The Best Picnic and Potluck Recipes

The Best Picnic and Potluck Recipes are made using quick and easy ingredients. They are budget friendly recipes that make the perfect side dishes for all of your picnics, potlucks, and church gatherings!

These recipes are easy to make and you’ll find that you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen preparing any of them. From California Pasta Salad, to our Favorite — Doritos Taco Salad, there truly is something on this list for everyone, and every occasion.

If you love potluck dishes like I do then you’ve landed in the right place. I’ve spent hours searching blogs for easy to make delicious dishes to share here on our list for you.

All you’ll need if a big bowl, a few simple ingredients, and 20 minutes or less!

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Seriously, you will love how incredibly simple these recipes are to make. Your little ones could probably even make them all by themselves — minus the chopping of course!

Get ready for some serious deliciousness as you scroll through The Best Picnic and Potluck Recipes below. So many recipes to try — it will be hard to figure out which one you want to try first!

Included in this list of Picnic and Potluck Recipes

Hawaiian pasta salads
Cauliflower salads
20 minutes and under recipes
Recipes featuring bacon
A delicious doritos recipe

Occasions to serve the Best Picnic and Potluck Recipes

The “where” and “when” in the name — the best times to serve these recipes are picnics and potlucks! I’ve also made a few of these pasta salads for lunch on a day where I just need something easy.

From classic pasta salads, mexican taco salad goodness, to deliciously sweet broccoli and cauliflower salad… you’ll be the recipe star at the next gathering you take on of these dishes to. I’d make two batches if I were you!

BONUS RECIPE VIDEO –> CLASSIC COLESLAW RECIPE

From Spaceships and Laser Beams :: Click HERE for the FULL Recipe What’s a staple at BBQs, potlucks, birthday parties, and all sorts of celebrations? A creamy classic coleslaw recipe with mayo and vinegar dressing is one of the foods that often gets invited out!

CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF The Best Picnic and Potluck Recipes BELOW:

1. Easy Greek Pasta Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Greek Pasta Salad is an easy side, perfect to prep ahead and a hit at every party or potluck! Tender pasta, ripe juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, feta cheese and olives are tossed in a Greek dressing for the perfect make ahead side dish. We often add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal.

2. Doritos Taco Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Dorito Taco Salad is a delicious salad we’ve been serving at potlucks for as long as I can remember! Seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, pinto beans, veggies and of course Doritos all sauced up with a zingy dressing make this an exciting change to your daily menu!

3. Classic Southern Macaroni Salad

From The Seasoned Mom :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Nothing tastes better with a grilled hamburger or a barbecue chicken sandwich than a cool and creamy Classic Southern Macaroni Salad! File this perfect side dish recipe away for your next cookout or potluck — it always wins rave reviews!

4. California Pasta Salad

From Culinary Hill :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This delicious and colorful California Pasta Salad is always a hit at parties! Make it a day ahead if you want; the flavors only get better as it sits!

5. Broccoli Salad

From Delicious Meets Healthy :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Broccoli Salad is a party or potluck favorite. It’s dressed in a creamy dressing and it’s made with bits of salty bacon, tangy red onion, sweet craisins and crunchy sunflower seeds. This salad is so delicious and the dressing pairs wonderfully with the salad.

6. Rainbow Macaroni Salad

From Real Housemoms :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Easy Rainbow Macaroni Salad is a delicious pasta salad studded with rainbow-colored veggies to make a fun, delicious summer side. We eat this macaroni salad all year long!

7. Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

From Butter Your Biscuit :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Not all macaroni salads are the same, there are so many different varieties. This one is simple, inexpensive and uses easy ingredients

8. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

From The Recipe Critic :: Click HERE for the RECIPE A mouthwatering salad with fresh strawberries, cranberries, goat cheese and almonds. The strawberry balsamic dressing gives it the perfect flavor and is one amazing summer salad!

9. Elbow Macaroni Salad

From Spaceships and Laser Beams :: Click HERE for the RECIPE The thing about a macaroni salad recipe is it’s quick and easy to make, with very little cooking and one batch makes several servings.

If you can boil water, you’re golden. So when something that delicious is so simple to fix, a little experimentation never hurts!

10. Greek Tzatziki Pasta Salad

From The Recipe Critic :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Greek Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a delicious pasta salad with fresh cucumbers, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. It is tossed in a tangy tzatziki dressing and is perfect for your next potluck!

11. Buffalo Chicken Taco Salad

From Peas and Crayons :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This tasty buffalo chicken taco salad is a fun twist on the classic!

12. Tomato Arugula Balsamic Pasta Salad

From A Saucy Kitchen :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Simple balsamic pasta salad with fresh cherry tomatoes, arugula and basil in an easy vinaigrette. Serve as a side dish or light meal. | Gluten Free + Vegan

13. Classic Tuna Macaroni Salad

From Tastes of Lizzy T :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Classic Tuna Macaroni Salad is an easy-to-prepare side dish perfect with sandwiches. A quick summer salad recipe for picnics!

14. Cobb Pasta Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Cobb Pasta Salad is the perfect summer meal alongside a cold refreshing glass of iced tea! Loaded with juicy tomatoes, crisp bacon, avocados and cheese, this pasta salad can save the day at dinner time or be the star dish at any picnic or potluck spread!

15. Classic Macaroni Salad

From Like Mother Like Daughter :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This creamy macaroni salad is loaded full of fresh crunchy vegetables. Its the perfect summer side dish for a picnic or potluck!

16. Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad takes my favorite summer cucumber salad and turns it into a delicious meal. Loaded with tender pasta, crisp juicy cucumbers, fresh dill and sweet white onion, this dish will be the hit of every potluck!

17. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

From The Novice Chef :: Click HERE for the RECIPE A quick, easy & creamy pasta salad with cheddar cheese, bacon, peas & ranch seasoning all tossed together for a great potluck dish!

18. Homestyle Macaroni Salad

From Peas and Crayons :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This quick and easy homestyle macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for your Spring picnics and Summer barbecues!

19. Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad

From Spicy Southern Kitchen :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Jalapeno Popper Pasta Salad is perfect for any picnic, potluck, or bbq. It has all that awesome flavor of a Jalapeno Popper!

20. Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad

From Mostly Homemade Mom :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad features tri colored rotini pasta with pepperoni, mozzarella, cheddar, and tomatoes in a Parmesan vinaigrette.

This Italian pasta salad variation is the perfect summer side dish recipe!

21. Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad

From The Recipe Critic :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad is full of fresh summer veggies, salami, and tortellini pasta. It is tossed in a zesty italian dressing and is always the hit of the potluck!

22. Big Mac Salad Recipe

From Wholesome Yum :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This easy low carb Big Mac salad recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! A gluten-free, keto cheeseburger salad like this makes a healthy lunch or dinner.

23. Deliciously Sweet Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

From Easy Peasy Pleasy :: Click HERE for the RECIPE You guys are gonna love it. It’s a little sweet and a little salty from the bacon and it is oh so good.

24. Loaded Italian Pasta Salad

From The Best Blog Recipes :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Loaded Italian Pasta Salad from The Best Blog Recipes is a classic pasta salad that so incredibly easy to make. Loaded with fresh vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, salami, and Barilla Gluten Free Penne Pasta — this is a dish that is perfect for your next potluck, picnic, or anytime you need a hearty salad for a crowd!

25. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

From Flavor Mosaic :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad from Flavor Mosaic is made in delicious Texas style. It’s packed full of crisp bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, tender pasta, and spicy jalapeños!

26. Curry Chicken Pasta Salad

From Spicy Southern Kitchen :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Curry Chicken Pasta Salad is part chicken salad, part pasta salad with lots of curry flavor. Combining the two makes for a light, but filling meal that’s perfect for a summer lunch or dinner.

27. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

From Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Mediterranean Pasta Salad – an easy pasta salad full of olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, parsley, and feta cheese. Topped with a light vinaigrette dressing for a cool and delicious dish.

28. Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad

From Tornadough Alli :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Creamy and spicy with a little bit of crunch this Southwest Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for your next get together!

29. Italian Sub Pasta Salad

From Food Lovin Family :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Italian Sub Pasta Salad is a flavorful salad loaded with all of the classic sub fixings. This salad is great to bring for lunch or even as a quick and easy dinner.

30. BLT Pasta Salad

From Dinner at the Zoo :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This BLT pasta salad recipe is full of veggies, pasta and crispy bacon, all tossed in a cool and creamy dressing. The perfect easy meal or side dish!

31. Italian Orzo Pasta Salad

From The Taylor House :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Italian Orzo Pasta Salad from The Taylor House is deliciously fresh and light. It’s perfect side salad to make in the summer with fresh tomatoes, onion, and cucumbers!

32. Tuna and Bacon Pasta Salad

From The Blond Cook :: Click HERE for the RECIPE So hearty and packed full of flavor, you’re going to love this easy Tuna and Bacon Pasta Salad! Thank goodness spring has finally arrived and it’s perfect picnic weather. When I think of what to pack for an outdoor picnic, pasta salad always comes to mind every single time.

33. Easy Greek Pasta Salad

From Dinner, then Dessert :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Easy Greek Pasta Salad from Dinner, Then Dessert is the perfect easy lunch for home or work! It is loaded with pasta, feta, olives, and a tasty homemade vinaigrette!

34. Shrimp Pasta Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Shrimp Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to take to a potluck or party! It comes together within just minutes and it’s incredibly delicious! The fresh lemon juice adds a little zip to the dressing while the dill adds summery freshness complementing the small cooked shrimp perfectly!

35. Reuben Pasta Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE All of the amazing flavors of your favorite Reuben Sandwich in a delicious creamy pasta salad! Corned beef, swiss, sauerkraut and pickles are tossed with a simple Reuben inspired dressing for one the best potluck salads you’ve ever had!

36. Mexican Pasta Salad

From The Recipe Critic :: Click HERE for the RECIPE A delicious Mexican Pasta Salad covered in a creamy salsa dressing.

37. Hawaiian Pasta Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Hawaiian Pasta Salad is a refreshing play on my favorite Hawaiian Pizza flavors and is always a hit at potlucks! A quick and easy homemade pineapple dressing is tossed with pasta, ham and bell peppers for a uniquely delicious side dish!

38. Creamy Cilantro Lime Southwestern Salad

From Mom on Timeout :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Creamy Cilantro Lime Southwestern Pasta Salad recipe is satisfying enough for an easy dinner or a tasty addition to any party, BBQ or get together! Grilled chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing make this pasta salad exceptionally delicious!

39. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

From Tastes Better from Scratch :: Click HERE for the RECIPE All of the goodness of a Caesar Salad wrapped up in an amazing pasta dish!

40. Pizza Pasta Salad

From Butter with a Side of Bread :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Pizza Pasta Salad is easy and is so perfect for a spring or summer party! The ingredients make an incredible flavor that everyone will enjoy!

41. Supreme Pasta Salad

From Love to be in the Kitchen :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Easy to put together, packed with veggies and flavor! This is sure to be a hit at your next get-together!

42. Apple and Honey Pasta Salad

From Big Bears Wife :: Click HERE for the RECIPE A dish of this Apple and Honey Pasta Salad from Big Bear’s Wife will be come a quick favorite treat for you. It’s also a great dish to share with others!

43. BLT Pasta Salad

From The Taylor House :: Click HERE for the RECIPE You will LOVE this BLT Pasta Salad from The Taylor House. It’s packed with fresh flavors and crunch. The perfect side dish to serve at your next backyard BBQ.

44. Fiesta Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad

From Butter with a Side of Bread :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Fiesta Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad from Butter with a Side of Bread is a Summertime favorite because it doesn’t require the oven and it makes a huge batch! It’s the perfect dish for BBQ’s, potlucks, church and family gatherings!

45. Easy Pasta Salad

From Wonky Wonderful :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for picnics, holiday feasts and potlucks! Just in time to make as an Easter side dish. It goes great with a glazed spiral ham!

46. Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

From Diethood :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Strawberries, avocados and bow tie pasta all tossed with an irresistibly creamy balsamic glaze!

47. Shrimp and Pasta Salad

From The Seasoned Mom :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Full of simple and fresh ingredients, Aunt Bee’s Shrimp and Pasta Salad has been a family-favorite for decades! It’s the perfect side dish for your next cookout, an easy option for a weeknight dinner, or a refreshing make-ahead lunch option. This multi-tasking recipe will soon become a regular in your kitchen as well!

48. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

From Life Made Simple :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad from Life Made Simple makes a great meal on it’s own or even as a side dish. It’s loaded with crisp romaine, pasta, herbed chicken, ripe cherry tomatoes and lots of cheese! You really can’t go wrong with this one for dinner this week!

49. Picnic Perfect Pasta Salad

From Busy Mom’s Helper :: Click HERE for the RECIPE If you’re attending a picnic with gluten-free guests, this pasta salad is an excellent addition to the buffet table because everyone can eat it. And those who aren’t gluten-free won’t notice a difference.

50. Old Fashioned Potato Salad

From Love Bakes Good Cakes :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Simple is best when it comes to recipes like this Old-Fashioned Potato Salad! It tastes just like grandma made it!

51. German Cucumber Salad

From The Blonde Cook :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Not only is this salad incredibly delicious, it’s healthy AND budget-friendly! I used regular sour cream in the dressing (because it was in my fridge). You can also substitute low fat sour cream or yogurt to make it even healthier.

52. BLT Red Potato Salad with Avocado

From Tidy Mom :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This easy Red Potato Salad has an avocado ranch dressing along with bacon, lettuce and tomato! It’s a simple crowd-pleasing side dish for any size gathering.

53. Italian Tortellini Salad

From A Family Feast :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This delicious Italian Tortellini Salad recipe from A Family Feast should definitely make a regular appearance on the menu at your summer parties! It’s the perfect side dish to serve alongside any grilled foods like burgers, hot dogs, steak or chicken… and it’s EASY to make too!

54. Chicken Bacon Ranch Layer Salad

From Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This stunning layered chicken bacon ranch salad is a riff on a classic 7 layer salad. It features layers of green leaf lettuce, peppers, corn, tomatoes, onions, cheddar cheese, roast chicken and crumbled bacon. All dressed in a creamy homemade salad dressing.

55. Creamy Tomato and Cucumber Salad

From Spicy Southern Kitchen :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Creamy Tomato and Cucumber Salad makes a fantastic summer side.

56. Bacon Caprese Salad

From Dinner at the Zoo :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This recipe for Bacon Caprese Salad is layers of tomatoes, mozarella cheese, bacon, avocado and basil leaves, all drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette, the perfect summer main course or side dish!

57. Greek Tortellini Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Greek Tortellini Salad is one of our all time favorites! This easy recipe is going to become one of your staple potluck dishes.

58. Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect side salad for any time of year! It is packed with juicy ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs. Top it off with a delicious creamy dressing for a healthy addition to your menu plan!

59. Creamy Cheddar and Dill Macaroni Salad

From Life Made Simple :: Click HERE for the RECIPE You know the kind of macaroni salad you get at a good deli? Yep, this is exactly like that. And it’s crazy easy to make!

60. BLT Tortellini Salad

From Gal on a Mission :: Click HERE for the RECIPE BLT Tortellini Salad – The perfect cold pasta salad that’s great for any potluck, picnic, or your summer barbecues. This tortellini salad will be a huge hit whenever you take it!

61. Rainbow Broccoli Salad

From Spend with Pennies :: Click HERE for the RECIPE Broccoli is an incredibly diverse veggie! It can be enjoyed raw, or in a variety of dishes! In this Rainbow Broccoli Salad recipe, the veggie steals the show and entices your family to go back for a second helping of veggies!

62. Creamy Pea Salad

From Love Bakes Good Cakes :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Creamy Pea Salad is sooooo easy and it’s always a hit! I’ve even had people who swear they don’t like peas, enjoy this Creamy Pea Salad – it’s that good!

63. Easy Peasy Slaw Salad

From Together as Family :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This easy, delicious, & only 5 ingredient salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a potluck or as a side dish for dinner. Uses salad dressing, bagged coleslaw, and frozen peas so it comes together in a hurry!

64. Broccoli Salad

From Gonna Want Seconds :: Click HERE for the RECIPE This Broccoli Salad is the best I’ve ever tried! It’s absolutely loaded with yummy flavors. Say hello to your new favorite salad.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Meet Shauna, Owner and Founder of The Best Blog Recipes!

She not only loves to cook food, but loves to eat it too! Shauna is a firm believer in using easy ingredients to create delicious recipes that her family and friends can easily re-create at home.