Summer potlucks are just around the corner and you've got to be prepared! Don't just settle for easy and boring - take it up a notch this year and impress the whole crowd. Here are 20 dish summer potluck dish ideas that are made to wow.
1. Raspberry Lemon Bars
Is it really a summer dessert if it's not featuring some sort of berry in it? These raspberry lemon bars are just the thing to bring to impress your guests if you want to wow them on both the visual and taste front. With that tangy, citrusy lemon filling perfectly complemented by the bright fresh raspberries and buttery crust, you'll be asked to make this every summer moving forward.
Photo by Frank Zhang on Unsplash
2. Grilled Corn Salad
Corn is the perfect vegetable to add to any dish to give it that summery vibe. Don't be afraid to pull out the barbecue - grilling the corn until it's nicely charred will give it that extra depth of flavour that pulls this dish together. Just toss in some cherry tomatoes, avocado, and really whatever else you want, and you'll end up with a refreshing and flavourful salad that really highlights the flavour of the grilled corn.
3. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
Another fun way to brighten up any salad is to add some big chunks of juicy watermelon cubes to it. That's right, watermelon! Although the combination of watermelon and savory ingredients might seem weird at first, when paired with feta cheese and some fresh mint, you'll be in awe of how well it works together.
Photo by Taylor Kiser on Unsplash
4. Summer Berry Pavlova
Here's another delicious and fun way to highlight the berries of the season in a dessert. If you've never had a pavlova before, this is your sign to try making one! So light, airy, and sweet, this meringue-based dessert goes wonderfully with the bright acidity of berries like strawberries, blueberries, or even raspberries. It looks stunning too!
Photo by Serghei Savchiuc on Unsplash
5. Pulled Pork Sliders
If you want to bring a dish that will never disappoint, pulled pork sliders are the way to go. This always gets devoured instantly no matter whose potluck you're at. It's a hearty, filling option that echoes everything we love about barbecue in the summer. It's a dish that'll please everyone of all ages!
Image by TheAndrasBarta from Pixabay
6. Gazpacho
During the peak of summer, no one wants to drink hot soup, so fool your guests with this unique soup dish. No, it's not hot, it's cold! Gazpacho is a chilled soup made from blended tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. It might sound confusing at first, but all you need is one taste to understand why it's a dish made just for summer. It's so refreshing!
Image by Solución Individual from Pixabay
7. Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
When making salads in the summer, always go for a combination that feels light and zesty - it makes it feel so much more summery! And what better salad is there to do the trick than a lemon orzo pasta salad to highlight that?
Image by Joanna Wielgosz from Pixabay
8. Peach and Prosciutto Crostini
Change things up by switching out the typical tomato slices with juicy peaches for this crostini appetizer. Peaches are the perfect summer fruit and you'll be surprised by how well it works in this dish. The saltiness of the prosciutto pairs so well with the juicy, sweetness of the peach, and for an added flavour profile, spread some ricotta or cream cheese on the bread for an extra creaminess!
Photo by Margherita Turrin on Unsplash
9. BBQ Chicken Wings
Sometimes, just going with the classics is a good route to go. That way you'll always know they won't disappoint! One dish that will always be popular for example are barbecue chicken wings. They're a messy food for sure, but you'll never find that getting in the way of people chowing these down!
10. Hawaiian Poke Bowl
Want to be the trendy person that brings the coolest potluck dish to the party? Then bringing a delicious hawaiian poke bowl for everyone to share is the way to go. Yes, buying the sushi-grade fish might be a bit expensive, but that's the price you have to be willing to pay to bring the best dish!
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
11. Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Turn up the heat by bringing some delicious spicy shrimp tacos to your next summer potluck. Be generous with the seasoning, tossing the shrimp in some chili powder and cumin before grilling them until nicely charred. The toppings and sauce are up to you!
Image by Jonathan Amana from Pixabay
12. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Tomatoes and cucumbers go together just as well as any other classic food pairing. And in the summertime, it's the perfect cool and hydrating combination of ingredients to help you feel refreshed. Just toss them together with whatever else you like, and finish it off with a vinegar-based dressing that complements the veggies. A satisfying side dish that goes with just about anything.
Photo by Jacob Stone on Unsplash
13. S'mores Dip
Good weather means it's time for camping, and camping means one thing: s'mores. Bring a fun and unique dessert to the potluck with a s'mores dip that consists of layered chocolate and marshmallows in a skillet. Don't forget the graham crackers though!
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
14. Avocado Chicken Wraps
For a filling option that's easy to make, avocado chicken wraps are a great dish to consider. You can cut them up into bite-sized pieces too! All you really need is some deliciously grilled chicken, ripe avocado, lettuce, and a tangy lime dressing to tie everything together. It's a great grab and go option for guests who love mingling while eating.
Image by stenholtz from Pixabay
15. Sweet Potato Fries
Sometimes it's a lot easier to go the simple route, and what's more simple yet delicious than sweet potato fries paired with a creamy chipotle mayo? Healthier than regular fries, these showstoppers will be everyone's favourites. They're so easy to make too!
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
16. Grilled Vegetable Platter
Don't be afraid to pull out that grill sitting out on the patio! Make the most of what the summer has to offer by grilling up the most delectable plate of vegetables anyone has ever seen. From zucchini to bell peppers and eggplant and corn, you don't need much to highlight the freshness of these seasonal veggies.
Photo by Hari Nandakumar on Unsplash
17. Mango Salsa
Add a little summery touch to your salsa by adding some chopped up mangoes into the mix. It'll add a new flavour to this classic dip, giving it a sweet touch that's irresistible. You can use it as a sauce for any grilled fish or chicken, or go the good ol' classic route and pair it with some tortilla chips.
Image by Monica Volpin from Pixabay
18. Antipasto Salad
Bring the flavours of Italy by creating an antipasto salad worth talking about. It requires just a few ingredients, namely sliced salami, mozzarella cheese, olives, artichokes, and cherry tomatoes. You don't want to clutter too many things in this dish, you want each ingredient to stand out on its own. That's why a simple olive oil dressing should do the trick.
19. Chicken Satay
What's easier to eat than chicken on a stick? Portable, easy to grab, and super tasty, chicken satay is a stand out choice to bring to any potluck. It's all in the sauce for this dish - make sure you've got a crazy good peanut sauce that'll take the chicken to another level.
20. Berry Cheesecake Parfaits
If the idea of baking scares you, how about creating a dessert that has, well, a no-bake option? There's nothing more hassle-free than that. This berry cheesecake parfait is a great way to get the taste of a delicious cheesecake with not much effort on your end. Just layer the ingredients - crushed graham crackers, a tasty cream cheese mixture, and fresh berries - and you'll have an easy to serve dessert that'll please any crowd.
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