<p>316L stainless steel is widely used due to its excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and low-temperature toughness; however, it is susceptible to localized corrosion, such as pitting, in aggressive environments, which greatly limits its application in demanding industrial fields. Laser cladding, as an advanced surface strengthening technique, can form a strong metallurgical bond between the coating and the substrate through rapid melting and solidification, thereby effectively improving the surface properties of metallic materials. This review summarizes the research progress on laser cladding of 316L stainless steel. The effects of key process parameters (laser power, scanning speed, powder feed rate, etc.) on the microstructure and properties of the coating are elaborated in detail, and composite coating design (addition of ceramic particles, rare earth elements, etc.) is emphatically discussed. The influence of external field assistance techniques (ultrasonic vibration, electromagnetic field effects) is also outlined. Finally, existing challenges are identified, providing a reference for the development of high-performance coatings and their industrial applications.</p>