15 Delicious Dishes to Make Every Gathering Special

Are you expecting guests, or are you invited to a potluck? We've got you covered with delicious and satisfying dishes that will make any occasion special. Here, we have luscious side dishes that always disappear fast, chicken dishes guaranteed to leave empty plates, and desserts so good that everyone will be requesting the recipe.

Tuna Pasta Salad

This refreshing and satisfying Tuna Pasta Salad is a family-friendly recipe that's perfect for those warm summer days when you want a quick, delicious meal without heating up the kitchen. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for lunch or your next potluck! Get the recipe.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe

This super easy sloppy joes recipe requires only 5 ingredients and will be ready in 15 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight meal for those busy days when you want to whip up something the whole family will love! Get the recipe.

Ricotta Almond Fig Cake

Made with almond and cashew flours, this gluten free fig cake is infused with almond extract and kept super moist thanks to ricotta. It’s subtle sweetness makes it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Get the recipe.

Smashed Potatoes With Garlic-Dill Sauce

So easy and delicious, these Crispy Smashed Red Potatoes With Garlic And Dill are a comfort side dish that never disappoints. Naturally vegan and made with just 4 simple ingredients, these crushed red potatoes are great for any occasion. Get the recipe.

Crab Lettuce Wraps

Easy to make Crab Lettuce Wraps are packed with real crab meat, your favorite vegetables and dressed in a most a delicious and creamy Tartar sauce. Serve these lettuce cups as an appetizer or main meal. Get the recipe.

Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Drumsticks

This garlic parmesan sheet pan drumsticks recipe boasts the flavors of garlic, parmesan, red pepper, and parsley. They pair with all kinds of side dishes and, if you like chicken, you’re going to love this baked chicken drumsticks recipe! Get the recipe.

Chocolate Almond Flour Cupcakes

If you are looking for a sweet treat but you are avoiding refined sugar, these Chocolate Almond Flour Cupcakes are for you.  They are super-rich, dense, and chocolatey and mildly sweet from the coconut sugar. Get the recipe.

Baked Mustard Chicken Meatballs

These baked mustard chicken meatballs feature lightly seared balls of ground chicken, rice, and spices baked in a creamy mustard sauce. The recipe makes plenty of meatballs to satisfy your hungry family on busy weeknights. Get the recipe.

Brownie With Mascarpone Swirl

Can I say that brownies are my absolute favorite American dessert?
I love all things chocolate, and if you give me a dessert made with this ooey gooey cocoa goodness, I'll be your friend forever. Get the recipe.

Crockpot Chili

Not to brag, but if I had another Cook-off, I would have won it again and again. This Crockpot Chili Recipe combines all the flavors of my original Award Winning Chili but also has some new unexpected ingredients. Get the recipe.

Eggplant Gratin

This creamy and scrumptious Eggplant Gratin is smothered with a secret white sauce and topped with a generous layer or Gruyere cheese. It is a side dish that is so easy to make and will be gone before you know it. Get the recipe.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

This Chicken Pot Pie Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender cooked chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy soup, and fluffy biscuits, all baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Get the recipe.

Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs

This oven baked chicken thighs recipe is a go-to one-pot recipe for busy weeknights that has a prep time of 5 minutes. It's a truly easy, family-friendly dish that delivers the juiciest chicken thighs straight from your oven. Get the recipe.

Aloo Tikki: The Spiced Potato Cutlets

Aloo Tikki is a potato cutlet with a well-balanced aroma of spices and herbs. Enjoy it as is or as a filling in pita bread, flatbread or tortilla wrap and have it for your packed lunch and a picnic. Get the recipe.

Swedish Visiting Cake

Swedish Visiting Cake is a simple yet delicious almond coffee cake with a crispy top and a soft, moist center. Swedish Visiting Cake.

More from Lavender & Macarons

Searching for meatless meal ideas that still deliver on protein power? Lentils are your new best friend! These lentil dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized. Lentils are not only delicious but also loaded with protein, making them the perfect addition to any diet. 19 Protein-Packed Lentil Dishes That Are Perfect for Meatless Mondays (or Tuesdays!).