Every time I bring one of these potluck salads to a party, it ends up being a crowd favorite! From creamy classics to fresh, vibrant fruit salads, there’s something here for just about any get-together.

Potluck salads.
Photo: Gayle McLeod

One of my favorite things to bring to a potluck is a big bowl of salad. But not the leafy green kind! I’m talking about hearty salads that hold up perfectly on a buffet table and don’t wilt (no one wants soggy greens). But what I might love even more is that most of these potluck salads are also make-ahead salads. That means they can be prepped a day in advance, which makes hosting or bringing a dish to a holiday or event so much easier! I love making my broccoli salad and fruit salad for spring gatherings like Easter. And my coleslaw and cowboy caviar are always go-to’s for summer BBQs. But no matter the occasion, every one of these has been a hit somewhere along the way. I can’t wait to see which ones you try!

Broccoli salad recipe in a bowl.

1

Classic Broccoli Salad

4.99 from 194 votes
It's not a potluck without this broccoli salad. It's always a hit for any party, year-round. And it's especially the popular for all the major holidays. In other words, when in doubt, make broccoli salad!
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Cowboy caviar recipe.

2

Most Delicious Cowboy Caviar

5 from 41 votes
While I enjoy this as a salad, I also love how the combination of beans, veggies, and a zesty dressing doubles as an appetizer dip with tortilla chips! I'd recommend bookmarking this for any summer potluck.
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The best chicken salad recipe in a white serving bowl.

3

Ultimate Chicken Salad

4.96 from 407 votes
It's hard to resist chicken salad! It's the perfect refreshing, chunky bite, and packed with protein. I also love serving this up with lettuce leaves on the side for a make-your-own lettuce wrap situation.
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Potato salad with a fork.

4

The Best Potato Salad

5 from 36 votes
This is my mom's signature potato salad for a reason! It's layered with all the good stuff: red potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, radishes, spring onions, dill, and mayonnaise. Loads of color and tons of fabulous flavor.
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Best fruit salad recipe.

5

Classic Fruit Salad

5 from 36 votes
This classic fruit salad is always a welcome addition to a potluck. It’s sweet, refreshing, and easy for everyone to enjoy. This version highlights several summer fruits, but I have more seasonal ideas in the post!
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A white bowl of creamy coleslaw.

6

The Best Coleslaw Recipe

4.92 from 50 votes
This is a must-make for summer BBQ's! And the secret here is my homemade coleslaw dressing that's incredibly fresh and creamy. It beats the store-bought version any day.
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Vinegar coleslaw in a white bowl.

7

Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo)

4.92 from 193 votes
This is perfect for anyone who doesn't love creamy coleslaws! It's refreshing, slightly tangy, and perfect for a summer side dish.
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A white bowl of Greek salad

8

Simple Greek Salad

4.96 from 99 votes
If there are any other Mediterranean dishes lined up on the table, this Greek salad is the perfect addition! It's very simple yet flavorful thanks to my Greek salad dressing.
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Cold pea salad recipe.

9

Classic Pea Salad

5 from 13 votes
This pea salad will surprise you in the best way possible. It's such a delicious mix of peas, onion, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, herbs, and a creamy dressing.
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A classic Waldorf salad.

10

Classic Waldorf Salad

5 from 21 votes
I have made this countless times for Thanksgiving and Christmas because my family can't get enough of it! It's the best mix of crisp apples, celery, grapes, and crunchy walnuts, tossed in a tangy-sweet, creamy dressing.
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Sweet potato salad recipe for fall and holiday dinners.

11

Sweet Potato Salad

4.94 from 32 votes
My friends love this salad during the fall season. It's a wonderful mix of seasoned roasted sweet potatoes, lentils, cranberries, and my favorite savory-sweet maple mustard tahini dressing
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German potato salad in a white bowl

12

German Potato Salad

4.90 from 28 votes
Looking for a no-mayo potato salad? This version is my favorite! Baby red potatoes are gently tossed with a tangy, and savory bacon Dijon dressing that tastes out of this world.
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A big bowl of lentil salad.

13

Lentil Salad

4.96 from 44 votes
I love how crisp, fresh, and light this salad is! It's also a wonderful addition to a Mediterranean spread with its mix of green lentils, crisp cucumber, red onion, sweet dates, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon vinaigrette.
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A bowl of broccoli and chickpea salad

14

Chopped Broccoli and Chickpea Salad

5 from 31 votes
Another fun variation of my classic broccoli salad is this chickpea version! This is great for serving in the spring and summer with its bright colors, crunchy textures, and lemon tahini dressing.
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A large serving bowl of cucumber shrimp salad

15

Cucumber Shrimp Salad

4.98 from 82 votes
This shrimp salad has certainly become a community favorite. Juicy, bite-sized shrimp gets tossed with crisp cucumbers, green onion, fresh dill, and a creamy lime dressing. So fresh and perfect for warmer days.
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A white bowl of pesto chicken salad

16

Pesto Chicken Salad

4.92 from 12 votes
Whenever I make a batch of my basil pesto, I love using it to make this herby chicken salad! It's extremely fitting for summer potlucks and adds a bright green pop of color to the table.
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A bowl of Tuscan tuna salad.

17

Tuscan Tuna Salad

5 from 35 votes
I love how I can transform tinned fish into this delicious no-mayo tuna salad. It's filled with bright Tuscan flavors, from briny olives to sun-dried tomatoes to an abundance of herbs and lemon juice.
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A large white bowl of corn salad next to parsley and a napkin

18

Fresh Corn Salad

5 from 25 votes
This is summertime in a bowl and always a favorite for summer potlucks. You’ve got fresh grilled corn, tomato, cucumber, onion, herbs, and a light dressing that ties it all together.
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A large white bowl of Mediterranean chickpea salad on a table with parsley leaves.

19

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

4.99 from 134 votes
If you've got an extra can of chickpeas lying around, definitely make this chickpea salad! It's my favorite kind of blend with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, parsley, and a bright lemon vinaigrette.
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A large white bowl of stone fruit salad

20

Stone Fruit Salad

5 from 6 votes
When stone fruits are in season, this is the perfect fruit salad to bring to a party. Think plums, peaches, nectarines, mangoes, lychees, cherries, etc!
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Roasted radish salad in a large white bowl next to cheese

21

Roasted Radish Salad

5 from 7 votes
This dish turns bundles of beautiful red radishes into an absolutely stunning spring salad. Toss them with roasted pearl onions, toasted pine nuts, feta, parsley, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette.
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A bowl of cilantro lime bacon coleslaw next to limes.

22

Cilantro Lime Bacon Coleslaw

5 from 15 votes
Between the fresh cilantro lime flavors and crispy salty bacon, this is a unique potluck salad that will surely impress! Side note, it's also great to serve this on top of tacos for a taco bar situation.
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If you make any of these potluck salad recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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