What’s your favorite salty snack to take to a gathering?

My most favorite prepackaged snack is to mix a huge bag of Chex mix with a couple of big bags of peanut M&M's in a huge bowl!

cowboy caviar

chips and queso or guac and salsa

Another good one that makes a lot is from Trader Joes:
Three Ingredient Lentil Salad
I don't make it as a salad, I use it as a dip with Pita chips.

This is seriously the best thing ever.

I forgot about popcorn!  There was a farmers market nearby that made great Chicago style popcorn (caramel and cheese - but not the kind where it's a scoop of each - the kind where they smothered caramel corn in the cheese powder).  It sounds kind of gross, but most everyone LOVED it. 
I like the idea of playing board games where the snacks aren't too messy (wiping on your pants is fine when it's your move) and don't require a separate dish. 

I like it all! 🤣

Eta: we like the boom chicka pop kettle corn. Its in a light green bag. My dad is a diabetic with cardiomyopathy that loves snacks. It is lower in sugar and salt than normal.

I always bring fresh cut veggies with hummus and ranch dip. Not salty, but a good alternative when you've had enough junk food.

Bacon!

Bacon is my favorite non-sweet type snack. 
I buy the already cooked kind that just has to be heated in the microwave. 2 or 3 pieces at a time is a perfect non-sweet snack.

My second choice is Wise potato chips. I get the unsalted ones. They have several flavors.

You could also go to Costco or Sam's Club and buy a couple/few different versions of the chips variety packs (fritos, doritos, ruffles, lays, etc...) or variety packs of various flavors of crackers or flavors of popcorn, or mixed nuts.

Seasoned Cheese Crackers

preheat oven to 325

1 Family Size Box Cheese It Crackers (OR 2 Regular Size Boxes)
2 Packets Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix
1/2 teaspoon Lemon Pepper
5 teaspoons Dried Dill Weed (original Pinterest recipe called for 4 teaspoons but I use 5 teaspoons)
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
3/4 cup Vegetable Oil

In a large bowl combine all ingredients except crackers. Whisk well. Add the crackers and stir til completely coated.
Place on 2 large sheet pans and bake for 20 minutes stirring 1/2 way through.
Cool completely and store in airtight container.

I have no gatherings coming up, but now I'm wickedly hungry. First, I'm going to make that lentil salad ASAP. May need to scoop it up with some seasoned Cheez-Its!

Thanks so much. I can’t wait to make them!

My salty favorite is always potato chips.

We love buttered popcorn tossed with Parmesan cheese and lots of fresh ground black pepper.

I do love nuts though, so jars of salted shelled pistachios, salted whole cashews, wasabi almonds, old bay spiced peanuts…

Love Swedish fish mixed with Fritos.

We also make small jarred chia seed puddings, overnite oats, cheesecake desserts for long holiday weekends—we put out all the jars, lots of add ins (cut up fruits, chopped cookies and brownies, nuts, etc.) and I make big batches of the “base” (plain chia seed pudding, vanilla cheesecake filling, overnight oats mixed with milk) and everyone makes jars to their liking, and we label by whose they are and pop in fridge/cooler and they can be enjoyed at any time.

I do this for work too—make a few different chia puddings or overnight oats and pop them in our fridge at work tor everyone to enjoy.

Ok...now I want to make these!