12 Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Ideas for Work

By Alexandra Churchill of Martha Stewart Living

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What’s for lunch today? The same sad desk salad, right? That’s why an office potluck is always welcome. But what do you bring? These crowd-pleasers are easy to transport on your commute, able to feed a crowd, and -- obviously -- delicious.

Photography: Aaron Dyer

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Zucchini Cornbread Muffins

When feeding a hungry crowd, have a starter platter that can be served immediately. These fluffy zucchini cornbread muffins require nothing but a pop out of the muffin tin.

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Lima-Bean Crostini with Ricotta

This impressive appetizer is easy to make: Simply toast the bread and make the lima-bean mixture in the morning. Then, assemble the crostini at the office.

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Vegetarian Black-Bean Chili

This half-hour chili -- made in one pot -- can be reheated in the office, piping hot. Go the extra mile and let your coworkers pick and choose from an arrangement of fixings -- bright-red cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

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Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad

Some people like salty; some people love sweet. Satisfy both cravings with this crowd-pleaser: a refreshing fruit salad bursting with color and flavor.

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Baked Penne with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This classic comfort dish is sure to be a hit in the office. Just pop it in the microwave to warm up.

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Fennel-Arugula Salad with Oranges

Make this crunchy salad in less than a half hour. Plus, you can make the dressing in a small airtight jar up to a day ahead, then shake to combine and pour on salad to serve when the communal feast is ready in the conference room.

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Creamy Macaroni Salad

Who doesn't love a creamy macaroni salad? However, our version has little to no mayonnaise, making it a healthier choice. And it is topped with savory add-ons like thinly sliced radishes, celery stalks, dill, and chives. Stored in an airtight container, this salad can refrigerate up to three days, perfect for a busy workweek.

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Photography: Bryan Gardner

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Green Goddess Potato Salad

With only five ingredients -- lemon juice, mayonnaise, one minced shallot, freshly chopped herbs, and potatoes (plus salt and pepper) -- this salad can easily be whipped up the night before the potluck.

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Photography: Bryan Gardner

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Cauliflower-Spinach Dip

This version is way healthier (and more filling) than your average spinach dip. Make this delicious dip the night before and serve with a basket full of toasted pita corners.
Photography: Randy Harris

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Double-Crust Berry Free-Form Pie

Even lunch needs a dessert, right? This isn't your typical berry pie -- the 18-inch dough round serves more than a dozen, so everyone is ensured to get a slice. For ours, we tossed juicy raspberries and blackberries in a citrus mixture, then baked under a faux-lattice crust until golden brown. Cut into squares for easy bites.

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Photography: Jonathan Lovekin

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Vanilla Sheet Cake with Malted-Chocolate Frosting

Not into pie? Sheet cakes are easy to make and even easier to transport. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before you frost it. Once frosted, the cake can be covered with plastic wrap and kept at room temperature up to three days.

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