15+ Make & Take Side Dishes for a Cookout or Potluck

Are you ready for Summer? I know I am and all of the fun events and gatherings we get invited to. If you have somewhere to go make sure to check out these Make & Take Side Dishes for a Cookout or Potluck!

It’s not technically summer until June 21, but once the kids are out of school and the temperature reaches 85, this momma is officially in summer mode. My favorite part of summer is all the opportunities for delicious food from picnics, cookouts, potlucks, and pool days. I always like to bring a tasty side with me that’s packed with fruits or veggies and perfect for cooling down after enjoying the sun.

We’ve all been there too. We make the perfect dish, but after a 30-minute car ride, the dish is less than perfect upon arrival. Dishes that you can easily make and take are a must during the summer.

Check out some of my favorite make and take side dishes for a cookout or potluck below!

Salads

From cold pasta salads, coleslaws and more! These recipes are healthy and delicious!

(Plus, here are more 25 salad recipes for summer!)

Apple and Dried Cherry Coleslaw from Healthy Family Project

Apple & Dried Cherry Coleslaw

This coleslaw is made a little bit on the lighter side with the use of Greek yogurt versus mayo. We love this paired with grilled foods or just as a light lunch.

Balsamic Caprese Pasta Salad from Salt and Lavender

Caprese Pasta Salad

Just look at this beautiful pasta salad! Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil come together for a delicious side dish!

Citrus Asian Broccoli Slaw from Healthy Family Project

Citrus Asian Coleslaw

Almonds, mandarins, and grapefruit come together to make this flavorful coleslaw recipe!

Potato Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette from Chew Out Loud

Potato Salad for a potluck or cookout

Take a classic side dish and give it a spin with the flavorful potato salad recipe!

Summer Fruit Salad from Healthy Family Project

Summer fruit salad

Stay cool and hydrated with this delicious Summer fruit salad that is loaded with all of our favorite berries!

Brussels Sprout, Cranberry, and Roasted Almond Salad from Create Kids Club

Brussel Sprout Salad

If you are in need of a new salad recipe to bring to your Summer party, this one is it!

Dips great for a Potluck, Cookout, or Picnic

Creamy Roasted Red Bell Pepper Dip from Meal Planning Magic

Roasted red pepper dip

This healthier dip takes roasted peppers and turns them into a delicious creamy dip that is ready to hit the road all Summer long.

Quick & Easy Mediterranean Hummus Dip from Create Kids Club

Hummus dip for a great side dish

Spruce up the classic hummus dip with some added veggies and cheese to make it a more complete appetizer!

Guacamole Hummus from Healthy Family Project

Guacamole Hummus Dip for a Make and Take dish

Guacamole and hummus combine to make this tasty cold dish that is perfect all year long!

Veggie Loaded 7 Layer Dip from Little Broken

Veggie 7 layer dip

This healthier version of 7 Layer dip is packed with veggies. Serve it up with more veggies for dipping, pita, or chips!

Black Bean and Corn Salsa from Healthy Family Project

black bean and corn salsa

This easy corn and black bean salsa is great to make to snack on throughout the week, to take to the beach, pool party, or a picnic! It packs well and tastes great!

Mexican Corn Dip from Damn Delicious

Mexican Corn Dip for an easy side dish for a potluck or cookout

Next up is a corn dip that is packed with flavor! Easy to toss together and perfect for the hotter months as a side dish or for a BBQ appetizer.

Appetizers

We can’t forget to add in some appetizers to this list! Perfect for snacking, gathering, and entertaining!

Berry Melon Bruschetta from Healthy Family Project

Berry Melon Bruschetta

Have you ever heard of fruit bruschetta? Probably not! But its a family favorite, fun, and easy to make.

Cucumber Hummus Bites from A Cedar Spoon

cucumber hummus bites

These little bite sized cucumber slices are the perfect Summer appetizer. Easy to assemble, great for a party, and delicious!

No-Cook Summer Rolls from Healthy Family Project

no cook summer rolls

These no cook Summer rolls are one of our favorite things to make! The kids think they are fun and they are loaded with bright veggies!

Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels from Dinner at the Zoo

rainbow veggie pinwheels perfect for a Summer side dish

These pinwheels are the perfect addition to any Summer gathering! Easy to make, loaded with fresh veggies, and festive!

Greek Stuffed Celery from Healthy Family Project

Greek Stuffed Celery

We all loved ants on a log growing up. This celery appetizer is perfect for the adults!


Make sure to PIN IT!

Easy make and take side dishes for a potluck or cookout

More recipes to try:

24 Healthy Fruity Popsicle Recipes for Summer

Non-Dessert Cherry Recipes for Summer

Watermelon Rind BBQ Sauce