55 Colorful Orange Side Dishes for a Color Party Potluck

Color Themed Potlucks have really been trending lately. You can do a potluck with 1 or 2 main colors, or you can have guests each draw different colors to ensure that the table top display of food hits every color in the rainbow.

I am huge believer in making foods that naturally have the color that we want. So, I have compiled a list of 55 Orange Side Dishes for Color Themed Potluck that are sure to impress your friends and family.

What to bring to an Orange Color Party Potluck?

From sweet to savory, there’s a side dish for everyone on this list. Some are dishes that can be purchased at your local grocery store and other’s will require some cooking skills. You can put as little or as much effort and time into your potluck dish, so we offer a wide variety of option!

If you are looking more for snacks or junk food, check out our Ultimate Guide to Orange Snacks!

Dips and Spreads

When it comes to potlucks, dips and spreads are always a hit. They’re easy to make, easy to transport, and even easier to eat. Here are some orange-themed dips and spreads that are sure to please.

1. Buffalo Chicken Dip

This dip is a classic for a reason. It’s creamy, spicy, and ideal for dipping chips, veggies, or even chicken wings. To make it orange-themed, add some shredded cheddar cheese and diced orange bell peppers to the mix.

2. Velveeta Rotel Dip

This dip is a crowd-pleaser. Melt together Velveeta cheese and canned Rotel tomatoes for a creamy, spicy dip. To make it more orange-themed, add some diced orange bell peppers or serve it with orange tortilla chips.

3. Sun Dried Tomato Dip

This dip is packed with flavor. Mix together sun dried tomatoes, cream cheese, and a little garlic for a savory spread. Serve it with crackers or veggies.

4. Peach Salsa & Chips

This sweet and spicy salsa is a great alternative to traditional tomato salsa. I mix together diced peaches, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro. It’s a great dip to serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos. This can also be made with Mango for a beautiful orange color!

5. Taco Bean Dip

This dip is hearty and satisfying. Mix together refried beans, taco seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese for a dip that’s great for scooping with tortilla chips. To make it more orange-themed, add some diced orange bell peppers, top it with salsa, or just add a ton of cheddar cheese.

6. Orange Pepper Hummus

This hummus is a twist on the classic. Mix together chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and diced sauteed orange bell peppers for a bright and tangy dip. Serve it with pita chips or veggies like carrot sticks.

Appetizers and Snacks

7. Cheetos/ Cheese Puffs

I love serving Cheetos or cheese puffs as a fun and easy snack option. They’re terrific for any potluck and always a crowd-pleaser. These are easily found at any grocery store and are a great snack item for a potluck that will have children attending.

8. Orange Tortilla Pinwheels

These pinwheels are easy to make and even easier to eat. Spread cream cheese and orange marmalade on a tortilla, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Serve it as an appetizer or a snack.

9. Cheddar Cheeseball with Crackers

This cheddar cheeseball with crackers is a classic appetizer that is always a hit. The cheeseball is made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, and is served with a variety of crackers. I like to leave my cheeseball plain, but you can also add chopped nuts for a crunchy outer layer.

10. Stuffed Orange Peppers

These stuffed orange peppers are not only delicious but also add a pop of color to any potluck. The peppers are stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices, then baked until tender. Instead of slicing an orange pepper in half, I would slice it into quarters so each guest can the stuffed peppers without having to commit to such a large portion.

11. Cheesy Carrot Bites

These cheesy carrot bites are a fun and healthy appetizer option. They’re made with shredded carrots, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs, then baked until crispy. They taste similar to a mini quiche and can be made in a mini muffin tin.

12. Cheese Tray with Crackers

A cheese tray with crackers is a great option for those who want to create their own appetizers. Simply arrange a variety of cheeses and crackers on a platter and let your guests create their own combinations. Orange cheese to use would be any type of Cheddar, American, Colby, and Gouda.

13. Shrimp Cocktail

I love shrimp cocktail, and it’s always a hit at potlucks. I like to serve it in a big glass bowl with ice. Then place a smaller bowl of cocktail sauce in the center and the shrimp arranged around the edge. It’s easy to make and always looks impressive.

14. Cheez-it Crackers

Cheez-it crackers are a classic snack that everyone loves. They’re fine for any potluck and always a crowd-pleaser. These are super simple to pick up at the grocery store, but make sure to bring a nice bowl or basket to put the crackers in.

15. Cheddar & Sour Cream Chips

Cheddar & sour cream chips are a delicious and easy snack option. They’re great for any potluck and always a crowd-pleaser. Check out “Can I bring Chips to a Potluck?” for tips on how to serve chips at a potluck!

16. Cutie Oranges

Cutie oranges are a healthy and refreshing snack option. They’re easy to peel and perfect for any potluck. Mini oranges are also ideal for events like family birthday parties or barbeques where there will be younger children.

17. Goldfish Crackers

Goldfish crackers are a classic snack that everyone loves. They’re superb for any potluck and always a crowd-pleaser. This is another easy kid friendly snack option for a potluck.

18. Carrots with Ranch Dip

Carrots with ranch dip are a healthy and delicious snack option. The carrots are crunchy, and the ranch dip adds a tasty kick. You can also up your ranch dip by adding hot sauce, chopped fresh herbs, or adding a dash of paprika for more orange color.

19. Pimento Cheese Mini Sandwiches

Pimento cheese mini sandwiches are a classic appetizer that is always yummy. The sandwiches are made with pimento cheese and bread and are classy for a lunch or outdoor potluck.

20. Cheddar Cheese Popcorn

Cheddar cheese popcorn is a delicious and easy snack option. It’s marvelous for any potluck and always a crowd-pleaser. Consider bringing small plastic cups for serving or prepackaging the popcorn in small bags.

21. Cheesy Chex Mix

Cheesy Chex Mix is a fun and delicious snack option. It’s made with Chex cereal, cheese crackers, and spices, and is a great addition for any potluck. This can be bought premade at the grocery store or made at home!

22. Hot Tamale Balls

Hot tamale balls are a spicy and delicious appetizer option. They’re made with ground beef, cornmeal, and spices, and are a unique item for any potluck. Make sure to add a label, since these are really spicy!

23. Cheese Straws

Cheese straws are a classic appetizer that is always a hit. They’re made with cheddar cheese and puff pastry and are a great way to show off your piping skills.

Salads and Vegetable Dishes

24. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme

These roasted carrots are sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious. The honey and thyme add just the right amount of flavor, and the orange color is sure to brighten up any potluck table.

25. Orange Creamsicle Fruit Salad

This sweet and creamy fruit salad is a crowd-pleaser. Made with mandarin oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream. It is part salad party tasty treat!

26. Orange Jell-O Salad

This retro salad is a blast from the past. Mix together orange Jell-O, mandarin oranges, and whipped cream for a sweet and tangy treat. Serve it as a side dish or a dessert at an outdoor barbeque or birthday party.

27. Red Lentil Pasta Salad

I love this colorful and healthy salad. It’s made with red lentil pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s a great option for those who are gluten-free or trying to eat more plant-based meals.

28. Cottage Cheese Salad with Mandarin Oranges

This salad is light, refreshing, and packed with protein. Mix together cottage cheese, mandarin oranges, chopped nuts, and a little honey for sweetness. Serve it as a dip with crackers or as a side dish.

29. Fruit Salad

This classic side dish is always a hit at potlucks. I like to mix together a variety of colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and mango, but for an orange party I would focus on mango, papaya, oranges, apricots, and peaches. For a little extra sweetness, I drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes.

30. Roasted Carrots

These sweet and savory carrots are a delicious side dish that is easy to make. I roast baby carrots in the oven with olive oil until they are tender and caramelized. For a little extra flavor, I sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, sage, or even parsley.

31. Roasted Butternut Squash

This hearty side dish is perfect for fall potlucks. I roast butternut squash in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs until it is tender and golden. It’s a great side dish to serve alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main dish.

32. Sweet Potato Salad

This colorful and flavorful salad is a great alternative to traditional potato salad. I boil sweet potatoes until they are tender and then mix them with diced red onion, celery, and chopped pecans. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

33. Carrot Salad

This crunchy and refreshing salad is great for summer potlucks. I mix together grated carrots, raisins, and chopped walnuts. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.

34. Mandarin Orange Salad

This colorful and tangy salad is a great addition to any potluck. I mix together fresh spinach, mandarin oranges, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. The dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.

35. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

This creamy and cheesy side dish is a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. I roast cauliflower in the oven with olive oil and garlic until it is tender and golden. Then, I mix it with a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream.

36. Carrot Pudding

This sweet and creamy pudding is a great way to use up extra carrots. I boil carrots until they are tender and then blend them with coconut milk, honey, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a great dessert to serve at potlucks.

37. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish is a classic, and for good reason. It’s sweet, savory, and always a hit at potlucks. To make it, simply bake some sweet potatoes, mash them with butter and spices, then top with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping. This casserole does occasionally get topped with mini marshmallows for extra sweetness too. It’s like dessert and a side dish all in one!

38. Acorn Squash Casserole

This hearty casserole is really good for fall potlucks. I roast acorn squash in the oven with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs until it is tender and golden. Then, I mix it with cooked quinoa, sauteed kale, and feta cheese. It’s a great vegetarian main dish or side dish to serve alongside roasted meats.

39. Baked Sweet Potato Bar

This is a fun and interactive side dish that everyone will enjoy. I bake sweet potatoes until they are tender and then set out a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, and sour cream. Guests can customize their own sweet potato with their favorite toppings.

Hearty Dishes

When it comes to potlucks, main dishes are always the star of the show. Here are three orange-themed main dishes that are sure to impress your guests.

40. Sweet & Sour Meatballs

These meatballs are a classic potluck dish, and for good reason. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. I like to make mine with ground beef, bread crumbs, and a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar.

41. Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a classic Chinese takeout dish with a twist, orange chicken is the way to go. This dish features crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce. It’s sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy all at once.

42. Cheese Pizza

While pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of orange foods, a classic cheese pizza can definitely fit the bill. To make a plain cheese pizza more orange, top it with shredded cheddar cheese, some orange bell peppers, tomatoes, or even some butternut squash for a pop of color. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit at potlucks.

43. Hawaiian Ham Sliders with Cheddar

These sliders are a fun twist on the classic ham and cheese sandwich. I like to use Hawaiian rolls and top them with sliced ham, cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. They’re always a hit at potlucks and work well for a color-themed party.

44. Beef Empanadas

These savory pastries are a great way to incorporate some orange into your potluck spread. The filling is made with ground beef, onions, and peppers, and is seasoned with cumin and paprika for a little bit of spice. The dough is flaky and buttery, making for a delicious handheld meal that’s super tasty for a potluck.

Soups and Stews

45. Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy soup is idea for fall potlucks. Made with butternut squash, carrots, and orange juice, it’s a healthy and delicious option that everyone will love.

46. Red Lentil Soup

I love this soup because it’s packed with protein and fiber. It’s also super easy to make! Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add some red lentils, and let it simmer with vegetable broth and spices. You can even add some spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

47. Sweet Potato Pumpkin Soup

This soup screams fall weather! It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with vitamins A and C. To make it, simply roast some sweet potatoes and pumpkin, then blend them with vegetable broth and spices. You can even top it with some toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.

48. Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Who doesn’t love a good broccoli and cheese soup? This recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add some broccoli, vegetable broth, and spices, then blend it all together with some cheddar cheese. Yum!

49. Sweet Potato Chili

This chili is hearty, flavorful, and ideal for a chilly day. It’s packed with sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices, and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan.

50. Carrot Soup

This soup is bright, flavorful, and packed with vitamins A and C. To make it, simply sauté some onions and garlic, add some carrots, vegetable broth, and spices, then blend it all together until smooth. You can even top it with some croutons or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Breads and Rolls

When it comes to potluck side dishes, bread and rolls are always a crowd-pleaser. Here are a few orange-themed options to consider:

51. Cheddar Biscuits

These savory biscuits are perfect for any potluck. They’re made with cheddar cheese, which gives them a nice orange color, and they’re easy to make. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, and they’re great with butter or jam.

52. Orange Dinner Rolls

Orange dinner rolls are a type of soft, fluffy bread roll that are infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of oranges. They are typically made with flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, and orange zest or juice. The rolls may be topped with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice, which adds an extra burst of citrus flavor. Orange dinner rolls are a delicious addition to any meal, and are especially popular during the fall and winter months.

53. Turmeric Bread

Turmeric bread is a type of bread that is infused with the vibrant yellowy orange color and warm, earthy flavor of turmeric. It is typically made with flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and turmeric powder, which gives the bread its distinctive hue. Turmeric bread may also contain other ingredients such as milk, butter, or eggs, which add richness and depth of flavor to the bread. This type of bread is often enjoyed as a savory accompaniment to soups, stews, and curries, but can also be enjoyed on its own or toasted with butter.

54. Sweet Potato Rolls

Sweet potato rolls are a type of soft, fluffy bread roll that are made with mashed sweet potatoes. They are typically made with flour, yeast, sugar, butter, milk, and mashed sweet potatoes, which give the rolls a subtly sweet flavor and a moist texture. Sweet potato rolls may also be flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger, which complement the sweetness of the potatoes.

55. Paprika Onion Bread

Paprika onion bread is typically made with flour, yeast, salt, sugar, butter, milk, and paprika powder, which gives the bread its distinctive smoky and slightly spicy flavor. Additionally, chopped onions are often added to the dough, which add a sweet and savory flavor and a pleasant texture to the bread. Paprika onion bread is a great accompaniment to soups, stews, and other hearty dishes, and can also be enjoyed on its own or toasted with butter.

What are Orange Side Dishes for a Potluck?

Lots of people use artificial coloring to make a dish fit into a color party, but I am not a fan of this practice. Whenever you change the color of a dish, you typically make it less appealing to the eyes.

The only real exception of this is if you are making a dessert that includes a frosting, dipped in colored chocolate, or has sprinkles.

I hope this list of 55 different ideas for an Orange Color Themed Potluck inspires you on what to bring. For more ideas, check out “Cheap Finger Foods for Wedding Reception” and “Is Friendsgiving a Potluck? Exploring the New Tradition of Celebrating Thanksgiving with Friends.”