped fennel, capers, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

06 of 28

Grilled Asparagus and Farro Salad

Grilled Asparagus and Farro Salad recipe
Credit: Chris Simpson

While grilling is usually associated with the summer season, asparagus is at its peak in the spring. Fire up the coals earlier in the year for this delicious, nutritious potluck side dish.

07 of 28

Kale Slaw With Red Cabbage and Carrots

kale-slaw-carrots-peppers-mbd108052.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner

This is nothing like the creamy coleslaw that you're used to. Shredded kale and red cabbage, julienned carrot, and a trio of seeds (sunflower, hemp, and pumpkin) with parsley and a vinaigrette.

08 of 28

Gazpacho Salad With Croutons

gazpacho salad with croutons
Credit: Christopher Testani

Inspired by the chilled Spanish soup, this potluck salad recipe features diced onion, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, and sliced Campari tomatoes. Leave the croutons on the side until it's time to serve to prevent them from getting soggy.

09 of 28

Mushroom-Bacon Galette

mushroom bacon galette
Credit: Ellen Silverman

Want to bring something totally different—and of course delicious—to a potluck party? Try this savory, rustic galette—the crust is topped with sliced bacon, chopped mixed mushrooms, sliced leeks, and finely grated Parmesan.

10 of 28

Test Kitchen's Favorite Potato Salad

Test Kitchen's Favorite Potato Salad
Credit: Ren Fuller

There's no potluck side dish more classic that rich and creamy potato salad. Our version is made with russet potatoes, which are mixed with a combination of mayonnaise and whole-grain mustard, plus chopped celery, sliced cornichons, and chopped scallions.

11 of 28

Marinated-Artichoke and Green-Bean Pasta Salad

artichoke pasta salad green bean
Credit: Ren Fuller

This make-ahead pasta salad recipe is perfect for a potluck party. Choose a corkscrew-shaped pasta; the nooks and crannies are the perfect vessel for holding green beans, marinated artichoke hearts, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.

12 of 28

Baked Beans With Bacon

baked beans bacon
Credit: Bryan Gardner

Skip the canned variety and make your own baked beans at home. This sweet and smoky side dish is just the dish to bring to a potluck barbecue party.

13 of 28

Marinated and Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash

grilled zucchini and summer squash

Make the most of seasonal produce with this potluck-friendly recipe. Grilled zucchini and yellow squash are tossed with a simple marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and oregano.

14 of 28

Green Bean Casserole With Bacon

green-bean-casserole-with-bacon-106-ms-6190441.jpg
Credit: Martyna Szczesna

This is nothing like Grandma's green bean casserole. Our modern-day take on this classic side dish recipe is made with cremini mushrooms, diced onions, and bacon, all of which are covered with a cream sauce featuring mustard, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

15 of 28

Black Bean, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

black bean cucumber and feta salad
Credit: Marcus Nilsson

Take our pressure-cooker black beans to the next level with this potluck side dish recipe. The beans are tossed with crumbled feta, chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, olive oil, and fresh lime juice—easy and delicious!

16 of 28

Tomato, Corn, and Avocado Salad

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A duo of summer vegetables, plus creamy avocado, share the spotlight in this summery salad. You dress it with lime juice and oil, which create a delicious dressing that's perfect for a casual summer potluck.

17 of 28

Baked Mac and Cheese With Broiled Tomatoes

baked macaroni cheese broiled tomatoes
Credit: Armando Rafael

What kid (or adult!) wouldn't want to dig into this creamy baked macaroni and cheese? It's topped with juicy tomatoes, which add color and texture. Prepare it in advance so all you need to do is reheat it at the potluck.

18 of 28

Potato and Green Bean Salad

Potato and Green Bean Salad
Credit:

Brie Goldman

Green beans shine alongside baby tomatoes in this bright summer potato salad. Reserve the red onion until serving time to prevent it from overpowering the dish.

19 of 28

Melon and Cucumber Salad

Melon and Cucumber Salad
Credit: GENTL & HYERS

For this fresh and vibrant fruit salad, slice watermelon, cantaloupe, canary melon, and Sugar Kiss or Honey Kiss melons, top with thinly-sliced English cucumber, and season with sea salt, pepper, and fresh mint leaves.

20 of 28

Mediterranean Three-Bean Salad

Mediterranean Three-Bean Salad
Credit: Petrina Tinslay

A trio of beans—canned white beans and pink beans, and fresh green beans—are a healthy form of protein in this potluck salad recipe. Toss the beans with oil and vinegar, plus diced celery, Spanish piquillo peppers, and chopped curly-leaf parsley.

21 of 28

Rice Salad With Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Feta

rice salad with tomatoes cucumbers feta
Credit: Paola + Murray

Give your potluck party a touch of Greek flair with this hearty salad recipe. It features long-grain brown rice, small heirloom tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and lots of fresh parsley and mint.

22 of 28

Green Salad With Roasted Beets and Pickled Rhubarb

Green Salad with Roasted Beets and Pickled Rhubarb
Credit: Kate Sears

Cash in on springtime with this seasonal, potluck-friendly side dish. Roasted beets are arranged on a platter with lettuce, herbs, and pickled rhubarb.

23 of 28

Fruit Platter With Whipped Ricotta

fruit platter with whipped ricotta
Credit: Ryan Liebe

How about this for a fruit salad? We've created a stunning and colorful array of fruit such as honeydew melon, pineapple, and kiwi fruit, served with lightly sweetened whipped ricotta on the side. It's an easy, make-ahead potluck side dish that you can curate based on what's in season.

24 of 28

Apple-Membrillo Tart

apple membrillo tart
Credit: Justin Walker

Granny Smith apples and Spanish quince paste—called membrillo—fill a homemade pie dough. Serve alongside bleu cheese, grapes, and almonds for a salty-and-sweet blend of flavors.

25 of 28

Hot Spinach Dip

hot spinach dip
Credit: Minh + Wass

Hot spinach dip is always a popular side or appetizer at any potluck party. Just watch how quickly your guests inhale this rich, creamy version, made with a few dashes each of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce for added flavor depth.

26 of 28

Corn and Avocado Salad With Goddess Dressing

Corn-and-Avocado Salad With Goddess Dressing
Credit: Petrina Tinslay

Simple salad ingredients, including romaine, corn, avocado, radishes, and bacon, are elevated with a tasty, homemade dressing.

27 of 28

Pasta Salad With Chickpeas, Green Beans, and Basil

Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Basil
Credit:

Ren Fuller

Make-ahead pasta salad adds fresh green beans, canned chickpeas, red onion, capers, and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to butterfly-shaped farfalle. This bright, savory side is finished with a creamy lemon dressing.

28 of 28

Spinach-Feta Pizza Slab Pie

spinach-feta pizza slab pie
Credit: Linda Pugliese

Feeds a crowd, pleases vegetarians, and is great warm, cold, or room temp? This fantastic potluck side checks every box.

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