Celebrate the season with these spring potluck ideas. We've rounded up bright, sunny recipes for dinners, sides and desserts.
1/35
Lavender Lemon Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
Hints of lavender and lemon zest in the crust make these treats a favorite. —Judith Hilinski, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 185 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 95mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/35
Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s been a tradition at our house to serve this dish with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. It’s especially good during the summer when the cucumbers are fresh-picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 62 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/35
Mini Hot Browns
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my take on the famous Hot Brown sandwich. Guests quickly saddle up for juicy turkey slices and crispy bacon piled on toasted rye bread and then topped with a rich cheese sauce. —Annette Grahl, Midway, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 98 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
4/35
Best Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/35
Carrot Spice Thumbprint Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Carrot cake is a family favorite, and these delicious cookies with shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and cloves taste very similar. They’re even topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. With each cookie it feels as if you’re eating a piece of carrot cake, but no fork is needed! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 167 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
6/35
Sweet Pea Pesto
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a healthier spin on pea pesto by subbing in vegetable broth for some of the oil and going easy on the cheese. For use on pasta, add more broth for a saucelike consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 crostini: 77 calories, 2g fat (trace saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 190mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/35
Bacon Macaroni Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 402 calories, 33g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
8/35
Spanakopita Appetizer Roll-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
I love having appetizers on hand in the freezer, especially when the holiday season is fast approaching. This easy spanakopita recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Everyone loves them, they're easy to prep and they bake up in about 20 minutes. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 96 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
9/35
Lemon Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
Be patient when making the crust for this lemon tart. It will take a few minutes of pulsing for the food processor to work its magic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 332 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/35
Pineapple Mango Pulled Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
I love mangoes and pineapple. They go so well with pork. Serve these little sandwiches with a spring salad. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup meat mixture on 1 bun: 249 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
11/35
Herby Pea Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We love spring vegetables. One Mother's Day, I came up with this flavorful green salad that everyone enjoyed. You could increase the dressing and mix in some cooked small pasta, like acini de pepe, to make it a more robust salad. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 129 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
12/35
Celery Gratin
From the Recipe Creator:
This celery gratin was a dish our family came to love. My grandmother knew how to create a dish out of just a few simple ingredients. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 331 calories, 27g fat (17g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 390mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
13/35
Apricot Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Popular served with tea in Victorian days, scones are making a big comeback. Apricots and nuts are stirred into the batter in this apricot scones recipe I baked for a themed shower. Spread with Devonshire cream, they delighted the bride-to-be and guests. —Robin Fuhrman, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone with 1 tablespoon cream: 230 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
14/35
Kale Slaw Spring Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My parents and in-laws are retired and like to spend winters in Florida. This tangy spring salad welcomes the snowbirds back for our Easter celebration! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 192 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 starch.
15/35
Garden Pesto Pasta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I live on a homestead in the Missouri Ozarks and produce much of our own food. In the summer, when the garden is bursting with fresh vegetables and it’s too hot to cook, I like to use the season's veggies for pesto pasta salad and other cool meals. —Sarah Mathews, Ava, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 267 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
16/35
Lime & Gin Coconut Macaroons
From the Recipe Creator:
I took these lime and coconut macaroons to our annual cookie exchange, where we name a queen. I won the crown! —Milissa Kirkpatrick, Angel Fire, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 133 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/35
Elegant Smoked Salmon Strata
From the Recipe Creator:
This fancy overnight egg bake is ideal for guests. In the morning, you can simply let it come to room temperature and whip up side dishes as it bakes. Then get ready for compliments! —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 359 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 194mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
18/35
Aunt Frances’ Lemonade
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister and I spent a week each summer with our Aunt Frances, who always had this thirst-quenching lemonade in a stoneware crock in her refrigerator. It makes a refreshing drink after a hot day of running around. —Debbie Reinhart, New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
19/35
Rhubarb Cobbler
From the Recipe Creator:
When fresh, red-tinged rhubarb stalks are in season, bake up a tempting cobbler. You'll love the sweet-tart filling nestled under rich homemade biscuits. The baking aroma is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 271 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
20/35
Potluck Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
21/35
Potluck Pan Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
The appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 141 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/35
Potluck Cordon Bleu Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
People usually ask me to bring this tempting casserole whenever I'm invited to attend a potluck. The turkey, ham and cheese are delectable combined with the crunchy topping. And when I bake a turkey, I prepare the leftovers for this dish, knowing I'll be making it again soon. —Joyce Paul, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 421 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 848mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
23/35
Grandma’s Spinach Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
With all its fresh ingredients, this pretty spinach salad was my grandma’s favorite. Even my little ones like it (but don’t tell them spinach is good for them)! —Shelley Riebel, Armada, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 280 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
24/35
Arnold Palmer Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun cupcakes take a favorite Arnold Palmer recipe and turn it into dessert. Add a slice of lemon on top for a puckery finish. —Jessee Arriaga, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 355 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
25/35
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
26/35
Spring Strawberry Sangria
From the Recipe Creator:
Wine-infused berries make a lovely addition to this special-occasion drink. I love serving this during the beginning of spring to celebrate the new season. —Gina Quartermaine, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 136 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
27/35
That Good Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, "Mom, please make 'that good salad.'" Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
28/35
Almond Bacon Cheese Crostini
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change from the usual toasted tomato appetizer, try this baked crostini recipe. If you like, slice the baguette at an angle instead of making a straight cut. —Leondre Hermann, Stuart, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 120 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
29/35
Vegan Potato Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't be fooled by the green color—this vegan potato salad is absolutely delicious! It's perfect for potlucks and for those with dietary restrictions. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
30/35
Seven-Layer Gelatin Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an eye-catching salad that my mother makes for Christmas dinner each year. You can choose different flavors to make other color combinations for specific holidays or other gatherings. —Jan Hemness, Stockton, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 163 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
31/35
Spiral Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my favorite spiral ham recipe. It will feed a crowd, or use what's remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when these items are on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces ham: 195 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 1199mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
32/35
Spring Green Risotto
From the Recipe Creator:
Once a week I create a new recipe for my blog, An Officer and a Vegan. I first made this risotto when I needed something cheerful and comforting. It would be fantastic with asparagus, zucchini or summer squash, but use whatever veggies are in season. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 198 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
33/35
Red Potato Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It's an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 187 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
34/35
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 215 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
35/35
Broccoli Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
Spring Potluck Ideas FAQ
What are the best desserts to bring to a spring potluck?
The best spring potluck desserts serve a crowd and showcase seasonal ingredients and flavors like rhubarb, lavender and strawberries in cookies, bars, pies and cakes. Think rhubarb tarts, lemon meringue pie, berry trifles or a carrot cake sheet cake. Though spring desserts are often on the lighter side, you can still include chocolate. Chocolate angel food cake, tiramisu and chocolate biscotti are among my go-to ideas for spring potlucks because they’re perfectly chocolaty without being too rich.
Are there easy spring potluck recipes that can be made ahead?
Yes, there are many make-ahead potluck recipes well-suited for spring, including cold appetizers like deviled eggs, veggie dips and pinwheels. These dishes can be assembled a day or two in advance, then go right from the fridge to the car to the potluck table.
Those in charge of bringing a side should go with recipes like potato salad, pasta salad or coleslaw, which all taste better a few hours later. Prefer something warm? A casserole side dish is your best bet, as it can be assembled the day before, then baked before heading to your potluck.
What are some healthy spring potluck ideas?
Salads, veggie side dishes and light appetizers are among the best choices for healthy spring potluck dishes. Leafy green salads topped with fresh veggies and homemade dressing, instead of cheese, deli meat and croutons, are packed with nutrients and fiber, while keeping fat and sodium levels on the lower side. Pair your salad with baked or grilled lean meat and some roasted veggies, like lemon-pepper broccoli and radishes, or steamed dill and chive peas, for a dinner plate that will fill you up.
You don’t have to skip apps or dessert if you’re looking to eat healthier at a potluck. Hummus, baba ganoush, guacamole and salsa are excellent healthy dips, especially if you eat them with fresh, crunchy veggies. For dessert, lighter treats like meringue cookies and angel food cake are healthier options that still appeal to a potluck crowd.
