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11 Healthy Potluck Ideas Perfect for Summer

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June 25, 2024
Courtesy of Love and Lemons

Summer means lots of get-togethers with friends and family, so having a go-to collection of healthy potluck ideas is essential. Though you want your potluck recipes to be good for you and your loved ones, you don’t want to sacrifice any of the flavor — so we gathered a collection that hits both goals. These dishes are full of veggies, loaded with great taste, and so satisfying. You’ll be the hit of the potluck every time.

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1. Healthy Potato Salad

Potato salad

Potato salad is a must at a potluck, and this one does not disappoint. It’s loaded with healthy ingredients — radishes, celery, red onion, capers, chives, and fresh dill — and features protein-rich Greek yogurt in the dressing. Everyone will want seconds for sure.

Try this recipe from Love and Lemons.

2. Asian-Inspired Broccoli Salad with Peanut Sauce

Asian-Inspired Broccoli Salad

Here’s a twist on classic broccoli salad. With edamame for protein and a luscious peanut sauce made with rice vinegar and soy sauce, it’s full of flavor and good nutrition. This would also be a great make-ahead lunch topped with some rotisserie chicken.

Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

3. Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Healthy Mexican street corn salad

Corn on the cob is fine at a potluck — but this salad takes summer corn to the next level. With a zesty dressing made with Greek yogurt, lime, chili powder, and smoked paprika, plus creamy cotija cheese, it’s an homage to the Mexican street food favorite that everyone will love. Make sure you get some before it disappears.

Try this recipe from Erin Lives Whole.

4. Turkey Roll-Ups with Cranberry Cream Cheese

Turkey roll-ups

Here’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer bursting with flavor that also offers some healthy protein. Combine cream cheese with cranberry sauce, spread it on tortillas, then roll up with turkey, havarti cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Use whole-grain tortillas to add some extra fiber.

Try this recipe from Culinary Hill.

Related: 8 Healthy Potluck Ideas for Feeding a Crowd

5. Healthy Macaroni Salad

Healthy macaroni salad

No list of potluck ideas is complete without macaroni salad — and you won’t believe this one is actually good for you (but it is). With chopped-up hard-boiled eggs for protein (plus Greek yogurt in the dressing), plus lots of chopped-up bell peppers, onion, and celery, it’s loaded with great flavors and textures everyone will love. 

Try this recipe from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog.

6. Fresh & Healthy 7-Layer Dip

7-layer dip

Grab some whole-grain tortilla chips and get ready to dive into this dip. With refried beans, yogurt, tomatoes, olives, avocado, cilantro, and more great-for-you ingredients, it’s a crowd pleaser that’s also full of good nutrition. 

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

7. Healthy Deviled Eggs

Healthy deviled eggs

When it comes to potluck ideas, deviled eggs always come to mind, and there are many ways to boost the nutrition in them. In this version, Greek yogurt stands in for mayo, adding more protein and some probiotic benefits. The minced dill pickle adds the perfect hit of tanginess.

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

8. Apple Coleslaw

Apple coleslaw

There are about a zillion ways to make coleslaw, and this is one of the most interesting ones we’ve found. Not only does the recipe call for adding julienned apple in with the cabbage, it also has a zingy Dijon vinaigrette flavored with — wait for it — grapefruit juice. Bring this to your next potluck; we bet everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Try this recipe from The Forked Spoon.

9. Easy Bean Salad

Easy bean salad

It’s always a treat when classic potluck ideas also happen to be good for you, as this bean salad is. Choose any kind of beans (there are three cans in here; we like to mix them up), add onion, cucumber, and herbs, and toss it all together with a simple dressing made from ingredients you already have on hand. It couldn’t be simpler, it’s delicious, and it’s rich in fiber and protein — win win.

Try this recipe from Inspired Taste.

10. Chicken Meatballs

Chicken meatballs

Meatballs are always popular at a potluck, and these, made with ground chicken, are sure to be a winner. They have a classic Italian flavor profile; be sure to bring some marinara to warm up and serve on the side. Swap ground turkey for the chicken, if you prefer. 

Try this recipe from Ahead of Thyme.

11. Summer Fruit Salad

Summer fruit salad

No summer potluck would be complete without a fruit salad. This one is perfect for the season because it features summer faves like peaches, cherries, and a mix of berries. There’s a simple lemon-honey mixture to toss it with, but, depending on how sweet your fruit is, you may not even need it. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves. 

Try this recipe from JoyFoodSunshine.

Read next: 7 Cookout Faves from Trader Joe’s That Dietitians Love

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