Are you tired of the same old potluck salads? Looking for some fresh and exciting ideas to wow your friends at your next gathering? Well, look no further! In this blog post, we will be sharing some of the best potluck salad recipes that are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
From vibrant and colorful salads to hearty and satisfying ones, we have got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover some delicious and easy-to-make potluck salad recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
1. Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad is a creamy fruit dessert that is perfect for potlucks and gatherings. Made with Cool Whip, pineapple, mandarins, cherries, mini marshmallows, and more, this refreshing salad is a hit with both adults and kids.
It's easy to make and can be prepared in advance. The flavors meld together nicely after chilling, making it even more delicious. Serve with toasted coconut, extra cherries, or marshmallows for added flair.
2. Potluck Seven Layer Salad
Potluck Seven Layer Salad is a crowd-pleasing party food that can be made in advance. It features layers of romaine lettuce, red onions, cauliflower rice, peas, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and cheddar cheese.
The tangy dressing, made with Hellmann's mayonnaise and tomato powder, adds a flavorful twist. This salad is a hit at potlucks and can be enjoyed as a complete meal. It's easy to make and can be adjusted for smaller serving sizes. Perfect for feeding a crowd and leftovers can be enjoyed for days.
3. Mixed Green Salad
The Mixed Green Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for potluck gatherings. It combines fresh romaine lettuce, spring mix salad, grape tomatoes, cucumber, mushrooms, peppers, onions, and two types of grated cheese.
This salad can be customized with additional ingredients like boiled eggs, bacon, grilled chicken, and various dressings. It's a budget-friendly choice that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. Overall, the Mixed Green Salad is a simple and delicious option for feeding a crowd.
4. Greek Rice Salad
Greek Rice Salad is the perfect potluck salad with all the flavors of a Greek salad. It's easy to make and comes together in just 15 minutes. The salad includes cooked brown rice, cucumber, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
The dressing is a simple lemon vinaigrette. This salad is a great option for potlucks because it doesn't wilt and can be prepped ahead of time. It's a healthy and delicious choice for any gathering.
5. Taco Salad
Taco Salad is a crowd-pleasing potluck recipe that is quick, easy, and full of flavor. It features seasoned ground beef, crunchy lettuce, colorful veggies, and a bold Mexican taste thanks to taco seasoning and French dressing. The addition of nacho-flavored tortilla chips adds a satisfying crunch.
This salad can be made ahead, but it's best to add the chips and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess. Substitutions like ground turkey or chicken and different dressings can be made to suit personal preferences. Overall, Taco Salad is a delicious and satisfying option for any potluck or gathering.
6. Tossed Green Salad
Tossed Green Salad is a simple and refreshing mixed garden salad that is perfect for potlucks and summer parties. Made with crisp fresh veggies like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumber, this salad is tossed in a homemade vinaigrette dressing that adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
It can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins, making it a versatile option for any gathering. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is a great choice when you need a quick and delicious side dish.
7. Best Potluck Pasta Salad
The Best Potluck Pasta Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any potluck or backyard BBQ. It features short-cut pasta, sweet heirloom cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and briny capers.
The homemade red wine vinegar and herb dressing adds a burst of flavor to the salad. This mayo-free recipe ensures that the salad won't spoil in the heat. Overall, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any potluck event.
8. Classic Macaroni Salad
Classic Macaroni Salad is a timeless potluck favorite that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Made with elbow macaroni, eggs, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a staple at every gathering. The simple ingredients, including mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet pickle juice, and cider vinegar, create a tangy and flavorful dressing.
The addition of diced red bell pepper, celery, red onion, sweet gherkins, cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs adds texture and depth to the salad. This macaroni salad is easy to make in advance, making it a convenient choice for lazy summer days. Just chill it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Classic Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that will always be a hit at potlucks and BBQs.
9. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful potluck salad that is perfect for large gatherings. Packed with fresh veggies, tender pasta, and a homemade Italian vinaigrette, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. The addition of garbanzo beans, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers adds a briny twist, while fresh mozzarella and grated parmesan bring creaminess and nuttiness.
The salad can be easily customized with different pasta shapes and can be made vegetarian-friendly or with the addition of salami. Overall, Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a refreshing and versatile option for any potluck event.
10. Potluck Party Pasta Salad
Potluck Party Pasta Salad is a simple and accessible recipe that is perfect for gatherings. Made with mini pasta shells, grape tomatoes, red onion, provolone cheese, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
The secret ingredient is the Good Seasons Italian Dressing, which adds a tangy flavor. The recipe recommends rinsing the pasta to remove excess starch and prevent the salad from becoming gloppy. Overall, Potluck Party Pasta Salad is a crave-worthy dish that will be a hit at any potluck.
11. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a classic and easy-to-make potluck salad recipe. It features a delicious dressing made with mayo, sour cream, sweet relish, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic salt, and pepper.
The salad is packed with colorful veggies like celery, bell peppers, carrots, and red onions, adding a nice crunch. It's a perfect side dish for BBQs and potlucks, and can be customized with add-ons like ham, tuna, or hard-boiled eggs. Overall, Macaroni Salad is a crowd-pleasing option for any summer gathering.
12. Potato Salad
Potato Salad is a classic potluck salad recipe made with diced potatoes, green peppers, onions, eggs, Hellman's mayonnaise, and seasonings. It is a simple yet delicious dish that requires minimal ingredients and is easy to put together for a crowd.
The key to this recipe is dicing everything into small pieces and letting the flavors mingle in the refrigerator. It is the perfect complement to pulled pork or hamburgers.
13. Seven Layer Salad
The Seven Layer Salad is a classic potluck recipe that never disappoints. With layers of lettuce, peas, celery, onions, bacon, cheese, and a mayo-sugar dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Make it ahead of time to let the flavors meld together, and enjoy the convenience of a make-ahead dish for your next gathering. It's versatile too, allowing you to customize the layers with your favorite ingredients. Overall, the Seven Layer Salad is a go-to side dish that will surely impress your guests.
14. Easy Bean Salad
Easy Bean Salad is a delightful and refreshing side dish that is perfect for potlucks. This traditional three bean salad recipe features kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and white cannellini beans, along with diced red onion, celery, and red pepper for added crunch. The homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing adds a tangy and flavorful touch.
This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better as it ages. It is also versatile, as it can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course when added to a bed of lettuce. Overall, Easy Bean Salad is a crowd-pleasing option that will leave everyone wanting more.
15. Taco Pasta Salad
Taco Pasta Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for potlucks and BBQs. Loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors, it combines tender pasta with meaty and cheesy goodness.
This easy-to-make salad is a crowd-pleaser and can also be enjoyed as a standalone meal. It stays fresh and delicious even as leftovers, making it a convenient option. Overall, Taco Pasta Salad is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the combination of tacos and pasta.
16. Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad is a quick and easy potluck side dish that combines zesty Greek flavors with hearty tortellini pasta. The salad features cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a flavorful Greek dressing.
It can be made ahead of time and still tastes great when served later. With the option to customize the veggies and cheese, this salad is versatile and sure to be a hit at any potluck.
17. Cornbread Salad
Cornbread Salad is a delicious make-ahead salad made with fresh cornbread and a homemade French dressing. It features a combination of green leaf lettuce, baby spinach, roma tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bacon pieces, and cubed cornbread.
The dressing is a blend of sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, paprika, grated onion, yellow mustard, salt, and vegetable oil. This recipe makes a lot of dressing, perfect for leftovers or sharing with others. Overall, Cornbread Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit at any potluck gathering.
18. Creamy Pasta Salad
Creamy Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile side dish that is perfect for potlucks. Loaded with peas, crispy bacon, and noodles, it is coated in a smooth and creamy dressing.
The addition of parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. This salad can be customized with your favorite mix-ins, making it a crowd-pleaser. It can be made ahead of time and is a great option for outdoor gatherings.
19. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli Bacon Salad is a potluck classic that combines crunchy broccoli, crisp bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, and red onion.
The tangy dressing made with mayo, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar adds a delicious twist. This salad is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. A must-have side dish for any summer gathering.
