Easy Potluck Dishes

This summer, when you are tasked to “bring a side, salad, or dessert,” to a picnic or potluck, don’t even think of stepping near those plastic tubs of dip, pre-made deli salads, or packaged cookies.

What Do You Bring To A Potluck?

We’ve put together a list of our top picks for easy homemade potluck dishes guaranteed to impress. Generally speaking, you'll probably be bringing an accompaniment not a main dish...so think salad, side, dip, or a sweet treat. Our summer potluck ideas are easy potluck recipes that travel well. So grab a fork and dive in!

Potluck Side Dishes

• Capitol Hill Classic Cole Slaw and Red Bell Ranch Coleslaw are seasoned with customer favorites. The classic herby, dill flavor and creamy crunch is a perfect pairing for any BBQ plate.
• Southwestern BBQ Beans are a barbecue must-have side dish. This comes together pretty quickly and you can uses your favorite BBQ rub for a unique flavor.
• Cumin Spiced Potato Salad might be called a salad but we'd argue that it's actually the perfect potluck side dish. It might not be the star of the show but everyone will be back for seconds...and thirds.

Potluck Salads

• Smoky Watermelon Feta Salad is a fresh flavor for your summer barbecues. This salad is deceptively simple with sophisticated flavor. Sweet and juicy watermelon, slightly bitter arugula, and salty feta are accented by smoked salt & pepper and bright mint.
• Mt. Hood Pasta Salad is an easy pasta salad. This recipe has some antipasto inspiration with olives and pepperoni but you can customize it with your favorite add-ins (think artichoke hearts, bell peppers, mini mozzarella balls...)
• Greek Barley Salad (pictured at the top of this article) is a hearty vegetarian option that includes garbanzo beans and plenty of chopped fresh veggies, all tossed in a tangy yogurt dressing. It is so worth that last bit of free space on your plate.

Dips

• Seven Onion Dip...need we say more? This Spice & Easy hero is the champion for potato chips. It’s a crowd favorite that will leave people scraping the bowl for every last bite. (If you prefer something a little more unique, we suggest Mexican Street Corn Dip...it's perfect for summer!)
• Queen City Pimento Cheese is a favorite from our Charlotte, NC store. This version gets a slight twist by adding Ghost Pepper Salt. Don't be scared of the spicy salt; it adds just right kick of heat to the sharp cheese and tangy seasonings.
• Fresh Salsa Verde is easier than you think. It only takes a few minutes (and a few ingredients) to get a super fresh and tangy salsa that's way better than store-bought. Green tomatoes can also be used in place of tomatillos. Adjust jalapeño amount based on how much heat you like.
• *BONUS* No matter what seasoning you have in your cabinet, you can probably turn it into this Super Easy Savory Dip. The best part? It’s only three steps: combine, chill, and serve.

Can I Bring Cake To A Potluck? (AKA: Desserts)

Heck yes, you can absolutely bring cake to a potluck. (May we suggest Texas Sheet Cake - big enough to feed a crowd!) Desserts for a potluck are almost unlimited...although you probably don't want to bring ice cream, unless you happen to have your own ice cream truck. (And if so, can we please be friends?) Anyway, potluck dessert ideas include brownies and cookies. But we think the best potluck dessert is something a little more unexpected.

• Cherry Bonfire Bars (pictured above) are the twist on cherry pie that you didn't know you wanted. Whiskey smoked spices add cozy complexity while caramelized marshmallows add a hint of sticky s'mores to this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Curried Fruit Dip is an unexpected way to use curry in a sweet treat. It's sweet, with warm and aromatic spices, and a hint of tangy flavor from Pomegranate Molasses. Serve with fresh fruit pieces - we suggest mango, pineapple, strawberries and bananas.
• Apple Pie Moonshine is dessert, in a glass. For kids or non-drinkers, just skip the moonshine and make a cool, refreshing spiced cider.

No matter what you make for your summer potluck, don’t forget to post a picture and tag it with #savoryspiceshop on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!