7 Healthy Potluck Veggie Side Dishes Guaranteed to Please a Crowd

2016-05-03
7 Healthy Potluck Veggie Side Dishes Guaranteed to Please a Crowd

Put down the greasy potato chips and nosh on this: a gorgeous lineup of healthy potluck side dishes under 250 calories. With new twists on salads (hello, jalapeño vinaigrette!) and classics like potato salad and guacamole, these options give you more of what you love—for less.

01 of 07

Spicy Watermelon Salad

Hit your hydration quota with this absolutely stunning fruit-and-veggie potluck side dish featuring cool cucumbers and watermelon. Mint and serrano chiles nicely balance sweet and heat, while crumbled feta lends a creamy, salty kick.

Test Kitchen Tip: Serranos and other chile peppers contain oils that can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear plastic or rubber gloves when working with them.

02 of 07

Peach and Tomato Salad

Step aside, peaches and cream. Fresh peaches and tomatoes, coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic-honey dressing, are about to become your new go-to summer combo. Add crunch to your veggie potluck side dish with a handful of pecans, walnuts, or Marcona almonds.

03 of 07

Sesame Green Beans with Teriyaki Glaze

Summery green beans go gourmet in this sesame-infused healthy potluck side dish. A simple two-step cooking method (blanch then stir-fry) allows you to get this Asian-inspired vegetable medley on the table in just 30 minutes.

04 of 07

Creamy Sweet Potato Salad

Bump your vitamin A intake by swapping plain potatoes for sweet potatoes in one of our best potluck side dishes. The sweet potatoes are accompanied by hard-cooked eggs, Picante peppers, and fresh dill. Coated in Greek yogurt and light mayo, this healthy potluck side dish will disappear fast.

05 of 07

Ricotta and Parmesan Spread

Kick off your potluck with a spread that will be hard to stop eating. Ours starts with whole milk ricotta cheese and tastes delish on crisp summer veggies. And while this sounds indulgent, each serving only contains 115 calories, so you'll have plenty of room for all the rest of your favorite potluck dishes.

06 of 07

Blackberry Salad with Creamy Feta

As one BH&G reviewer says, "This salad is beautiful and got loads of compliments." Come July and August, juicy blackberries reach their sweet peak. Contrast their natural sugars with vibrant mint and tangy quick-pickled onions in this 100-calorie fruit salad.

07 of 07

Mediterranean Three-Bean Salad

This Mediterranean take on bean salad will be one of the best potluck side dishes you've ever made. It only takes 15 minutes to prep this delicious salad, but it can be made up to a day in advance to let the flavors marinate. Oh, and did we mention this was a low-calorie veggie side dish? There are only 58 calories per serving!

Related Article

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

This easy chocolate pudding pie recipe starts with a purchased crust and is filled with luscious chocolate filling. Garnish the pie with piles of whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle cake is a shortcut dessert that's made with purchased phyllo dough and custard. Here's how to make this easy dessert at home.
Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

We'll walk you through how to make banoffee pie. You'll fall in love with the layers of rich caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream. Don't forget the shaved chocolate on top!
Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

This delicious oatmeal cookie recipe is a great use for sourdough discard. Use your choice of dried fruit to add flavor and texture to the sourdough discard recipe.
15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

No matter which of these recipes you reach for, these easy party dips dazzle on every occasion. Perfect for big potlucks or small gatherings.
Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

A soothing glass of lemon balm tea is our favorite way to enjoy the plentiful herb.
The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

A mixture of an Aperol Spritz and negroni, the Bicicletta is satisfyingly bitter and refreshing. Plus, the low-proof cocktail brings the Mediterranean to you.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Need a quick drink for a party, but don't want to spend all night playing bartender? These delicious make-ahead margaritas are the answer! Freeze them in jars overnight and they're all set for the next day.
34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

Hosting a party for Halloween? Or maybe you're bringing a dish to a bash. We've got you covered with Halloween potluck ideas for happy gobblin'!
19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

There's something for everyone on this list of Fourth of July picnic ideas, from star-spangled-salads to patriotic desserts.
Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

The sustainable superfood algae called spirulina will give you a nutritional boost. Learn about the benefits of spirulina, plus why it's a sustainable option and how to eat more spirulina.
8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

Add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to feel healthier and reduce the risk and impact of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health issues.
The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

Study up on the risks of eating raw cookie dough. You’re probably familiar with the danger of raw eggs, but did you know that raw flour can pose a health risk, too? Dietitians and a food safety specialist share more about raw cookie dough risks and how to stay safe as you enjoy cookie recipes and other baked goods.
Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should you wash bananas after bringing them home? It might seem unnecessary since you peel the fruit before eating, but there are two very valid reasons why you should wash bananas before storing them. Learn more about the benefits of washing bananas and snag pro tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

Here's how to dry tomatoes in the oven or dehydrator, including our Test Kitchen's secret for storing the dried tomatoes for up to 9 months.
Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Think outside the box with our best canned food recipes. Featuring beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, coconut milk, crab, and so much more, these globe-trotting canned food recipes prove that budget-friendly pantry staples can transform into a restaurant-quality meal.
8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

Get that made-from-scratch taste with these easy hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting than homemade.
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Planning a picnic? Make sure you include these tasty turkey wraps in your basket! They have a few classic ingredients, like avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and one or two to spice things up, like roasted corn and jalapeno cream cheese.
Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

It's not summer without a homemade burger on the grill and all the extras that go with it. Follow our Test Kitchen tips for the perfect burger.