Summer potlucks are my favorite! There’s something so joyful about sharing delicious food with friends and family, especially when the sun is shining and the grill is hot. Here are six crowd-pleasing recipes that always steal the show!
Caprese Pasta Salad
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes, Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz. pasta (your choice)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
Servings
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutrition Info
Approx. 300 calories per serving.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 20 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, toss the veggies with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Thread the veggies onto the skewers.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred.
Servings
This recipe makes about 8 skewers.
Nutrition Info
Approx. 100 calories per skewer.
Classic Coleslaw
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes, Chill time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 cups coleslaw mix
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.
Servings
This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutrition Info
Approx. 200 calories per serving.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes, No cook time
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta, and mint.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Servings
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutrition Info
Approx. 150 calories per serving.
BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 12 slider buns
- Coleslaw for topping, optional
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder and sliced onion in a slow cooker.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the pork, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce.
- Serve on slider buns with coleslaw if desired.
Servings
This recipe serves 12 sliders.
Nutrition Info
Approx. 350 calories per slider.
Caprese Skewers
Prep & Cook Time
Prep time: 15 minutes, No cook time
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- On skewers, thread a cherry tomato, a basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat until the skewer is filled.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper before serving.
Servings
This recipe makes about 12 skewers.
Nutrition Info
Approx. 50 calories per skewer.
Final Thoughts
These summer potluck recipes never fail to impress, and I love bringing them to gatherings. Whether it’s a BBQ, picnic, or family reunion, I know these dishes will bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone. Happy cooking!