Pack them up for your next barbecue.
It doesn't matter what time of year it is—potlucks are always fun! They take the pressure off the host and allow guests to contribute their own special dish. And come summertime, potlucks are aplenty. Whether it's a backyard BBQ, a picnic in the park, or a neighborhood 4th of July party, there's always a reason to host a summer potluck. It's one of Ree Drummond's favorite ways to entertain. "Marlboro Man will grill a bunch of steaks and everyone will bring their favorite potluck dish," she says. So, what makes a good summer potluck recipe? Here, you'll find tons of ideas that are easy to transport and great for feeding a crowd like our best pasta salads and make-ahead desserts.
If you're deciding on summer recipes that are perfect for a potluck, it's important to remember that you'll likely need to do the cooking in advance. That's why this list has plenty of make-ahead mains, like Ree's spicy Dr Pepper shredded pork. Once you have a big batch of the pork prepared, you can bring sandwich rolls or even flour tortillas for serving it up. Or, opt for the barbecue chicken salad, grilled ribs, or sausage and peppers. If you were assigned to bring a BBQ side, don't fret! There are plenty of potato salads and summer vegetable recipes to choose from. We even included summer desserts that can feed a crowd—now, how about a slice of strawberry icebox cake?
1
Southwestern Pasta Salad
There are so many fun mix-ins that will remind you of the great American Southwest. We're talking smoky chipotle peppers, corn, pinto beans, and avocado. When prepping it ahead, take the pasta salad out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving and stir in a splash or two of milk.
Get the Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe.
2
Grilled BBQ Ribs
Smoky, tender, charred ribs will have everyone reaching for more! These have a hefty slathering of barbecue sauce for that finger-licking goodness.
Get the Grilled BBQ Ribs recipe.
3
Chickpea Salad
Add a pop of color to any potluck with this fresh summer salad. It's loaded with crunchy veggies, hearty chickpeas, and a bright lemon dressing all of which can be prepared ahead of time.
Get the Chickpea Salad recipe.
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4
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Taco night is easier than ever thanks to this recipe that uses an Instant Pot to make a big batch of BBQ chicken. Bring the corn tortillas and slaw separately, and let guests build their own tacos.
Get Ree's BBQ Chicken Tacos recipe.
5
Lemon Icebox Pie
Make this bright, lemony pie ahead and stash it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. After all, it's best eaten cold!
Get the Lemon Icebox Pie recipe.
6
Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This summery twist on loaded baked potatoes has all those comforting ingredients you know and love—bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing made with chopped pickles and ranch seasoning.
Get the Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe.
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7
Eggplant Lasagna
Seasonal eggplant is the star of this casserole dish! But don't be fooled, it's still plenty hearty from the layers of meat sauce, breadcrumbs, and cheese.
Get the Eggplant Lasagna recipe.
8
Sausage and Peppers
Fire up the grill for this crowd-pleasing dish! They taste delicious with any side dish so you don't have to worry about what else is on the menu. Just serve it up on a big platter with toasted rolls on the side.
Get the Sausage and Peppers recipe.
9
Chicken Pasta Salad
Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this pasta salad even easier. Toss it with noodles, celery, grapes, toasted almonds, and a creamy dressing that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Chicken Pasta Salad recipe.
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10
Yellow Squash Casserole
If you're looking to impress at your next summer gathering, then this casserole recipe is for you! The cheesy squash filling and buttery cracker topping will have everyone ooh-ing and ahh-ing!
Get the Yellow Squash Casserole recipe.
11
Red Potato Salad
This potluck staple can last up to five days in the fridge! Just be sure to add the bacon right before serving so you get that crispy crunch that you know and love.
Get the Red Potato Salad recipe.
12
Spicy Dr Pepper Shredded Pork
Cooking pork with a can of Dr Pepper is like magic—it creates the most luscious, melt-in-your mouth shredded pork in existence. Serve it up on buns or flour tortillas for tacos!
Get Ree's Spicy Dr Pepper Shredded Pork recipe.
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13
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can turn any weeknight get-together into a summer party! The flavors are bright, tangy, cheesy, and fresh.
Get the Dill Pickle Pasta Salad recipe.
14
Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is so vibrant and filling thanks to the diced salami, mozzarella, and pesto dressing. It gets even more flavorful as it sits, so you can easily make it ahead.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
15
Strawberry Icebox Cake
With layers of graham crackers, whipped cream cheese, and fresh strawberries, this cake is perfect for summertime. Best of all—you don't even need to turn on the oven to make it!
Get the Strawberry Icebox Cake recipe.
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16
Tomato Pie
When juicy summer tomatoes are in season, this savory pie is sure to steal the show. You can make it easier by using refrigerated pie crust if you prefer.
Get the Tomato Pie recipe.
17
Southern Potato Salad
No Southern-style barbecue would be complete without this creamy potato salad. It has all the classic ingredients, like potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and a mayo-based dressing.
Get the Southern Potato Salad recipe.
18
Spicy BBQ Brisket
Whether you're the one hosting or just bringing the main course, this crowd-pleasing brisket is perfect for a summer cookout. You can roast it in advance, then just finish it off on the grill before serving.
Get Ree's Spicy BBQ Brisket recipe.
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19
BLT Pasta Salad
As the name implies, this pasta salad gets its inspiration from a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. But if you ask us, it's the ranch-flavored dressing that sets it apart!
Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.
20
Blackberry Cobbler Cake
This fresh berry dessert is like a mash-up between a cobbler and a cake. All it needs is a scoop of ice cream to make the ultimate summer dessert!
Get the Blackberry Cobbler Cake recipe.
