Cold side dishes for potluck and picnic – Grab a plate and get ready to dig into these tasty potluck and picnic sides. Our recipes for cold pasta salads, crowd-pleasing veggie skewers, and shareable side dishes are sure to be a hit at your next summer picnic or potluck. You can prepare these easy cold side dish recipes — great for potlucks, picnics, or festive cookouts — without fearing they’ll get cold by the time you arrive at your destination. Enjoy!
Side Dishes Recipe: 50 Cold Side Dishes Recipes for Picnics and Potlucks
1. Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
These super festive bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls make for a real crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
2. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Avocado, Tomato
This Healthy chicken pasta salad recipe is packed with flavor, protein and veggies. Try this pasta salad for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
3. Apple Feta Spinach Salad
This healthy spinach salad recipe is crunchy, sweet, and full of fresh flavors. A perfect vegetarian spinach salad for lunch or a light dinner!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
4. Apple Bacon Coleslaw
This coleslaw recipe only takes a few minutes to make and is packed with bright and delicious flavor! Super creamy, crunchy, and fresh coleslaw you can make in a cinch!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
5. Easy Pasta Salad with Avocado
Pasta salad with creamy avocado slices is so easy to make! the best Pasta salad to add to your dinner table. - One bowl of this healthy pasta salad will delight even the pickiest eaters!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
6. Cheesy Corn Fritters
These Corn Fritters are crispy on the edges, soft in the middle – A great side dish for a host of dinners! This corn fritters recipe is especially good with fresh corn in the summer
Cooking time: 8 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 8 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
7. Spicy Deviled Eggs
This spicy deviled eggs recipe is a classic, bite-size hors d'oeuvre for an elegant Easter buffet.
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Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
8. Perfect Marinated Tomatoes with Mozzarella
These marinated tomatoes make a perfect hors d’oeuvre full of fresh summer flavors!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
9. Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad
This tomato cucumber salad is light and refreshing. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, chopped parsley, and cilantro are marinated in a delicious vinaigrette dressing. This tomato salad is perfect for a casual dinner or a potluck party!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
10. Healthy Coleslaw {No Mayo}
Healthy coleslaw recipe without mayo or sugar! This light coleslaw recipe with Mediterranean accents is perfect bliss for your potlucks, barbecue, or any outdoor event!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
11. Roasted Zucchini Salad with Feta and Italian Dressing
This roasted zucchini salad is super flavorful and healthy, you’ll want to make it all summer long!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
12. Healthy Cabbage Salad with Orange-Lime Dressing
This cabbage salad recipe is crunchy, healthy, and perfect for your midweek lunches or large gatherings.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
13. Cilantro Lime Watermelon Feta Salad
Sweet, fresh and juicy - This Cilantro Lime Watermelon Feta Salad recipe is a definite crowd pleaser!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
14. The Easiest Creamy Cucumber Salad
This creamy cucumber salad recipe is delicious and refreshing — Great for grilling or a light dinner!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
15. Jalapeño Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad is easy to make and so refreshing—enjoy summer in a bowl!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
16. Baked Corn on the Cob and Garlic Parmesan
This baked corn on the cob recipe with garlic and parmesan is a huge crowd-pleaser!
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 35 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
17. Roasted Potato Salad
This roasted potato salad recipe is super nourishing and packed with flavor. The perfect side dish for your BBQ menu.
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 30 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
19. Apple Cranberry Bacon Kale Salad
This easy kale salad recipe is packed full of hearty nutrients and tastes amazing!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
20. Oven Baked Zucchini Fries with Garlic Parmesan Crust
These Baked Zucchini Fries are an amazing lightened-up appetizer everyone will love.
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
21. Grilled Corn Salad Recipe
This easy grilled corn salad recipe is your ultimate summer side. Made with grilled corn, jalapeño, red onion and a juicy dressing. Goes with virtually anything!
Cooking time: 5 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 5 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
22. Shredded Carrot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This shredded carrot salad makes the perfect addition to a potluck or brunch.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
23. Cucumber Strawberry Salad
This cucumber strawberry salad with watermelon is the perfect summer side to serve with grilled chicken or steak. What would be more cooling than a freshly cut strawberry salad?
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
24. Spicy Corn Salad
Easy and delicious corn salad recipe - A great light lunch or side for bbq and grilling.
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
25. Healthy Tomato Potato Salad
This easy tomato potato salad recipe is light, nourishing, and super delicious. Bring the potato salad to your next potluck and prepare yourself for rave reviews!
Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 12 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
26. Mozzarella Pasta Salad with Parmesan Balsamic Dressing
This mozzarella pasta salad is the perfect side dish or main course for a warm Spring or Summer evening!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
27. Creamy Corn Salad
This crowd-pleasing fresh corn salad recipe will always disappear fast at your summer potlucks and BBQs.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
28. Cucumber White-Bean Salad with Tomato & Pesto Vinaigrette
Our white bean salad only take minutes to prepare, and is packed full of healthy veggies. You'd better bookmark this white bean salad recipe, because we know you’ll use it a lot!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
29. Fried Baby Potatoes with Garlic Brown Butter
These epic Fried potatoes baby with garlic brown butter are the perfect side dish to practically anything!
Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
30. Cheesy Broccoli Fritters
These light, cheesy broccoli fritters take just 30 minutes or less to make for a healthy side or lunch.
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
32. Homemade Herbed Butter
This herbed butter with parsley, chives, cilantro, lemon and chili pepper will enhance the flavor of many of your dishes.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
33. Grilled Chili Lime Butter Corn on the Cob
This Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe is recipe a flavor-packed side dish for your backyard BBQ — So easy and flavorful!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
34. Orange Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts salad with an apple cider salad dressing is a family favorite side salad that goes well with everything.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
35. Spinach Corn + Feta Chicken Salad
This easy chicken salad recipe is light, delicious, and perfect for a lunch on-the-go.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
36. No-Mayo Potato Salad
A quick and lighter version of the classic potato salad, with a delicious kick of spice.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
37. Summer Kale Salad with Blueberries, Strawberries and Feta
Healthy, tasty and super nutritive, if you’re looking for the perfect summer salad, this is it!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
38. Chunky Cheese Guacamole
Dazzle your guests with this Cheesy Guacamole recipe! So Creamy, so Fresh! The best last-minute appetizer ever.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
39. Avocado Quinoa Salad
This avocado quinoa salad is super healthy and loaded with tons of fresh flavor!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
40. Raw Chioggia Beet Salad
This colorful beet salad is ideal for summertime alfresco dining and dinner parties.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
41. Cucumber Salad with Creamy Dill Sauce
This fresh cucumber salad recipe is here to help you conquer your cravings!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
42. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe is a bright, colorful, and delicious salad perfect for hot summer days.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
43. Grilled Zucchini with BBQ Sauce
Grilled Zucchini with the best BBQ Sauce is a quick and simple Grilled Zucchini recipe guaranteed to impress! Backyard barbecue, with a vegetarian twist!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
44. Red Cabbage Salad and Apple Pomegranate
Cabbage Salad Recipe is Perfect for a quick lunch on the go or a fresh dinner starter, this tangy raw slaw is also supremely cleansing.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
45. Marinated Zucchini Noodles
These marinated zucchini noodles are the perfect addition to your summer grilling, or as a delicious, refreshing appetizer.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
46. Grilled Garlic Mushroom Skewers
These grilled garlic mushrooms on skewers are so good, you’ll want to make them every single day of the week!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
47. Grilled Corn with Garlic and Parmesan
This grilled corn recipe is perfect as a side for your barbecue parties, or as salad for a quick lunch on the go!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
48. Grilled General Tso’s Cauliflower Kabobs
These grilled cauliflower kabobs are crunchy-sweet twist on a take-out favorite!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
49. Grilled Peaches with Prosciutto and Feta
A perfect summertime appetizer with only 3 ingredients.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
50. Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad with Pesto, Avocado, and Tomato
This chicken pasta salad recipe is like a circus of flavors at every bite!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
51. Healthy Grilled Peaches Recipe
These Grilled Peaches are perfect for summertime! The perfect healthy dessert.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
52. Tomato Basil Strawberry Salsa
This tomato basil strawberry salsa is the perfect fresh and tasty side for your weekend cookouts!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
53. Fresh Pineapple Salsa with Sesame Tortilla Chips
This pineapple salsa is a healthy recipe full of fresh tropical fruit and veggies.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
54. Cucumber Avocado Salsa with Strawberries
This delicious cucumber avocado salsa recipe is perfect for your potlucks, BBQs, meal preps or protein bowls. Enjoy!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box
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