One of my favorite things about summer is gathering with friends and family for a potluck (AKA a “pitch-in” in my neck-of-the-woods). I love getting together with my community, sharing the work, and getting to enjoy all kinds of goodies from my favorite people!
So if you’re lucky enough to be headed to a potluck and you’re stuck on what to bringโhave no fear! We have over two dozen crowd-pleasing ideas for you to add to the buffet table.
What should I not bring to a summer potluck?
The most important element to consider when picking a potluck dish in the summer is the heat. If your food is going to be sitting out in the summer sun, pick a potluck dish that will hold up to the heatโavoid chocolate that will melt, for instanceโand that will still be safe to eat after some time on the table.
Also, consider how much you want to heat up the house. We love a good casserole like macaroni and cheese, but it’s not what we choose when the kitchen is already stifling. Instead, choose something that is light and refreshing.
What are good potluck ideas?
We have rounded up all of our best summer potluck recipes below, ranging from drinks to appetizers to mains. So no matter what you are assigned to bring to the next potluck, you won’t be scrambling for ideasโwe have you covered!
Don’t feel like cooking? Fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries are always welcome, as are non-alcoholic drinks or pitchers of cocktails!
Summer Potluck Ideas
Summer is the perfect time for potlucks, and weโve got 25 great potluck ideas for all kinds of warm weather get-togethers.
Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber, and Mint Infused Water
Jazz up your daily hydration with this infused water. Strawberries add a little sweetness, while cucumber, mint, and lime make the water taste so refreshing and bright!
Pitcher Strawberry Mojitos
Serve these Pitcher Strawberry Mojitos at your next summer party and get rave reviews!
Margarita Mix Recipe
Homemade Margarita Mix makes whipping up your favorite cocktail a breeze! You only need 6 ingredients, and it comes together in about 4 minutes.
8 Fruit-Infused Water Recipes
Make hydration fun with these recipes for fruit infused water, either still or sparkling! We offer 8 flavors, so you are sure to find one you love!
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Cool off with this simple summertime favorite. Strawberry Lemonade is an easy 4-ingredient recipe that uses fresh strawberries and lemons for a great, refreshing taste.
Cantaloupe Frosรฉ (Frozen Rosรฉ)
The peak of summer heat calls for cold refreshing cocktails. Enter Cantaloupe Frosรฉ (Frozen Rosรฉ)โso perfectly balanced, you may not even need to add sweetener.
Simple Corn and Black Bean Salsa Recipe
This simple corn and black bean salsa recipe is the perfect addition to your summer potlucks or weeknight dinner. ย Just addย tortilla chips!
Bacon Sriracha Queso
Add some kick to your game day party with this cheesy, spicy, and smoky Bacon Sriracha Queso. You'll be shocked how easy queso is to make at home!
Dairy-Free and Vegan Cashew Queso
This dairy-free, vegan cashew queso is a quick plant-based dish. We use nutritional yeast and spices to transform cashews into a delicious dipper or topping.
Adapted fromย Minimalist Baker.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Great Northern Beans give this vegan white bean dip next-level creaminess! This party favorite comes together in just a few minutes in your food processor.
Mango Guacamole with Avocados From Mexico
Mango Guacamole is a sweet and fruity twist on the traditional party dip. Everyone loves a goodย guac!
Caramelized Onion Dip
Caramelized Onion Dip is your favorite chip dip taken to the next level with sweet, nutty caramelized onions. Serve it at your next cookout!
Split Pea Hummus
This earthy Split Pea Hummus has a gorgeous green hue. Load up a plate with breads, veggies, and other yummy cruditรฉ, and it's a fun snacky meal or party dish.
Ten Minute Tzatziki
Ten Minute Tzatziki is ready in a snap, so you can use it as a sauce, dip, or salad dressing tonight!
Seven Layer Dip Recipe
This Seven Layer Taco Dip is a crowd-pleaser! It is delicious, simple to make, and great for parties.
Vegan Antipasto Pasta Salad
This Vegan Antipasto Pasta Salad is so full of complex flavors and textures, you wonโt even miss the meat or cheese! Prep it in advance for easy packed lunches.
Ranch BLT Pasta Salad
This Ranch BLT Pasta Salad is the queen of all pasta salads, thanks to its crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, tender noodles, and creamy homemade ranch dressing.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Everyone in the family will enjoy this flavorful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! If you like Caesar salad, then youโll love this version with pasta.
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad Recipe
This tangy, refreshing dill pickle pasta salad is the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or picnic. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip this up in no time!
Caprese Sticks
These light and fresh Caprese Sticks are a quick protein-packed snack and a perfect appetizer! Theyโre colorful, flavorful and ready for summer.
Vegetarian Summer Orzo Salad
If youโre looking for a way to enjoy the bounty of fresh summer vegetables and herbs, this Vegetarian Summer Orzo Salad recipe is the recipe for you!
Honey-Mint Melon Salad
This simple Honey-Mint Melon Salad is a colorful and fresh way to celebrate summer. Best made when melons are at their peak, thisย fruit saladย is the perfect summerย side dish.
Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe
Delicious and easy to make, this simple roasted garlic bread recipe is perfect for serving alongside nearly any meal.
Grilled Carrots
Learn how to transform carrots into a delicious, savory-sweet side dish with this grilled carrots recipe.
Homestyle Corn Relish - Canned
Preserve the taste of summer with this delicious and versatile corn relish! Itโs a perfect canning recipe for beginners.
Herbed Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Herbed Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect salad to make on a hot day with juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumber, and herbs like parsley, basil, and cilantro.
Instant Pot Potato Salad Recipe
This Instant Pot Potato Salad from Scratch is perfect for cookouts or picnics. It takes just minutes to prepare and is easy and delicious.
Cucumber Salsa
Use your bounty of cucumbers in this crisp, cool, and spicy Cucumber Salsa. It pairs perfectly with lighter fare!
Zesty Salsa Recipe for Canning
Turn your windfall of tomatoes into salsa! We'll teach you everything about canning salsa, plus share our family favorite zesty salsa recipe for canning.
Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe (Refrigerator or Canning)
Bread and Butter Pickles are a classic sweet pickle recipe that you can make in the refrigerator or preserve with water bath canning for enjoying all year.
From: Ballยฎ Canning
Dilly Beans Recipe
Dilly beans are a great way to preserve fresh green beans. Plus, they're quick and easy to make! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make a batch.
Adapted from FreshPreserving.com
Sweet Honey Cornbread Recipe
A quick and easy honey cornbread recipe is the perfect accompaniment to barbecues.
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy, these Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are the perfect warm weather weeknight dinner.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This Mexican street corn salad can be whipped up in no time. Itโs a quick summer side dish with a satisfying balance of spicy, savory, and sweet. Everyone will be coming back for more!
Grilled Garlic Green Beans
Grilled Garlic Green Beans are an easy and simple side dish that is just as delicious served at room temperature.
Buffalo Blue Cheese Potato Salad
A little bit spicy, a lot a bit flavorful, this Buffalo Blue Cheese Potato Salad will knock the socks of the guests at your next potluck!
Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Squares
Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Squares are your favorite early summer pie in bar form. They are sure to be a crowd-pleasingย dessertย in all their sweet-tart glory.
Ranger Cookies
Avoid a melting chocolate mess, and make these sweet coconut and oat cookies that can stand up to the heat instead. Chewy and incredibly flavorful, these treats will knock your socks off!
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Recipe
Rhubarb and strawberries are baked together in this wonderful, warm weather-inspired pie.
Fresh Peach Crisp Recipe
This Peach Crisp recipe turns fresh peaches into a glorious blend of flavorsโperfect for a summer dessert.
Strawberry Dump Cake Recipe
This delicious strawberry dump cake tastes like it took hours to make, but you can throw it together in minutes!
Red, White, and Blue Berry Trifle
Fresh, juicy berries are layered with cake and cream cheese whipped topping in this festive berry trifle.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a twist on a classic recipe that your family is sure to love! These are great treats for parties, after-school snacks, and last-minute desserts.
Creamy Cannoli Dip Recipe
Easy-to-make Cannoli Dip is ready in ten minutes. It has all the flavors of a traditional cannoli but takes a fraction of the time and effort!