In the summer months, there’s something magical about gathering with friends to enjoy delicious food al fresco. If you’ve got a potluck coming up, or you’re planning to host one yourself, we’ve got you covered. We combed the internet for the best mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing beverages. Full of seasonal produce, these mouthwatering recipes are sure to be a hit at your next potluck!
Our Signup Tool makes planning a potluck seriously simple. Your guests can easily see what others are bringing, helping to avoid repeat dishes, and our software will handle the email confirmations and reminders, so you don’t have to stress on the day of the event!
Here’s an example of a Summer Potluck signup!
If you’re ready to get started, check out the recipes below for inspiration.
Small Plates
Seriously simple to put together and jam packed with flavor, this cowboy caviar will be a hit at your next summer potluck. It’s marinated overnight and full of bright, seasonal vegetables. Served with tortilla chips, it’s a summer classic you don’t want to miss.
Corn with Cilantro-Lime Butter
Upgrade your classic corn on the cob with cilantro-lime butter this summer! It’s the perfect fresh, bright side dish for a potluck!
Update your salsa this season with this sweet and spicy mango salsa recipe. It only takes 15 minutes to throw together, and can be served on tacos, salads, or with chips!
There’s something about tomatoes in the summer that is just so refreshing. Take advantage of the season with this bruschetta recipe, which calls for a variety of seasonal tomatoes. It’s cool, garlicky, and guaranteed to please.
If you’re looking for another way to use those juicy summer tomatoes, try this Tomato Tart with Burrata. It’s buttery, herby, fresh, and perfect for a crowd. The creamy burrata pairs perfectly with crisp tomatoes and a crunchy cornmeal crust.
Salads
Summer is the season when stone fruits shine. Let them steal the show at your next potluck with this fruit salad recipe. It uses whatever stone fruit you have on hand, a drizzle of honey, and chopped mint to elevate your summer produce. It’s delectably simple, and your guests will be coming back for seconds.
Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad
This riff on a caprese salad is a summer potluck dream. Seasonal peaches and tomatoes join with mozzarella, basil, and white vinegar to create a caprese fit for a summer night. It’s a classic combination in an exciting, new way!
This simple butter lettuce salad is an easy, delicious way to contribute to your next potluck when you’re short on time. It pairs fresh butter lettuce leaves with olives and manchego cheese, melding complex flavors with a light lettuce. Crunchy breadcrumbs give the salad some bite. You’ll wish you’d doubled the recipe!
This hearty, filling summertime salad is the perfect addition to your next potluck spread. This recipe swaps some traditional cobb ingredients with southwest inspired ingredients, including pepper jack cheese, cilantro, and a delicious smoky chipotle dressing. It’s got a variety of textures and flavors, and it is sure to brighten your meal!
Give your classic Caesar Salad a summer twist. Grilling your romaine adds a charred, smoky flavor to a fan favorite dish. Paired with crisp croutons, parmesan, and lemony Caesar dressing, this recipe will be a hit at your next summer potluck!
Mains
If you’re getting burger fatigue, this Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe is your new best friend. Combining juicy pork, tangy barbecue sauce, and sweet brown sugar, this recipe brings intense flavor to the table. Your guests can top them with crunchy, creamy coleslaw or salty pickles. They’re guaranteed to please and well worth the extra effort!
These Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are a slam dunk, even with picky eaters. They’re easy to throw together before a party, and packed full of flavor. Topped with a mixture of butter, Dijon mustard, Worchestire sauce, poppy seeds, and dried onion, this recipe elevates a simple classic. Try it out at your next potluck – your little ones will thank you!
There is truly nothing better than a warm, flaky biscuit fresh out of the oven. This Fried Chicken Biscuit recipe will bring all that warmth and joy to your next potluck. It’s made for travel, combining fried chicken tenders, biscuits, and irresistible hot honey butter. You can make it ahead, and easily reheat your sandwiches on the go.
Fire up the grill – you’ll want to try these beef kabobs at your next potluck! Marinated in soy sauce, honey, and white vinegar, this recipe is perfectly salty, tangy, sweet, and umami. It’s also easily customizable, so you can use whatever seasonal produce you have on hand. Some of our summer favorites include zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions.
Desserts
Creamy Layered Blueberry Popsicles
This kid-friendly dessert is perfect for a summer potluck. These popsicles are cold, creamy, and loaded with homemade blueberry jam. If you make a batch for the 4th of July, consider layering strawberry and blueberry jam with your whipped topping to get a red, white, and blue effect!
There’s something about peach cobbler on a warm summer night that just feels right. This easy cobbler recipe is suspiciously simple and perfect for entertaining a crowd. You can swap the peaches out for whatever stone fruit you have on hand. Serve with ice cream for a home run dessert.
Have strawberries that are about to turn? This strawberry poke cake is a great way to use them! It’s a light, yellow cake filled and topped with sweet strawberries. Served with mint and whipped cream, it’s a delightful summer treat perfect for a potluck.
If you have half a pack of Oreos and a partially devoured bag of M&M’s on hand, this recipe is for you! It takes leftover treats, and transforms them into an irresistibly sweet, textured blondie bar. They’re sure to please guests of all ages.
Drinks
If you’re looking to spruce up your traditional lemonade, try this Hibiscus Lemonade recipe! It combines hibiscus tea, berry puree, and lemonade to create a refreshing, floral drink you’ll want to sip on all summer long.
You can also add peach or pomegranate juices to your traditional lemonade to give it a fun, new flavor. Cherry-limeade is another fan favorite combination.
If you’re looking for a lighter, fruitier alternative to traditional sodas, give this recipe a try. All you have to do is combine soda water with the juice of your choosing. The opportunities are endless! If you’re short on time, this recipe is the perfect, homemade contribution to your next potluck!
Upgrade your sweet tea game with this Iced Raspberry Tea recipe. It’s perfectly balanced, and delectably bright! You can make it ahead of time, ensuring your next potluck is a breeze.
Adult Beverages
The Dirty Shirley has been touted as the drink of the summer, and for a good reason! It’s the perfect adult twist on a childhood classic. Delightfully sweet and topped with a bright red maraschino cherry, they’re sure to bring a smile to your guests’ faces. An added bonus: omitting the vodka makes them kid-friendly. Your little ones will feel so grown up!
Take advantage of the beautiful mangos at your local grocery store with this Mango Margarita recipe. It’s a fun, summery twist on a classic cocktail. Pro tip: if you want to make a big batch ahead of time, simply combine all of the ingredients and omit the ice until you serve! Your guests will be impressed!
Is it just me, or does sangria practically scream summer? This rosé sangria recipe is the perfect light and bright cocktail for your next summer potluck. It uses melted honey instead of a traditional simple syrup as a sweetener, adding floral notes that are perfect for the season!
If you’re a fan of strawberry lemonade, this recipe is sure to please and simple to prepare! All you have to do is combine seltzer, cranberry-raspberry juice, lemonade concentrate, and vodka. The fruity ice ring adds a touch of refinement, while keeping your punch nice and cold! It’s perfect for a crowd.
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