34 Potluck Side Dishes That Will Be the Most Popular Dish at Any Event

Summer BBQ side dishes bring vibrant, flavorful options that perfectly complement grilled mains. From tangy coleslaw to refreshing pasta salads, these dishes offer a balance of textures and tastes. Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, and creamy potato salad add hearty, crowd-pleasing elements to the spread. Fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs make the sides light and seasonal. These dishes enhance the smoky flavors of BBQ with their bright, crisp, and savory notes, making every bite more enjoyable.

Kitchenaid Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melted butter and a sprinkle of herbs. — Kitchenaid Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Nonni.

These easy KitchenAid mashed potatoes are the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes ever. Let your stand mixer do all the work in this recipe!
Get the Recipe: Kitchenaid Mashed Potatoes

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad on a plate. — Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This easy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a cinch to make for your next barbecue. Using lots of herbs really fills it with flavor!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Pasta Salad

This Pasta Salad will easily become your favorite summer side dish. It’s full of summer’s seasonal bounty. Bring it to your next barbecue and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad

Roasted Carrots And Brussels Sprouts

A platter of Roasted Carrots and Brussels sprouts in a honey balsamic glaze is the perfect holiday side dish—two vegetables in one effort!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots And Brussels sprouts.

Oven Roasted Corn

Corn on the cob with thyme. — Oven Roasted Corn. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This Oven Roasted Corn is the best way to make summer corn. There’s very little prep time needed, and it comes out perfect, tender, and flavorful every time. Plus, it’s the easiest way to make corn on the cob for large parties.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Corn

Broccolini and Quinoa Salad

Two plates of broccoli and radishes on a pink background. — Broccolini and Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

Easy to make and bursting with delicious flavors, this Broccolini and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing makes the perfect addition to your lunch or as a side dish for dinner. The seared broccolini, the fluffy quinoa, the fresh radishes, and the savory garlic come together in the most beautiful way when finished off with creamy tahini dressing—yum!
Get the Recipe: Broccolini and Quinoa Salad

Watermelon And Cucumber Salad

A bowl of watermelon salad with lime and pistachios. — Watermelon And Cucumber Salad {Simple & Fresh}. Photo credit: Seasonal Cravings.

This Watermelon and Cucumber Salad is a great way to celebrate a warm summer day. This salad is full of watermelon, cucumber, feta, avocados, and mint. It’s perfect for a summer party or neighborhood get-together.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon And Cucumber Salad

Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

A white bean salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese. — Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta. Photo credit: Olive And Mango.

This Mediterranean White Bean Salad with Feta is so simple to make, with a few fresh veggies and a handful of pantry staples. If you’re assigned to bring a side dish to your friend’s summer lunch, this is the one!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean White Bean Salad With Feta

Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese With Pancetta

Macaroni and cheese served in bowls at a rustic wooden table, perfect for pub and bar food enthusiasts. — Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Take standard mac and cheese to inspiring new heights with this smoked gouda mac and cheese with pancetta recipe. Elbow noodles pair up with gouda cheese, white cheddar, garlic, pancetta or bacon, shallots, and more, to create this seriously impressive dish. You can enjoy this grown up mac and cheese as a side dish or as the main dish and I guarantee second helpings and clean plates!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese With Pancetta

Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding

Cheesy corn casserole served as a delicious side dish for turkey. — Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bacon loaded cornbread pudding pairs with everything from chicken to ham or turkey. It’s a wonderful potluck dish, and sure to be a hit. It’s easy to assemble this air fryer cornbread pudding made with Jiffy cornbread mix. This bacon corn casserole will become a family dinner tradition.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding

Roasted Broccolini Quick & Easy

Roasted Broccolini with garlic and lemon is tasty and flavorful and perfect for a quick, easy, healthy weeknight side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini Quick & Easy

Easy Sauteed Zucchini

Zucchini with dill in a pan with a fork. — Easy Sauteed Zucchini. Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

This Easy Sauteed Zucchini recipe is the best way to turn a favorite summer squash into a tasty side dish in just 12 minutes! It only requires a few basic ingredients but the flavor of the fresh herbs and garlic really make it taste special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sauteed Zucchini

Cajun Smothered Green Beans

Smothered green beans cooked down with bacon, ham, onions, and garlic for a rich and savory flavor. Perfect side dish for your southern meal.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Smothered Green Beans

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Loaded with garlic and rich with butter, these Garlic Butter Mushrooms are completely irresistible and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A bowl of halved, roasted brussels sprouts. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Strength And Sunshine.

Crispy & tender Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer! Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy healthy side dish you can make in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Pan Seared Asparagus

Grilled asparagus with lemon slices on a white serving plate. — Pan Seared Asparagus. Photo credit: Debs Daily Dish.

Pan Seared Asparagus takes an earthy but somewhat bitter vegetable and gives it a whole new caramelized flavor and is crispy golden brown.
Get the Recipe: Pan Seared Asparagus

Mixed Bean Salad

A bowl of bean and bean salad with dill. — Mixed Bean Salad. Photo credit: Olive And Mango.

Who doesn’t love a mixed bean salad? This recipe is a delicious salad of canned beans and fresh beans marinated in a tangy briny sweet vinaigrette. It is such a classic and staple dish for summer picnics and potlucks because it’s well loved and it doesn’t require refrigeration.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Salad

Healthy Coleslaw

Cole slaw in a white bowl with a spoon. — Healthy Coleslaw. Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

This ultra creamy coleslaw is super easy to stir together. It’s the perfect coleslaw recipe for your summer cookouts, barbecues, and picnics!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Coleslaw

Chickpea Salad

This Chickpea Salad is full of fresh flavors and herbs. It is light, travels well, and pairs perfectly with the heartier mains served during a summer barbecue party.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Black Eyed Pea Salad

This Black-Eyed Pea Salad recipe is incredibly easy to make. This makes it perfect for holidays, picnics, potlucks, and BBQ parties as a fresh and delicious side dish.
Get the Recipe: Black Eyed Pea Salad

Italian Pasta Salad

A bowl of pasta salad with tomatoes and olives. — Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

This easy Italian Pasta Salad is loaded with artichoke hearts, basil, tomatoes, and black olives. It even comes with a bold garlic and red wine vinegar dressing to make it pop!
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta Salad

Black Bean And Corn Salad

Black bean salad with tomatoes and corn in a white bowl. — Black Bean And Corn Salad. Photo credit: Foolproof Living .

This Black Bean and Corn Salad is loaded with vegetables and all the Mexican flavors we all love. Serve as a side dish, salsa, or just by itself!
Get the Recipe: Black Bean And Corn Salad

Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob in a baking dish. — Air Fryer Corn On The Cob. Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

Make perfect corn every time with this Air Fryer Corn on the Cob recipe. Just as delicious as grilled corn, and the best combination with grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn On The Cob

Air Fryer French Fries

A plate of french fries with a bowl of dipping sauce. — Air Fryer French Fries. Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

Air Fryer French Fries are made in a way that uses much less oil than the deep frying method, while still making the crispy, delicious fries we know and love. Serve these up at your next movie marathon or summer cookout!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Fries

Creamed Corn

Corn on the cob in a white bowl. — Creamed Corn. Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

Creamed corn is one tasty vegetable side dish that’s a wonderful addition to any dinner table or barbecue party. Ready to serve in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Creamy Pea Salad

Pea salad in a white bowl with bacon and peas. — Creamy Pea Salad. Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie.

This creamy pea salad is the perfect summer side to serve at your next cookout. Made with sour cream and ranch and topped with crispy bacon.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad

Three Bean Salad

A bowl of bean and chickpea salad. — Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Vegan Huggs.

Elevate your summer menu with Three Bean Salad! Bursting with freshness, crunch, and vibrant colors, it’s a must-have for summer gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad

Frito Crack Corn Salad

A bowl of nachos and chips with a bag of chips. — Frito Crack Corn Salad. Photo credit: Flavor Mosaic.

This Frito Corn Salad is a great make-ahead Crack Corn Salad to take to a picnic or potluck. It’s a creamy cold salad made with corn, bacon, & ranch. Yum!
Get the Recipe: Frito Crack Corn Salad

Succotash

Two bowls of vegetable salad on a table. — Succotash. Photo credit: Flavor Mosaic.

Succotash, a vibrant, colorful vegetable side dish that is perfect for a barbecue, picnic, or as a side dish for any dinner. Pick your veggie and watch guests scarf this down at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Succotash

Summer Fruit Salad

Mango slices on a plate with lime and honey. — Summer Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

Beat the heat with this refreshing summer fruit salad bursting with seasonal fruits and a zesty dressing. It’s sweet, light, and a lovely contrast to heavier grilled entrees.
Get the Recipe: Summer Fruit Salad

Chimichurri Potato Salad

Purple potato salad in a wooden bowl. — Chimichurri Potato Salad. Photo credit: Sweet Tea And Thyme.

This homemade chimichurri potato salad is a mayo-free side dish made with the best herb sauce. It tastes equally good served hot or cold!
Get the Recipe: Chimichurri Potato Salad

Classic Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad in a white bowl. — Classic Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: The Blond Cook.

This macaroni salad is a delicious make-ahead side dish. It serves a crowd and is perfect for potlucks, cookouts, and summer picnics!
Get the Recipe: Classic Macaroni Salad

Tarragon Chicken Salad

A salad on a plate. — Tarragon Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Shutter And Mint.

This Greek Yogurt Tarragon Chicken Salad is light, refreshing, and super easy to make! It’s the perfect lunch or light dinner, and even makes a wonderful side to a heart meal dish.
Get the Recipe: Tarragon Chicken Salad

Nectarine Salad

Peach salad with goat cheese and walnuts. — Nectarine Salad. Photo credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

Brighten your table with this Nectarine Salad– a vibrant mix of sweet nectarines, mozzarella, feta and a basil dressing. Freshness in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Nectarine Salad