What to Cook Wednesdays – Potlucks

6.15.11

We have our annual block party coming up this weekend (YAY!) and the invitation requests everyone bring a side dish to share. So, in honor of this potluck style party, this edition of WTCW is focused on potluck side dishes for summer.

[Gina’s Skinny Taste], [My Recipes], [Epicurious], [Food Network]

The top of my list of ideas for the block party right now is BLT Macaroni Salad. I might consider changing up the pasta shape just because I have other shapes hanging around the house but the flavors sounds delicious!

If I have any leftover tomatoes, this Tomato Cucumber Salad also sounds like a crowd pleaser (especially for anyone watching their waistline for summer!).

Chickpeas are a great addition to most any dish and in this Chickpea Salad with Lemon Parmesan and Fresh Herbs they really are the stars of the dish.

My daughter, H, adores black beans so I might consider whipping up this Black Bean Salad in the future for one of our picnics.

[The Kitchn], [Buitoni], [All Recipes]

Since falling in love with Pho during the winter months, I’ve been more interested in exploring Vietnamese cooking. Goi Chay (Vietnamese Vegetable Salad) might be a good starting point for summer.

Of course, if you are like us, picnics and potlucks come up unexpectedly and we aren’t always prepared (I know…you can’t believe that I would be unprepared for something but trust me…it happens). A go to semi-homemade pasta salad recipe is a must.

Lastly, the quintessential Broccoli salad which combines one of the most hated vegetables for many people with bacon to make everything better!

Any potlucks, picnics or BBQs in your future? Do you have any go to recipes for events that are real crowd pleasers?