12 Quick and Easy Potluck Side Dishes

By Mary Claire Lagroue
January 08, 2020
Credit: Valerie Brunmeier

Potlucks are not a competition — but they kind of are. Everyone contributes a dish or two in the name of working together. Yet potlucks can pit cook against cook in an implicit contest of whose dish will be the most popular. Making the dish that disappears before the rest is what you (secretly) want, but too much time in the kitchen is not. Have it both ways with these 12 simple, potluck-approved recipes.

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1 of 12

Lentil Salad with a Persian Twist

Credit: France C
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Ready in 30 minutes

Even people who aren't salad people will want seconds. 

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2 of 12

Pan-Roasted Red Potatoes

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole
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Ready in 11 minutes

Duck fat is the secret ingredient that will have everyone asking for this recipe.

3 of 12

Alyson's Broccoli Salad

Credit: Valerie Brunmeier
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Ready in 30 minutes

"Confirmed broccoli haters have changed their minds after tasting this salad. It is great for potlucks or buffet meals. Make a day or so before you wish to serve to meld the ingredients." — JJOHN32

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4 of 12

Ali's Greek Tortellini Salad

Credit: AMEEN
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Ready in 30 minutes (+ chill for 2 hours)

This pasta salad needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving, so you can prep it the day before the potluck to play it safe.

5 of 12

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Credit: My Hot Southern Mess
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Ready in 10 minutes (+ 1 hour chill)

"Someone brought this salad to a potluck dinner, and I had to have the recipe. I have made it many, many times since then, and I have been asked for the recipe every time I bring it somewhere. It is also a great way to get kids to eat spinach!" — TOZENUF

6 of 12

Pesto Pasta Caprese Salad

Credit: Buckwheat Queen
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Ready in 20 minutes

"Excellent pasta salad for potlucks and groups," Dan Klingberg says. "Double and triple batches. I made the pesto from the garden and added a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar per batch to the 'dressing' before coating the pasta. Otherwise, followed the recipe as is. Never any left to bring home."

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7 of 12

Mendi's Favorite Orzo

Credit: Kathy B
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Ready in 20 minutes

This buttery vegetarian orzo has "potluck staple" written all over it. 

8 of 12

Shredded Apple Carrot Salad

Credit: Alli Shircliff
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Ready in 20 minutes

Sesame seeds, garlic, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar set this carrot and apple salad apart from sweeter versions. 

9 of 12

Cream Corn Like No Other

Credit: OkinawanPrincess
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Ready in 15 minutes 

"I feel sorry for you if you pass up this recipe! From the first time I made it, it was the star on the table! Now whenever we have company, it's a staple. Those that have had it ask for it again," Vicki Nolan Malone says. See it made here.

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10 of 12

Mexican Bean Salad

Credit: lutzflcat
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Ready in 15 minutes (+ 1 hour chill)

"I made it once for a big gathering of 80 people, and everyone loved it," Silviya Arsova says. "None was left."

11 of 12

Seven Layer Taco Dip

Credit: MomTo6
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Ready in 30 minutes

Get all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one delicious dip!

12 of 12

Caprese on a Stick

Credit: KGora
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Ready in 15 minutes

"This is a great, easy finger appetizer," says recipe creator ALZ. "I came up with it because I love Caprese but it was difficult to serve at large parties." 

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