Whether you're reading this in the dog days of summer, the crispness of fall or the dead of winter, 'tis the season for potlucks. From backyard barbeques to football Sundays to holiday gatherings, the concept of everyone bringing a dish to share not only takes the burden off the host, but it also adds a hearty helping of good cheer to any event. There's nothing like a delicious spread of shared food to bring people together—and maybe spark some healthy competition for the last scoop of spinach and avocado dip. 2.Healthy and Easy Corn Salad: A rainbow of fresh vegetables come together in a crisp, sweet and simple side dish for any time of year. 3.Artichoke Chicken Salad: Light, easy and filled with texture, it features shredded chicken, peppers, parmesan and artichoke hearts. 4. Spicy Watermelon and Avocado Salad: Who can resist watermelon or avocado at a potluck? You might think the jalapenos won't work in this salad, but they do! 5. Broccoli Salad: For those who always thought they didn't like broccoli—take a taste of this and get back to us.
But on the not-so-healthy front, potlucks and weight-loss programs don't always make great party companions. From cookies and brownies to queso dip, loaded nachos and fried chicken wings, many of the most shareable foods aren't conducive to a healthy diet. But that doesn't mean you have to send your regrets and stay home with only a plate of veggies to comfort you. Instead, bring your own healthier dish so you know there will be at least one option that won't break the calorie bank. Or, better yet, host your own healthy potluck event, where the only rule is that everyone has to bring something that can be consumed with zero-to-little guilt or regret.
Allow us to get the party started with some of our favorites. (Spoiler alert: There's not a single boring veggie tray in the bunch).
1.Crunchy Pea Salad: Peas, peanuts, bacon and celery combine to create the perfect fusion of flavor and crunch.
Image courtesy of The Girl Who Ate Everything
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6. Arugula, Peach and Piquillo Pepper Salad With Goat Cheese: It might scream summer, but this fresh salad is delicious in any season.
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7. Southern Chicken and Rice Salad: The marinated chicken, sweet fruit, crunchy almonds and hearty brown rice offer a variety of flavors and textures for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish.
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8. Light and Fluffy Grape Salad: You need just three ingredients and five minutes for this refreshing, healthy and shareable salad.
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9. 5-Minute, 4-Ingredient Pink Salad: This sweet, fluffy fruit salad is testament to how amazing just four simple ingredients can taste.
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10.Macedonia de Frutas: Keep dessert light with a fruit salad. This is fit for a queen!
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11.Angel Food Cake With Marshmallow Whip Topping: Indulge in this lighter twist on strawberry shortcake. The topping can also be used as a fruit dip.
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12.Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad: Even though you'll have to marinate tomatoes in balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes before assembling this salad, it’s so worth it.
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13. Healthy Broccoli Apple Salad: Mixed with walnuts, raisins and a cool, creamy sweet dressing, this delicious side salad is perfect for cookouts.
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14. Summer Veggie Pasta Salad: This fresh and colorful summer veggie pasta salad features a creamy store-bought spinach artichoke dressing that coats every bite.
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15.Cowboy Caviar: This delicious veggie medley is sure to disappear as quickly as it came together.
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16.No-Noodle Lasagna: This flavorful dish serves a crowd, and is also gluten-free.
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17. Perfectly Creamy Potato Salad: This healthier potato salad is perfectly creamy and lightened up using half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise.
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18.Paleo/Whole30 Thai Almond Butter Coleslaw: This healthy and easy coleslaw is tossed in a chicken satay sauce made with almond butter.
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19. Roasted Summer Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This dish is reminiscent of traditional pasta salad, with a twist. Served cold, it’s refreshing and satisfying.
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20.Healthier 7-Layer Salad: With mixed lettuce, frozen peas and a killer creamy dressing (plus a little cheese and bacon, of course), it's a gorgeous dish to share with friends and family.
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What are your favorite healthy dishes to share at potlucks?
