No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (2024)

Assemble these recipes—great for potlucks, picnics or light family dinners—without turning on the oven or range. They are the perfect way to help you keep your cool.

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Peruvian Ceviche

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (1)

This bright, refreshing recipe is the ultimate no-cook party food. Cincinnati chef Jose Salazar shares the secrets to the ceviche served at his restaurant Mita's.

Tip: In ceviche, the acid in lime juice alters the proteins in fish, mimicking what happens during cooking. But it's still technically raw, so use only the freshest, high-quality seafood. Salazar suggests buying sustainable seafood from Whole Foods Market or a fishmonger.

No-Cook Summer Party Food Recipes

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Marinated Cheese Cubes

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (2)

Pantry ingredients turn ordinary Monterey jack into a deli-style party snack that tastes even better when you make it ahead. You can prep it three days in advance.

The No-Fail Relish Tray is Here

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Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (3)

Fresh herbs season this ridiculously simple spread from BelGioioso Cheese in Wisconsin. It keeps well in the fridge and is delicious with cherry tomatoes or other vegetable dippers, as well as crackers or baguette slices.

Easy Appetizer Recipes

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Stuffed Party Pinwheels

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (4)

Our recipe actually makes two different kinds of tortilla spirals—one flavored with curry powder, the other with garlic and herbs.

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24-Hour Tex-Mex Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (5)

Layered salads, popular in the 1970s and 1980s, are making a comeback. Assemble this easy potluck salad in either individual jars or a clear salad bowl, dressing and all, then refrigerate.

Potluck Salad Recipes

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Chicken Banh Mi

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (6)

Layer rotisserie chicken with crisp veggies, mayo and zippy sesame dressing on a soft roll for this easy version of the popular Vietnamese sandwich.

Super Sandwich Recipes

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Nutty Apple-Cherry Slaw

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (7)

Nuts and fruit add crunch and color to cabbage tossed in a homemade vinaigrette. This beautiful twist on traditional coleslaw is best served right away for maximum crispness, but it will hold for up to 24 hours.

Fresh Ideas for Slaw

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Tropical Tomato Salsa

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (8)

Try this sweet, colorful salsa—made with tomato, mango and melon—over chips, fish or chicken.

Salsa Recipes to Spice Up Your Meals

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Fresh Corn Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (9)

Mix sweet dressing, fresh veggies and spicy jalapeños to create a fresh-tasting potluck salad that has only 77 calories per serving.

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Basic Chicken Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (10)

We call this chicken salad "basic," but thanks to lemon juice and fresh green onion and parsley, it's anything but boring. Don't hesitate to bring it to your next picnic.

Chicken Salad 5 Ways

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Cucumber-Feta Dip

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (11)

A garnish of pomegranate seeds and mint gives spark to this refreshing dip; it's a healthy choice you'll be glad to have in your recipe box year-round. Serve with pita chips, crisp breadsticks or vegetables.

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Orange Chicken Coleslaw Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (12)

This unusual recipe combines orange marmalade and soy sauce to make a sweet-and-salty dressing for chicken, cabbage and crunchy ramen noodles. Serve the mixture over a bed of fresh spinach for a nutrient-packed dish.

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Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (13)

Discover the savory potential of watermelon in this five-ingredient salad.

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Cucumber Bites with Herbed Cheese and Salmon Mousse

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (14)

The recipe makes half the bites with pink salmon mousse filling and half with white herbed cheese. If you like, streamline by choosing just one filling and doubling its ingredients. This recipe comes from Annie Marshall of Indianapolis.

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Avocado-Feta Salsa

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (15)

Fresh herbs, tomatoes and avocados create a refreshing salsa. Serve with pita or tortilla chips.

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Blackberry Salad with Creamy Feta

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (16)

Toss juicy blackberries with shredded mint leaves, tangy feta and pickled onions for a surprisingly delicious combination. The salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

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Waldorf Chicken Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (17)

All the traditional Waldorf ingredients are here: apple, grapes, walnuts, celery and mayo. This is a great choice to pack for weekday lunches or picnics.

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Garden Slaw with Spicy Asian Dressing

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (18)

This side-dish salad tastes great with burgers or pulled pork sandwiches. Or you can toss the slaw with shredded chicken or chopped cooked ham for a main-dish salad.

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Black Bean Salsa

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (19)

This salsa does double duty as a tortilla dip or a meat topper. Serve with a slotted spoon over grilled pork, smoked bratwursts or sausages, grilled chicken or salmon.

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Cucumber-Honeydew Salad with Feta

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (20)

This healthy no-cook potluck salad is full of fruit and vegetable goodness. Feta adds a tang to the sweetness of honeydew melon. With only 20 minutes of prep time before an overnight chill, this recipe is great for picnics and parties.

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Black-Eyed Pea Relish

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (21)

This easy and versatile relish requires only 15 minutes of prep, then an hour of chilling time for the flavors to meld. Sweet and hot peppers add contrasting flavor. Try the relish with pita chips, as a topping for grilled chicken breast or by itself.

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Layered Asian Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (22)

Sweet, citrusy homemade dressing adds amazing flavor to a veggie layer salad, and it has fewer than 50 calories per serving! Chill salad and dressing separately up to 24 hours before serving.

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Savoy Cabbage Salad

No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (23)

A refreshing ginger vinaigrette seasons this cabbage side salad. The noodles are added uncooked. They soften some while chilling, but still add crunch.

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No-Cook Potluck and Picnic Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a good dish to bring to a potluck picnic? ›

Basic Chicken Salad

A simple summer recipe that's perfect for any picnic or potluck is a classic chicken salad. This yummy dish can be served cold as an appetiser with crackers and veggies, turned into a wrap, or used to fill hearty sandwiches!

What is the easiest thing to bring to a work potluck? ›

Rold Gold thin pretzels, Ritz crackers, a dry crumbly type of cheese and another that's creamy, orange marmalade or a small pot of honey, fresh grapes or raisins or any dried fruit. Usually the rule of thumb is that it's easy to be eaten on a cracker or with your fingers.

What is a good finger food to bring to a potluck? ›

Potluck Finger Foods
  • Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery. ...
  • Crock Pot Cream Cheese Taco Dip Recipe. ...
  • Strawberry Goat Cheese Appetizer • (Video) • Two Purple Figs. ...
  • Firecracker Chicken Meatballs Recipe | Little Spice Jar. ...
  • Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Truffles | A Make Ahead Holiday Appetizer!

What potluck food doesn t need refrigeration? ›

These recipes travel well, feed a crowd, and can be served at room temperature, even if your tailgate lasts most of the day.
  • Texas Caviar.
  • Tortelloni-and-Grilled Vegetable Salad.
  • Salted Caramel Popcorn Bars.
  • Lemon-Tarragon Potato Salad.
Jun 15, 2017

What to bring to a potluck last minute? ›

Last-Minute Appetizers
  • 5-Minute Taco Dip. Sour cream, cheese cheese, and taco seasoning make up the creamy base of this fast taco dip. ...
  • Crockpot Meatballs with Grape Jelly Sauce. ...
  • 5-Minute Black Bean Dip. ...
  • Pimento Cheese. ...
  • Antipasto Platter. ...
  • Caprese Salad. ...
  • Broccoli Salad. ...
  • Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake.
Nov 29, 2023

What are the most popular finger foods for parties? ›

Easy Finger Food Recipes to Make Ahead
  • Sheet Pan Nachos. ...
  • Cheese Puffs. ...
  • Cheesy Garlic Bread. ...
  • Vegetarian Quesadillas. ...
  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus. ...
  • Slow-Cooker Jelly Meatballs. ...
  • Loaded Cheese Ball Bites. ...
  • Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts. Treat your guests to a sweet and savory appetizer with bacon-wrapped water chestnuts.
Jan 10, 2024

Is it rude to not bring anything to a potluck? ›

Anything More Than Empty Hands Is Acceptable

These go hand-in-hand since the food is brought and eaten by the guests themselves. It's a fun communal activity that also takes some weight off the poor host. So can you show up to a potluck empty-handed? Heck no.

What is a good meal to feed a large crowd? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
  • Meatballs. ...
  • Butter Chicken. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Homemade Pizza. ...
  • Baked Pasta. ...
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

What to bring to a dinner party if you can't cook? ›

Here are some easy and welcome additions to any dinner party that require absolutely no cooking.
  • A bottle of wine. Jupiterimages/Getty Images. ...
  • A fresh bouquet. Tom Merton/Getty Images. ...
  • Fresh fruit. Fatane Rahimi/Shutterstock. ...
  • A simple salad. ...
  • Crudité ...
  • A box of chocolates. ...
  • Artisanal olive oil. ...
  • Something from your local bakery.
Sep 18, 2023

What to bring to a potluck room temperature? ›

Ideas for board: various cheese, deli meats, nuts, Vienna sausages, smoked sausages, peperoncini peppers, crackers, breads, pickled veggies, dried fruits, yogurt covered foods, olives, fruit, cookies, mustard's & sauces, honey, jams,chutneys, etc.

Do you have to cook for a potluck? ›

If you don't have time to cook, there's a world of store-bought food that is acceptable to bring to a potluck. Cheese and crackers, a veggie tray from the produce section or a box of cookies from the in-house bakery are all good options.

Can I go to a potluck without bringing food? ›

There are plenty of ways to contribute to a potluck that don't involve bringing actual food. You can bring napkins.

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