30 Best Potluck Salads to Please a Crowd

Are you heading to a potluck, but not sure what to bring? These potluck salads are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

They’re easy, customizable, and feed large groups with ease. 

With so many options, it can be hard to decide which one to pick. That’s why I’m here to help you out.

It was hard to narrow it down, but I compiled the 30 best potluck salad recipes.

From potato salad to Panzanella, you’ll find all the classics and a few enticing newbies. There are plenty of diet-friendly options, too. 

So grab a big bowl and get prepping!

1. Roasted Potato Salad

Sure, everyone expects potato salad to be at the potluck. But they don’t anticipate it to be the talk of the gathering.

This version takes a classic and gives it a rustic spin. It has many of the basic components. What makes it unique is how they’re paired together. 

There are big cubes of hard-boiled eggs and crispy baked bacon. Best of all, the Lawry’s seasoned potatoes are roasted.

2. BLT Platter Salad

This eye-stunning platter is so creative. It deconstructs a classic BLT for a fresh new take.

Aside from the obvious, it also has cucumbers, avocados, mini bell peppers, and radishes.

Instead of mayo, it comes with a fresh yogurt sauce. 

If you’re missing the bread, serve it with a side of crostini. 

3. Mexican Pasta Salad

Everyone has eaten pasta salad at a potluck, but I doubt they’ve tried it this way. 

Bright, bold, and beautiful, this dish is guaranteed to liven up the party!

The bowtie pasta gets all jazzed up with a spicy lime yogurt sauce and fresh fillings. Avocado, black beans, corn, and jalapenos make it super colorful, too!

4. Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon

As far as vegetable salads go, you can’t beat creamy broccoli with bacon!

After all, potlucks are the one time you’re expected to smother veggies in mayo. So go on, add a big spoonful of it to raw broccoli. 

While you’re at it, mix the mayo with honey and vinegar. Then, add bacon, carrots, sunflower seeds, and onions.

This is a comforting salad that will have everyone begging for seconds.

5. Seven-Layer Salad

This seven-layer salad looks inviting in a clear bowl. It’s also super simple to make. 

Start with the greens on the bottom. Then, layer on veggies like radishes, celery, and peas.  

Finish it with mayo and cheese. Oh, and don’t forget the bacon!

To make it a bit more delicious, you can add a double layer of the meat.

6. Honey Lime Fruit Salad

This honey lime fruit salad totally levels up the basic dish! 

Bursting with berries and tropical fruits, it takes fruit salad from dull to radiant. Even the dressing adds an extra special touch.

And the best part is, it only takes 10 minutes to prepare.

7. Popcorn Salad

Are you worried someone else might bring the same dish? That won’t be a problem with this popcorn salad. 

It’s such a fun idea. Using popcorn as the base, you doctor it up like a baked potato.

I do recommend serving it immediately. That way, the popcorn won’t get super soggy from the mayo dressing.

This is also a genius idea for movie night.

8. Perky English Pea Salad 

Looking for an affordable potluck option? This pea salad is a prime choice. 

The ingredients are simple, plus, the recipe is make-ahead friendly, and yields a decent serving size.

The tangy dressing perks a frozen bag of peas right up. Mix it with pimentos, carrots, cheese, apples, and onions, and you’re all set.

9. Crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad

Every time I bring this dish to a potluck, it’s a hit. 

Toasted ramen noodles and crisp veggies add a ton of texture. Not to mention, they also look popping together. 

Right before serving this salad, toss it with the umami dressing. 

10. Macaroni Coleslaw Salad

Can’t decide between macaroni or coleslaw? Bring them both in one dish!

The cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, and slaw mix make it great for the summer. Meanwhile, the comforting creamy pasta makes it perfect for a potluck. 

You get several servings out of this dish, too, making it a win for a crowd.

11. Tuscan Tortellini Salad

I’m in love with this tortellini salad! 

Naturally, I feel the need to share it.

The tender tortellini, fatty salami, salty olives, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes create the ultimate pasta salad. 

It’s fantastic for a potluck. I also make extra for lunches and even dinners. 

12. Lebanese Fattoush Salad

Is it too hot to have creamy or meaty salads sitting around? Then go with fattoush. 

This popular Lebanese salad is super fresh, zingy, and crisp.

To make fattoush, there is one key ingredient: pita bread. The rest of the produce typically consists of what’s in season. 

13. Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad

Although this dish pairs phenomenally with barbecue, it’s flexible enough for potlucks, too. 

The fresh medley of grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, lime, and queso fresco tastes like summer. 

But it doesn’t have to be hot out to enjoy this dish. As long as you have good company, the weather doesn’t matter. 

14. Healthy Sweet Potato Salad

Want to bring a healthier version of a beloved classic to your gathering? Trade in classic potato salad for this version. 

Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also taste super yummy with black beans, bacon, and veggies.

When making the dressing, use light mayo and sour cream. You can also use dairy-free substitutes to make it vegan.

15. Mango Salad with Lime

Brighten up the shindig with this mango salad! This eye-catching dish is a party in a bowl.

Tropical, fresh, and festive, it will have your tastebuds dancing. 

It’s chock-full of spring and summer ingredients with a sweet, zippy dressing.

Chop up everything into tiny bits, and it also doubles as a salsa.

16. Black Bean and Corn Salad

This Southwestern-style salad is a must for so many reasons. 

First, it’s affordable. Second, it takes 15 minutes. Third, everyone loves it. 

Did I also mention that it’s vegan and gluten-free?

You get about eight servings out of it. And like the last one, it also goes great with chips.

17. Egg Salad

Deviled eggs are a party pleaser, but assembly can be tricky.

Enter this egg salad. Instead of stuffing the egg cavity with seasoned mayo, you mix everything together. 

It’s creamy, comforting, and classic. Plus, you can make extra for a sandwich. 

18. Panzanella

This Panzanella salad is one of my favorites. The colors are striking, and it tastes just as good as it looks. 

The veggies and dressing alone are a tantalizing combo. 

The day-old bread also gives it more substance and texture. Plus, I’m all for reducing food waste. 

Try it out at your next potluck. It will be a huge hit!

19. Kale Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar salads wilt easily if you don’t eat them right away. So if you want to go that route, make this five-ingredient Caesar pasta salad instead.

It tastes like a Caesar salad, but it’s even more interesting. 

There’s tender pasta, roasted tomatoes, chopped kale, and parmesan in every bite. And the Caesar dressing takes it over the top.

20. Tabbouleh

Need a potluck side dish that’s fresh, easy, and summery? You can’t beat tabbouleh. 

This herby Lebanese salad is a staple in my household. 

Potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or dinners, I make it for many different gatherings. It’s also perfect served up on a hot day.

21. Chickpea Avocado Salad

Heading to a potluck, but not sure about everyone’s dietary restrictions? I recommend making this chickpea avocado salad. 

There’s no meat or dairy in it, so it’s vegan and vegetarian-friendly. 

It is also gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. Plus, all those fresh ingredients just taste great. 

22. Chicken Pasta Salad

Hands down, this is one of the best potluck recipes.

It’s a foolproof dish that always wins over a crowd.

The farfalle is abundant with mix-ins like asparagus, bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes. It has big chunks of chicken, too. 

For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply omit the meat. It’s scrumptious both ways.

23. Chili Cheese Frito Corn Salad

Before you say anything, just take a bite. 

This salad is surprisingly tasty and intriguing. I guarantee the other potluck goers will be talking all about it. 

It’s a five-ingredient copycat recipe of a Paula Deen favorite. 

Crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and spicy, it has a bunch of flavor and texture. It’s also insanely easy to make. 

24. Southwest Cornbread Salad

Have a box of Jiffy on hand? Then throw together this cornbread salad. 

Packed with corn, black beans, tomatoes, and bacon, it’s rife with Southwestern flavors. The cornbread is an extra special Southern touch.

Before adding this one to your potluck spread, be sure to chill it for 30 minutes.

25. Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

This 10-ingredient dish gives macaroni salad a Hawaiian twist. 

Like the classic version, it’s very creamy. It’s also sweet and tangy. 

Brown sugar, green onions, and apple cider vinegar elevate the flavor. Add carrots and celery for more texture. 

This macaroni salad is excellent with barbecue.

26. Zesty Quinoa Salad

I love how versatile this salad is!

It’s perfect for gatherings like potlucks and cookouts. You can also meal prep it for lunch or throw it together for a quick dinner side dish. 

Not only that, but it’s affordable and customizable, all thanks to the base of quinoa and wild rice.

27. Shrimp Salad

Who can pass up a big bowl of plump shrimp? I know I can’t!

The Old Bay seasoned shrimp meld with mayo, bacon, chives, mustard, and lemon. 

Use cooked deveined shrimp, and it only takes 5 minutes.

It’s not the cheapest dish, but it’s a sure-fire hit. 

28. Vegan Potluck Barley Salad

I’m a big fan of bringing grain salads to potlucks. 

They’re easy to make a big batch of. Also, they don’t turn into a wilted mess like leafy green salads. 

When I want one that everyone can eat, I make this vegan salad.

Full of barley, white beans, kale, cucumbers, and herbs, it’s wholesome and filling.

29. Three Bean Salad

When it comes to potluck salads, this one checks all the boxes. 

It’s quick, inexpensive, easy, versatile, and tasty. And there’s plenty to go around. 

It has three types of beans, red onion, cucumber, and parsley with a tangy dressing.

30. Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad 

Try something different and bring this to the soiree.

It’s a plant-based mix of fresh Mediterranean flavors. It features cauliflower, olives, bell pepper, and parsley in a bright dressing. 

Roast the peppers for a more complex flavor. Also, let everything sit for a bit so the flavors meld. 

Whole30, paleo, and low-carb, it’s a flavorful option for those watching what they eat. Even those not on a diet will want a bite.