21 Summer Potluck Recipes

By Jenn Segal

With summer entertaining in full swing, these party-perfect potluck recipes are just what you need. From salads to mains to desserts, these dishes travel well and are guaranteed to be a hit at your next backyard gathering.

German Potato Salad

In this German potato salad, the typical American mayo dressing is replaced with pickled onions and a tangy vinaigrette. It is addictively good!
The Best Brownie Recipe

Fudgy in the center and cakey-crisp on the surface, these supernatural brownies from pastry chef Nick Malgieri are truly out of this world.
Black Bean and Corn Salad with Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette

This make-ahead black bean and corn salad is a real crowd-pleaser. Bonus: it doubles as a dip!
Hummus

This is the best homemade hummus recipe — and it’s easy to whip up with very few ingredients.
Chickpea Salad

This super-simple chickpea salad makes a delicious side dish to grilled shrimp or chicken.
Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a tangy and creamy cheese spread that’s often referred to as the pâté of the South. It’s wonderful on crackers, crudités, sandwiches, or even burgers.
Asian Slaw with Ginger Peanut Dressing

Cool and crunchy, this flavorful Asian slaw is a delicious way to eat your colors!
Cheesecake Bars

Dense and creamy with a hint of lemon and a crisp graham cracker crust, these cheesecake bars are an easy alternative to NY cheesecake.
Sparkling White Sangria

With sparkling wine and fresh fruit, this white sangria is pretty and festive — perfect for a party!
Blondies

Part cookie, part brownie — who doesn’t love blondies?
Whipped Feta Dip

Similar to htipiti, the salty and tangy Mediterranean mezze spread, this feta dip is fabulous with toasted pita or veggies.
Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Cheddar & Almonds

This Southern-style broccoli salad with bacon, Cheddar and crunchy almonds is ideal for a picnic or BBQ.
Summer Berry Trifle

This berry trifle is perfect for a summer party. It’s refreshing, gorgeous, and you can make it ahead of time.
Pesto Pasta Salad with Peas, Pine Nuts & Mozzarella Pearls

Zesty pesto, green peas, pine nuts, and mozzarella pearls make a flavorful and pretty pasta salad.
Lemon Pound Cake

Flavored with lemon zest and lemon juice and drizzled with a tart lemon glaze, this is the ultimate pound cake for lemon lovers!
Guacamole

Easy to make and good for you, this classic guacamole is the ticket to wild popularity at any party you bring it to. Beware of double dipping!
Fresh Corn Salad

Summery and make-ahead, this fresh corn salad is tailor-made for a cookout.
Israeli Salad with Feta

Simple but packed with flavor, Israeli salad is a standard accompaniment to most Israeli meals, even breakfast.
Pound Cake

Looking for the perfect pound cake? This one is delightfully tender and moist, thanks to tangy buttermilk and a special mixing technique. Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries!
Classic Icebox Cake

Discover (or rediscover!) the magic of the classic icebox cake: a fancy-looking but utterly simple no-bake dessert.
Banana Pudding

Bring the magic of New York’s iconic Magnolia Bakery right into your own kitchen! Easily whip up their world-famous banana pudding, a heavenly mix of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and good ol’ Nilla wafers.