Bean salads are the move for no-cook potluck sides

Bean salads and corn salads. That’s it. That’s the answer.

You want something that actually tastes good cold, doesn’t get sad sitting in the sun, and doesn’t need last-minute assembly. Three-bean salad (canned beans, red onion, parsley, vinaigrette) is bulletproof. So is a simple corn salad with cherry tomatoes, basil, and a squeeze of lime—no cooking if you use frozen corn (thaw it first) or good canned corn.

Caprese skewers are another one-biter that feels fancy without work. Cherry tomato, basil leaf, fresh mozzarella, drizzle of balsamic. Nothing needs heat. Watermelon and feta cubes with mint is even lazier and just as popular.

Skip coleslaw unless you like watery, wilted sadness. And please don’t be the person showing up with a store-bought veggie tray. That’s not a side dish, that’s a cry for help.

Your host will thank you for showing up with something that didn’t need grill time.