There’s nothing worse than bringing home a full meal after a potluck. We’ve all been there. Over the years, I’ve known exactly which recipes get completely destroyed and which ones are politely ignored at summer gatherings. These are things that will be demolished. These are all travel-friendly, stand up to the summer heat, and have people chasing me before I can even grab a plate. I’m talking about solid salads that get better the longer they sit, mains that will feed a crowd without being tied to the stove all day, and brownies that will trick the good guys into thinking you bought them at a fancy place. Make two batches of whatever catches your eye. Trust me on that. No leftover food to take home.
1. The best macaroni salad
This is a BBQ staple that I bring with me every time, and I never leave without a bowl of it. It’s creamy without being heavy, has just the right amount of crunch from the vegetables, and a sweet and sour balance, making it a taste that everyone secretly wants to eat. The mayonnaise is light and the flavor is plentiful, which is exactly what macaroni salad should be.
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2. Old-fashioned German potato salad
Forget everything you know about potato salad. This is a far cry from the creamy, mayonnaise-laden version you’ll find next to you at the table. The warm dijon vinegar dressing with bacon fat gives it an incredible depth of flavor that you really can’t resist. What wins every time is the curve ball.
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3. Whipped Feta Greek Pasta Salad
Now everyone’s talking about whipped feta, but honestly, it belongs in pasta salads. Filled with crunchy vegetables and topped with a creamy herb-filled dressing, it’s addictive. I love doubling it up for a crowd! It has a long shelf life and becomes even more delicious when it is slightly chilled.
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4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
This is my secret weapon for feeding large crowds without breaking a sweat. Make it in about 10 minutes before work, let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, and come home with melt-in-your-mouth tender, smoky pulled pork. Line up your loaf of bread and watch the line form.
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5. Creamy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sliders
These chicken sliders are made in the slow cooker with a simple homemade barbecue sauce and a secret ingredient: pineapple. Melt cream cheese and put it between buns and you’ve got a delicious little sandwich.
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6. Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders
Mississippi Pot Roast Sliders are a party dish that will have people waiting near the tray for the next dish. Warm, savory, and packed with flavor, they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat.
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7. Cowboy Pasta Salad
Cowboy Pasta Salad is a hearty side dish that will easily turn heads at your cookout. Packed with bold flavors and plenty of texture, this is one recipe that will have you coming back for more.
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8. Street Corn Potato Salad
This potato salad is packed with the flavor of Mexican street corn, featuring charred corn and creamy chili-lime dressing in every bite.
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9. Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
This kalua pork is sweet, smoky, and salty with the addition of garlic and ginger. Using a slow cooker makes it super easy and super juicy.
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10. Mom’s Creamy Potato Salad
This may possibly be the best potato salad recipe you’ve ever found. The perfect blend of flavors without too much mayonnaise makes this the ultimate crowd-pleasing potato salad recipe.
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11. Balsamic tomato salad
Balsamic tomato salad is one of my favorite ways to unleash the full potential of summer tomatoes. Simple, fresh, and flavorful, this side dish proves that a handful of quality ingredients can go a long way.
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12. Pasta salad with coriander ranch
This pasta salad is light, flavorful, and so delicious. It’s easy to make and you’ll want to drizzle this cilantro ranch dressing on everything!
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13. Easy Chili Lime Mexican Beef Shredded in Slow Cooker
Easy Chili Lime Mexican Beef Shredded Slow Cooker is one of my favorite potluck recipes because it feeds a crowd without me having to work. Tender, flavorful, and easy to serve in tacos, sandwiches, and bowls, this is the kind of dish that disappears quickly and keeps people asking for the recipe.
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The best potluck meals are the ones that people talk about as they plate them and people ask about them before they get home. Whether you’re bringing a fresh salad, a slow-cooker favorite, or a dessert that disappears before you can slice it, these recipes are sure to have it ready for any summer gathering you have on your calendar. Don’t forget to get yours early. Experience has taught me that leftovers are never guaranteed.
More potluck ideas…
All the potlucks
