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Are you looking for a way to bring people together and celebrate the summer season? A summer potluck is a great way to do just that! Summer Potlucks are a great way to share delicious recipes with friends and family and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a pool party, these summer potluck ideas will make your gathering a hit! From creative potluck salad recipes to refreshing summer desserts, you’ll find something for everyone. With some planning, you can make your summer potluck an event to remember.
Main Dishes
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo is a stew-like dish made with a dark roux, okra, tomatoes, onions, peppers, celery, garlic, and shrimp in a flavorful stock. The okra provides a thickening agent to the soup, while the shrimp adds a unique sweetness and lightness to the dish. The combination of the okra and shrimp creates a unique, flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at summer potluck dinner.
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken is a traditional Hawaiian dish often served at luaus and family gatherings. The chicken is grilled over an open flame, creating a succulent and flavorful main course. The recipe is unique in its use of pineapple juice to create amazing flavors that will surely be a hit at a Lūʻau party or any dinner gatherings.
Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole
The Kentucky Hot Brown casserole is a unique summer lunch from Louisville, Kentucky. It is an open-faced sandwich made of roasted turkey, bacon, and cheese baked in a casserole dish and topped with a creamy Mornay sauce. If you want to try a vegan option, try this Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It is a hearty, and satisfying lunch option for summers, especially if paired with a lighter side such as a salad or soup.
Chicken Enchiladas
Being the One of the popular Mexican potlucks, Cheesy chicken enchiladas were initially a Mexican street food, and it was not a casserole dish at first, and served in simple tortillas with a chili sauce to dip in. Now, this is a Mexican chicken casserole recipe with a lot of variations and flavors. This dish can serve a crowd, and when you wrap the whole stuffing with a tortilla and then cover the edge with cheese, it tastes delicious.
Baked Ziti
Baked ziti is a satisfying meal for your family on your weeknight dinner in every season. It is a complete meal with cheese, ziti, spices, and sauces. You can use customized ingredients from meat to veggies and cheese to spices. Trust me, this easy-to-bake pasta can be your family favorite.
Fried Chicken
No potluck meal plan is complete without a large box of fried chicken. Because no outdoor picnic or potluck is complete without it. A small mingle in this classic recipe is that they are fried first and baked later, to get the ultimate crunch and texture. Serve as a main dish or as a side to keep guest entertained with crispy fried chicken.
Grilled Veggie Platter with Balsamic Glaze
A simple yet healthy grilled vegetable recipe that provides taste and freshness on your dining table. By grilling summer vegetables is something you can present to your guests within a few minutes. The balsamic glazing makes the tender and crispy vegetables taste incredible with each bite. If you love grilled vegetables in summer, this can be your ready-to-go recipe any time of the day.
Salads And Sides
Avocado Salad
Avocado Salad is perfect summertime lunch idea if you want to make something unique. This dish gives you the flavors of your favorite veggies, including; tomatoes, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, and white onion. One of the specialties of avocado salsa is that it is naturally whole30, vegan, paleo, and keto-friendly potluck meal. Serve this salad with crackers, chips, tortilla tacos, etc.
Dill Potato Salad
Dill Potato Salad, as the name indicates, is a healthy salad that gets ready in a few minutes. It has perfect flavors of tasty ingredients such as red potato, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and celery. This salad is low in sodium and high in vitamins, minerals as well as carbs. The light dressing adds a great flavor without being overly heavy. Adding Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise makes this dish healthier. Fresh parsley and dill add an extra layer of flavor.
Grandma’s Potato Salad
Grandma’s Potato Salad is a classic dish passed down from generation to generation. This versatile side dish serves well at any meal during the summer. It has mayonnaise and seasonings that give the salad a creamy and savory flavor. And, the pickles, celery, and onion add crunch and tang to the dish. This salad is so easy to make that it can be your favorite side for summer dinners. You can serve it as a side dish to a meal or a main dish for a filling lunch.
Macaroni Coleslaw
Macaroni Coleslaw is a unique and delicious side dish that combines two classic dishes into one. This tasty dish features macaroni pasta and coleslaw, making it a great way to add variety to any meal. If you want to skip macaroni, you can try this creamy coleslaw.
At one time when I was passionate about creating fusion dishes and mingles, I made this macaroni coleslaw. This is a perfect vegetarian recipe for the next vegetarian potluck in summer.
Pina Colada Fruit Salad
Pina Colada Fruit Salad combines tropical flavors such as mango, pineapple, and coconut; they create a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and creamy. It has a pineapple-infused dressing that adds a tangy sweetness to the salad, which helps to bring out the sweetness of the tropical fruits. The best side dish for summer parties with a topping of ice cream or yogurt.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta and Dill
Cucumber and tomato salad with dill and feat cheese perfectly combine the delicious ingredients. Its colorful appearance is something that attracts everyone. So delightful and refreshing with every bite. The dish belongs to every summer picnic party or celebration get-together. So, just grab the ingredients and try something refreshing to make a healthy potluck meal for a hot weather.
Veggie Pasta Salad
Veggie Pasta Salad is one of those quick lunch fixes when you have time for nothing else.
You can also utilize your leftovers as well as add as many veggies into this as you like. It is a versatile and customizable meal option. Pair it up with Grilled Beef Steaks or Baked Chicken, or enjoy it as it is.
Berry Salad with Citrus Dressing
This summer, do you want to try something refreshing but unique? Summer berry salad with citrus dressing is something that you can never resist. Juicy berries with goat cheese, sliced almonds, baby spinach, and creamy lemon vinaigrette dressing can make the person forget the world.
Kids love berries, so if they request something refreshing, surprise them with the berry salad. Top the salad with citrus dressing and feel its salty, sweet, and satisfying flavors.
Appetizers And Snacks
Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili sauce
This is one of the best slow cooker beef recipes that I love to make in summer weekend potlucks. Because all I need to do is throw all the ingredients in the cooker and leave it on heat. The crockpot does the rest. The chili sauce makes these a bit on the spicier sides, so pair it up with a rather simple side of fried rice, greek pasta, or mashed sweet potatoes.
Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
Honey Lemon Pepper wings are the easiest sides for the potluck dinner you can pull off when you can think of nothing else. This Sweet, sour and crispy recipe is going to be the next mouth-watering meal on your potluck table. Fry them, bake them, or just put them in the air fryer. This recipe is gluten-free, and dairy-free (and also a nut-free lunch) with low calories. Serve them with rice dishes, salads, or as a side along with burgers.
BLT Dip
BLT Dip is a total crowd-pleaser as it combines all your favorite ingredients to give out a perfect-tasting dish. The specialty of BLT dip is a sandwich served in a bowl. You can cover the bowl with crackers or tortilla chips and inside the bowl is a creamy, cool dip. These dips serve well with baked and fried summer dishes.
Watermelon Cups
Watermelon Cups are a unique, fun and convenient snacks to enjoy summer potlucks or any picnic. These cups are a great alternative to traditional watermelon slices and served in a creative way with minimal preparation and clean-up. They are lightweight and easy to carry, and you can serve them with different recipes ranging from salads to smoothies. Fill them with your favorite dip or topping to make a unique snack for this summer potluck picnic.
Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Crispy and heavenly recipe is here with mango flavors with tortilla chips. Just bring the mango, chopped jalapeno pepper, and lime juice. This mango salad is the best version to enjoy the juicy and refreshing flavors of the mango. The best thing is that only mango and seasonings can fill your mouth with sweet and savory flavors at the same time.
Hot Dog Sliders
Hot Dog Sliders are a fun and casual snacks for summer parties. The sliders are topped with various toppings and condiments, making them a great portable snacks for adults. They are easy to transport and make great finger food for any event. They are also easy to customize for different tastes, such as adding cheese and bacon for a more indulgent treat.
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Pineapple teriyaki chicken skewers taste heavenly when tossed in the teriyaki sauce. The recipe is loaded with fresh pineapples, peppers, and red onions.
Whether holding a weeknight dinner party or any other, just grill the pineapple, onions, tomatoes, and chicken slices into the barbecue sticks. The smokey flavor is something you will never forget.
Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
A potluck party ahead and you can’t think of anything? Here is an easy, quick, and healthy recipe for the next summer potluck. Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil make these skewers a fantastic and lip-smacking appetizer. Fix them in lunch boxes, or make them for a cool, refreshing lunch on a hot summer afternoon! Serve as it is or with a dip of your choice.
Desserts
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
Strawberry Oatmeal Bars are the most delicious and healthy treat that is both sweet and savory. These bars are a great way to get a healthy dose of protein, fiber, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids while indulging in a sweet and delicious treat.
The combination of the strawberry jam and the oatmeal topping creates a unique texture and flavor not found in other treats. These bars are excellent Summer putlock snacks for any time of day and serve best as a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack.
Lemon Supreme Pie
Lemon Supreme Pie is a classic summer dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a creamy tart with lemon-flavored filling, and buttery crust. The crust is usually a traditional short-crust pastry dough, although other crusts, such as graham crackers, can also be used. The pie’s topping is a meringue, made with egg whites and sugar and lightly browned on top. This pie is a great way to enjoy a classic dessert in hot days.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine
An ice cream cake is not the only cold dessert to serve at parties! Try the Peanut Butter and chocolate terrine and I bet you will indulge yourself with the treat. It’s cold, delicious and so hearty! If you are hosting a small potluck party, this can be the party winner dessert in every season.
Drinks & Smoothies
Sweet Tea Concentrate
Kentucky Sweet Tea Concentrate is a unique summer drink to make a large batch of cold tea quickly and easily. Kentucky Sweet Tea Concentrate is added to cold water and stirred; this makes it an incredibly convenient and economical way to make large batches of tea. Kentucky Sweet Tea Concentrate has all-natural ingredients, including real cane sugar, and no artificial flavors or colors, making it a healthy and natural option.
Here are more recipes for potluck party ideas
- What to bring to Easter Potluck
- Best Potluck Casseroles
- Easy Mexican Potluck Dishes
- Easy Potluck Side Dishes
Related Recipes You Can Try
27 Refreshing Summer Potluck Recipes For Sharing
Ingredients
Main Dishes
- Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
- Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
- Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Baked Ziti
- Fried Chicken
- Grilled Veggie Platter with Balsamic Glaze
Salads And Sides
- Avocado Salad
- Dill Potato Salad
- Grandma’s Potato Salad
- Macaroni Coleslaw
- Pina Colada Fruit Salad
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta and Dill
- Veggie Pasta Salad
- Berry Salad with Citrus Dressing
Appetizers And Snacks
- Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili sauce
- Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- BLT Dip
- Watermelon Cups
- Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips
- Hot Dog Sliders
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Desserts
- Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
- Lemon Supreme Pie
- Peanut Butter and Chocolate Terrine
Drinks & Smoothies
- Sweet Tea Concentrate
Instructions
- Select any dish from these summer potluck ideas and open it on a new tab.
- Note down all the ingredients that you need for the dish.
- Make sure that all the ingredients must be fresh.
- Follow the instructions to make your favorite summer dish.
- I hope you have made the dish you want to make to make your summer cool and enjoyable. Don't forget to give us your feedback.
