17 Salads That Made Potlucks Easy and Crowd-Pleasing

Potlucks call for salads that are easy to make, simple to serve, and big enough to share. The best ones are colorful, flavorful, and versatile enough to pair with anything on the table. From pasta salads to fresh vegetable bowls, these recipes check every box. With 17 options, this list has the kind of salads that make potlucks crowd-pleasing.

Summer Orzo Salad

Summer orzo pasta salad in a while serving bowl on a whitewashed background next to a bowl of green beans. — Summer Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Summer Orzo Salad takes about 25 minutes with orzo, cucumbers, and tomatoes tossed in a light dressing. The flavor is fresh, tangy, and slightly nutty from the pasta. It’s simple to make ahead and holds up well at gatherings. This salad brings bright, seasonal flavors to any potluck table.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad

Veggie Couscous Salad is ready in 30 minutes with couscous, peppers, and zucchini. The taste is light, savory, and slightly earthy, making it a filling but refreshing option. It’s colorful and easy to scoop into bowls. This salad makes a hearty addition to potluck spreads.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad

Tomato Burrata Salad comes together in 15 minutes with tomatoes, burrata, and basil. The flavor is creamy, fresh, and slightly tangy, highlighting the best of simple ingredients. It’s quick to prepare but feels special. This salad adds a touch of elegance to casual potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves. — Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Potato Salad takes about 40 minutes with potatoes, peas, carrots, and mayonnaise. The taste is creamy, hearty, and savory, making it a reliable favorite. It’s filling enough to stand out among other dishes. This salad brings tradition and comfort to gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Mango Salad

Mango Salad is ready in 20 minutes with mango, onions, and cilantro. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and refreshing, perfect for balancing heavier mains. It’s colorful and easy to portion out at parties. This salad brings tropical brightness to potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Mango Salad

Green Jacket Salad Recipe

A fresh green jacket salad with a variety of vegetables and a light dressing. — Green Jacket Salad Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Green Jacket Salad takes about 20 minutes with lettuce, bacon, and cheese tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The taste is savory, crisp, and slightly smoky from the bacon. It’s easy to serve in large bowls. This salad keeps guests going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Green Jacket Salad Recipe

Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad

A plate of mixed green salad with avocado, grapefruit segments, and chopped nuts, served with a wooden spoon—an easy addition to healthy snacks for kids. — Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Avocado Grapefruit Salad comes together in 15 minutes with avocado, grapefruit, and fresh herbs. The flavor is creamy, citrusy, and slightly tart, offering a refreshing twist. It’s light but satisfying for parties. This salad is a unique addition to potluck tables.
Get the Recipe: Refreshing Avocado Grapefruit Salad

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

A white dish filled with kale leaves topped with slices of cheese. A glass of water, a fork, and a napkin are in the background on a dark wooden table. — Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan takes 15 minutes with kale, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. The flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly salty with tender leaves. It’s a simple but filling salad that feels hearty. This recipe proves kale can win over a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Rubbed Kale Salad with Parmesan

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Tomato Salad takes 25 minutes with green beans, tomatoes, and onions in a light vinaigrette. The taste is crisp, tangy, and savory, with fresh crunch in every bite. It’s quick to prepare and holds well on buffet tables. This salad adds balance to potluck meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Big Mac Salad

Big Mac Salad is ready in 25 minutes with lettuce, ground beef, cheese, and pickles. The flavor is savory, tangy, and reminiscent of a favorite fast-food classic. It’s hearty enough to feel like a main dish. This salad brings fun and familiarity to potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Zucchini Noodle Salad comes together in 15 minutes with spiralized zucchini, olive oil, and lemon. The flavor is light, fresh, and slightly tangy with a crisp texture. It’s easy to prepare ahead and serve chilled. This salad makes zucchini exciting in a potluck-friendly way.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad is ready in 15 minutes with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs in a lemon dressing. The taste is crisp, tangy, and refreshing, making it perfect for hot days. It’s simple but full of flavor. This salad brings a fresh, Middle Eastern touch to potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing. — Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad takes 20 minutes with cucumbers, chili flakes, and sesame oil. The flavor is crisp, spicy, and slightly tangy, offering a bold kick. It’s quick to prepare but packs plenty of taste. This salad adds variety and heat to the table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

A close-up of a dish featuring rice, sliced cucumbers, herbs, and pieces of a pink ingredient, possibly grapefruit. A spoon is lifting a portion from the plate. The background shows a small bowl with a yellow interior. — Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad is ready in 25 minutes with cucumbers, rice, and crunchy toppings. The flavor is fresh, savory, and textural, combining soft and crispy elements. It’s filling enough to stand out among sides. This salad keeps snack time and potlucks interesting.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Crispy Rice Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad takes 20 minutes with corn, mayo, cheese, and spices. The taste is creamy, smoky, and tangy, capturing the flavors of elote. It’s easy to scoop into bowls for parties. This salad is always a crowd favorite at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is ready in 20 minutes with sprouts, lemon, and Parmesan. The flavor is tangy, nutty, and slightly earthy, making it a fresh twist on greens. It’s crunchy but still light on the table. This salad adds texture and flavor to potluck spreads.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Thai Chicken Salad

Thai Chicken Salad takes 25 minutes with chicken, cabbage, and a peanut dressing. The taste is savory, nutty, and slightly spicy, with bold Asian-inspired flavors. It’s hearty enough to double as a main dish. This salad guarantees potluck guests leave satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Salad