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Backyard parties are meant to be laid-back, fun, and full of enjoyment, and nothing brings people together quite like a table full of delicious food. If you are heading to a potluck or hosting one yourself, we have some perfect recipes for you to try. Every single one is nice and easy to make, crowd-approved, and just right for sunny get-togethers with friends and family. So, it’s time to let the good times (and the good food) roll!
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Here’s another super flavorful and filling summer salad that will go fast when you bring it to a potluck! It’s hard to go wrong when you toss pasta with Ranch dressing, smoky bacon, black olives, and sharp Cheddar cheese. Serve this Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad as a side with hot dogs. Or, enjoy it as a standalone for a lighter dinner option.
Go to the recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Taco Pinwheels
There’s a whole lot of ingredients that go into making tacos. Take out of the work of lugging half of your pantry items to the potluck and bring these taco pinwheels instead. The pinwheels are stuffed with seasoned ground beef and cheese and rolled up inside a fluffy crescent dough to make a tasty handheld bite.
Get the recipe: Taco Pinwheels
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled Chicken Kabobs are a summertime staple! Tender, juicy chicken and fresh vegetables are marinated in a zesty Italian dressing, then skewered and grilled to perfection.
Go to the recipe: Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Potato Salad
A thick and creamy version of a summer staple, my recipe for Potato Salad is so tender and flavorful. I love to throw in lots of chopped fresh dill, crunchy chopped celery and red onion, paprika, sweet relish, mayo and mustard, and hard-boiled eggs! You absolutely need to make this one for your next picnic gathering!
Go to the recipe: Potato Salad
No Bake Oreo Dessert
This No-Bake Oreo Dessert is a quick and easy no-bake dessert you’re gonna love! This chocolate dessert is made up of pudding, cream cheese, Cool Whip, and Oreos, of course.
Go to the recipe: No Bake Oreo Dessert
Summer Pasta Salad
As its name suggests, this is an amazing pasta salad full of summer flavors! Rotini pasta is loaded with fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and salty feta cheese, and tossed with Italian dressing. As a result, you get a satisfying one-bowl meal that can be served at room temperature. I love this Summer Pasta Salad for potlucks!
Go to the recipe: Summer Pasta Salad
Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Copycat KFC coleslaw is one of those rare copycat recipes that really matches the taste of the original! The secret is the creamy KFC coleslaw dressing recipe, which is made with tangy buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar to balance out the acid.
Go to the recipe: Copycat KFC Coleslaw
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad made with raw broccoli is a healthy and delicious salad to add to your summer rotation! You’ll start with lots of fresh broccoli. Then, throw in bacon and sunflower seeds. Stir in some shredded cheddar, and toss the whole salad in a creamy mayo-based dressing for a finishing touch. I especially love this one at cookouts!
Go to the recipe: Broccoli Salad
Homemade Cornbread
Try this easy homemade cornbread recipe made using cornmeal, sugar, flour, butter, milk, and eggs for a southern-style side dish ready in 30 minutes or less! It’s easy, inexpensive, and perfect for backyard BBQs.
Go to the recipe: Homemade Cornbread
Brownie Fruit Pizza
Using a boxed brownie mix and topped with a tangy and sweet cream cheese whipped cream and fresh berries, this easy dessert recipe is perfect for summer! Everyone will go crazy for this brownie fruit pizza at your next backyard party. You may want to make two!
Go to the recipe: Brownie Fruit Pizza
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled Egg Pasta Salad combines tender elbow macaroni noodles, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy bacon in creamy seasoned dressing for a summer picnic side dish!
Go to the recipe: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Fluffy fruit dip comes together with just three simple ingredients. The simple fruit dip comes together in just five minutes. Serve it cold, with any type of fruit, and it is sure to be everyone’s favorite dish at the party!
Go to the recipe: Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Mexican Corn
Mexican corn is also known as elotes or Mexican street corn, but whatever you call it, it’s delicious! Charred grilled corn is tossed with a creamy, spicy sauce, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Go to the recipe: Mexican Corn
Tortellini Pasta Salad
My simple tortellini pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, salty cheese, and tender cooked pasta. The homemade red wine vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch.
Go to the recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad
No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie is a quick and easy no-bake dessert that only requires a premade graham cracker crust and four ingredients! It is the perfect make-ahead dessert for your next backyard party!
Go to the recipe: No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
