12 summer potluck recipes that don't suck

Prepare for a shower of compliments when you show up to the party with this classic dish. Canned navy beans make it easy. They’re good warm or cold and perfect for brunch, too. Get the recipe: Smoky Campfire Beans

Take it back to the good old days with a creamy macaroni salad. Elbow pasta is right at home with a creamy mayo-yogurt-and-Dijon dressing. There’s crunchy veggies and pickles in there for good measure. Get the recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad

Pre-grill these cute little kebab-ys, they taste good warm or cold. Bring some tzatziki for dipping. Get the recipe: Greek Pork Kebabs

Just because you put in minimal effort, doesn’t mean it can’t be excellent. This salad is easy and delicious, capitalizing on items you probably already have on hand. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, folks. Get the recipe: Pantry Salad

Oh, what, this old salad inspired by the sunny seaside town in France? It’s a complete meal with eggs, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, tuna and olives. Add the dressing once you get to the party, then bust out the baguette. Get the recipe: Sprouted Niçoise Salad

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat and have a nice, nutty flavour. Make everything ahead, but don’t toss with the dressing. Instead, gently coat noodles ands veg with a bit of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together, then add the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds when you’re ready to serve. Get the recipe: Cold Sesame Soba Noodle Dish

Saucy shredded pork is a party starter. Be sure to bring some squishy buns along, too. Get the recipe: Pulled Pork with Ginger-Bourbon Sauce

Everyone loves hummus. This version is thickened with cashews and loaded with tasty flavours. Pick up the fancy crackers and those heirloom carrots to go with, would ya? Get the recipe: Cashew Hummus

Have you ever met a muffaletta sandwich? It’s thick crusty bread that’s been stuffed almost to to the crust with all the good stuff: ham, cheese, apple slices, green beans, mayo, Dijon and crispy lettuce. The longer it sits, the better it tastes; perfect for that potluck tablescape. Get the recipe: Ham and Cheese Muffaletta

You’re basically a hero if you show up to the party with these brownies in tow. Not too sweet, the roasted marshmallows on top make a good stand-in for heavy icing. Get the recipe: Rocky Road Brownies

Your fridge does all the hard work with this pie. It’s basically fancy strawberry-filled Jell-O over an easy-peasy graham cracker crust. Fresh whipped cream is not optional. Get the recipe: Fresh Strawberry Refrigerator Pie

Perfect for little paws to hold, individual handpies are cute and impressive. Look at you. Get the recipe: Blueberry Handpies

Read more:
10 great steak recipes 11 recipes that your kid can eat with ketchup 15 delicious BBQ sides