Recipes  

8 Recipes for Your Summer Potlucks

You’ve just received an invitation to a potluck-style pool party or picnic and you don’t know what to bring? Here are 8 ideal recipes for a shared meal that’ll bring freshness and colour to a summertime table.

1. Creamy Macaroni and Grilled Corn Salad

Reinvent this classic dish of summertime picnics by including seasonal vegetables for added crunchiness. Make this version of macaroni salad by mixing the pasta with grilled corn, fresh cucumber, celery and green onions. Make it in advance to let the flavours develop.

2. Smoked Salmon Spread

If you had to choose one quick and easy recipe to make that’s also always a winner at a potluck, then go for a spread. Make this one by mixing smoked salmon, cream cheese and sour cream. You can even maximize the flavour while saving time in the kitchen by replacing the smoked salmon with ready-to-serve gravlax.

3. Lime and Coconut Cream Mini Cupcakes

Coconut and lime give a vacation vibe to these mini cupcakes topped with creamy icing. Make the icing by refrigerating coconut milk so you can scoop the cream that separates from the liquid on top and whip it with sugar. The final touch? Halved lime supremes that add a welcome touch of acidity for your taste buds.

4. Garlic, Lemon and Anchovy Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are easy to make and always appreciated at potluck parties. This one combines fusilli with pan-fried anchovies, garlic and pepper flakes. As the recipe serves four, make sure to augment it depending on the number of dinner guests.

5. Watermelon and Strawberry Bites

Your appetite for these watermelon and strawberry skewers will rise with every notch on the thermometer under the hot sun. Baste the pieces of fruit with syrup and lime juice to make them even more mouth-watering. A simple recipe to make, but oh so refreshing!

6. Fingerling Potato Salad with Chips

This contemporary take on the notorious potato salad will surprise everyone with its crunchy garnish: salt and vinegar kettle chips! Dress the potatoes and red onions with a slightly acidic vinaigrette and finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Make this recipe in advance to allow the flavours to develop.

7. Raspberry Tiramisu

How does this summer version of tiramisu differ from the classic recipe? We’ve added raspberries! A signature seasonal ingredient, the little red fruits bring a sweet and tangy flavour that enhances the coffee aroma and creamy texture of the mascarpone. A generous, delicately fruity dessert that will disappear in a flash!

8. Tahini Rice Noodle Salad with Tofu and Mango

Tofu and mango combined with rice noodles are the stars of this summer salad that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Coat the noodles with a creamy mixture of tahini, lime juice, fish sauce and maple syrup. Top with marinated tofu, slices of mango and avocado, cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve it family-style, on a large platter that’ll bring a touch of sunshine to the table.

For other recipes that are perfect to share on any occasion, check out our potluck category.