39 Low-Calorie Potluck Recipes to Try

From the Recipe Creator: While in college, I studied abroad. A vegetarian at the time, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States I re-created my favorite meal from my favorite restaurant and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, I’m back in England! —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I traveled to Cuba a few years back and experienced some of the best food imaginable. One staple dish stuck out more than the rest, and that was ropa vieja. I had multiple variations, and when I returned home, I began to experiment making ropa vieja in the slow cooker. I went through roughly 5 trials before coming to this recipe. —Joshua Boyer, Traverse City, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Only four ingredients and one bowl are needed for these healthy peanut butter cookies. If you want to make this recipe gluten free, make sure the oat bran was made in a certified gluten-free facility. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can’t beat the tender filling made in a pressure cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we’ve had—and we’ve tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Planning a luau-themed party? This Kalua pork is the perfect main dish for your get-together. It will feed a crowd, it’s easy to prepare, and everyone loves it. Cleanup is a breeze, too! A Hawaiian friend shared this recipe with me while I was stationed in Pearl Harbor several years ago. —Becky Friedman, Hammond, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: I make this vegetable tomato sauce regularly and store containers of it in my freezer. It’s a tasty substitute for regular pasta sauce, and the extra vegetables make it healthier. I also use it when I make pizza. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe. Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper—just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: My grandma always grew beets and then pickled or canned them, but I prefer to prepare them differently. These roasted beets with fresh herbs and tangy goat cheese are wonderful in the winter or they can be enjoyed all year. —Courtney Archibeque, Greeley, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: I found this honey oatmeal granola bars recipe on one of our monthly Brown County REA newsletters. My husband and I eat a few of these bars each day. It’s a basic recipe to which you can add any of your favorite flavors…coconut, chocolate or different flavored chips, nuts or dried fruits.

From the Recipe Creator: This Italian eggplant dip preps quickly and actually gets better as it stands. Serve it warm or at room temperature. Try adding a little leftover caponata to scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast. —Nancy Beckman, Helena, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I serve this pork roast often when I’m entertaining company. It’s especially good with garden-fresh herbs, but dried work nicely as well. It makes a stunning presentation. —Michele Montgomery, Lethbridge, Alberta

From the Recipe Creator: The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it’s hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It’s a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a guaranteed table brightener for a shower, luncheon or party. Just stand back and watch these sandwiches vanish. For an eye-catching presentation, I tuck each one into a colorful folded napkin. —Roxann Parker, Dover, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: The mixture in this recipe was originally a salad I made after a trip to Greece. When my husband suggested I serve it in phyllo cups, it became my most-requested appetizer!—Radelle Knappenberger, Oviedo, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you’re eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that’s too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This is fabulous as an appetizer, but you can easily turn it into a meal. Instead of having it on bread, serve it over warm pasta. —Georgette Stubin, Canton, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy and delicious addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic vinegar and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

From the Recipe Creator: Pour a cup of coffee and indulge! Crisp, crunchy biscotti cookies are perfect for dunking. Hazelnuts and almonds make my favorite version even better. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

From the Recipe Creator: I alter my sister’s recipe by adding finely chopped jalapeno for a little heat. This is a different way of serving corn as a dip that can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: These PB&J bites are fun to make and fun to eat! For a change of pace, replace the jam with Nutella and the rolled oats with sugar or crushed puffed rice cereal. —Kelly Ward, Stratford, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: As a starter or light snack, this bruschetta is a wonderful way to savor the season with just a bite of fresh peach amid a medley of lively flavors. —Nikiko Masumoto, Del Ray, California

From the Recipe Creator: Appetizers really don’t get any easier than this. These shooters can be made ahead, they’re colorful, and they won’t weigh you down. Top with a small dollop of yogurt for a little more tang. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

From the Recipe Creator: My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California

From the Recipe Creator: In my family, it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without baked clams. They’re easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

From the Recipe Creator: My daughter and I came across a date candy recipe when she was learning about ancient Egypt. We changed some of the spices and nuts to suit our taste. My dad was a beekeeper and Mom always made a coconut date ball for Christmas. The truffles remind me of past Christmases and are ideal for something quick yet festive on a holiday tray. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and I wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla chip cups or any other savory crispy cup you like. Enjoy leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. — Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: A healthy and refreshing appetizer, I enjoy bruschetta anytime of year. For serving guests, I like to slice the garlic instead of chopping it for both beauty and flavor infusion. This is also a simple make-ahead dish: You can mix it up, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.—Gina Bergamino, Chanhassen, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or as a special Sunday football snack. My kids love it and so do my friends and family. You can substitute butter for the olive oil, or any kind of steak for the flank steak. —Donna Evaro, Casper, Wyoming

From the Recipe Creator: Grilling the prosciutto with the asparagus gives this dish a salty crunch that’s perfect for dipping into a sweet glaze. When a delicious appetizer is this easy to prepare, you owe it to yourself to try it! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: My friend gave me this grill-friendly recipe. The combination of lime, cilantro and soy sauce gives these shrimp skewers a memorable taste reminiscent of tropical cuisine. To make it a main dish, serve the skewers with rice or couscous. —Theresa Dibert, Cynthiana, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a heartwarming classic that’s so simple in the slow cooker. Mushrooms, red wine and tender beef make for an easy, elegant supper. —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: We seem to eat for comfort during the holidays…but comfort foods aren’t necessarily healthy. To make a classic comfort food dish more healthy, I came up with this lovely take: turkey shepherd’s pie. It’s perfect for putting out on your holiday buffet table. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: I love shrimp. Love garlic. Love herbs. Cook ’em in butter and what could be better? —Dave Levin, Van Nuys, California

From the Recipe Creator: Layered desserts always grab my family’s attention, but salads? Not
so much. I wondered if I could get everyone on board by presenting
a healthy salad in an eye-catching way. I’m happy to say that it worked. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts