Hey there, sandwich and salad lovers! With the warm breezes and sunny skies of summer and fall nearing, there’s no better time to indulge in delicious and refreshing sandwiches or salads topped with your favorite sandwich fillings to celebrate the vibrant flavors of the seasons. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, a beachside gathering, or simply getting ready to go back to school, these easy end of summer or early fall lunch and or easy dinner ideas are sure to delight yours and your family’s taste buds as well as satisfy your cravings for something refreshing, cool and easy to make.
Savor the Season: Easy Sandwiches
These recipes are all about simplicity. From classic combinations to inventive twists, these recipes are perfect for on-the-go dining and easy lunch meals.
Some of our favorites include Gluten Free Smoked Salmon Sandwich and Sandwiches 2.0!
Caprese Perfection: A Fresh Take on Easy Summer Sandwiches
Nothing says summer like the vibrant colors and flavors of a classic Caprese salad. Take this beloved Italian combination to the next level by turning it into a delicious sandwich that’s perfect for al fresco dining. Layer slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves between slices of crusty bread, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and enjoy a taste of summer with every bite. Easy Summer Sandwiches like these are sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering!
Our Favorite Sandwich Bread Recipe: Ciabatta Bread!
This recipe is from our dear friends at The Loopy Whisk! We have been baking bread like crazy over here! It’s so easy and you can double the recipe and keep it in the fridge for easy use. Plus it lasts about a week in the fridge once baked. You’ll love this simple recipe.
Our Favorite Sandwich and Salad Recipes:
Whether you enjoy your favorite sandwich filling in a salad or sandwich, these easy to prepare fish or chicken salad fillings you can use with leftovers or quality canned or jarred ingredients
Chicken Salad
Mayos: Majestic Garlic spread or Follow your Heart Avocado Mayonnaise or Veganaise
Here are three versions for using leftover chicken or a peeled rotisserie chicken.
1 is sweet the others more savory. Use to the Mashed Chicken Salad topped over a Green Salad, a wrap or sandwich
Ingredients
#1 Chicken Apple
- 2 cups diced roasted chicken
- 1/4 cup Majestic garlic spread or Avocado Mayo
- 1 tsp. or more minced red onion
- 1/2 apple peeled or not, diced
- 1 Tbsp. minced celery, or more to taste
- Slivered pan toasted almonds (optional)
- Seasonings: Celtic salt and fresh ground pepper, I like adding a little dill
#2 Curry Chicken
- 2 cups diced roasted chicken
- 1/4 cup Zante currants
- 1 tsp. or more red onion
- 1/4 cup garlic spread or mayo
- 1/2 tsp. Or more curry powder or garam masala
- Fresh ground pepper and Celtic Sea Salt to taste
#3 Mediterranean Chicken
- 2 cups diced roasted chicken
- 1/4 cup Majestic garlic spread or Avocado mayo
- 1 tsp. or more minced red onion
- 1Tbsp. capers with a splash of the juice OR minced dill pickles
- Pinch or to taste Chili pepper flakes or ancho chili (optional)
- Chopped Kalamata olives to taste
- Pan Toasted Pine nuts to taste (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and eat with your favorite crackers, topped on a salad, wrapped in a tortilla with avocado or hummus with sprouts, or filling for a sandwich.
Notes
You can also make a simple salad base of chicken, mayo, red onions and celery. Meg likes adding Dijon mustard to hers! Lots of choices here!
Fish Salad sandwich
Serves 2
Basic + family favorites
- 1-2 cans wild salmon or sustainably caught tuna or 1 cup leftover fish
- 1/4-1/3 Cup more or less to taste: avocado Vegenaise or fav Mayo
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Family favorite additions
Tim’s fav: 2-3 Tbsp. Sweet pickle relish
Pegs fav: capers, dill, diced red onions + celery, dash garlic powder
Meg’s Fav: dill pickle relish and Dijon
Method:
Mix all the ingredients that sound good to you! Add more mayo for your liking. Season to taste.
Lox Cream Cheese
- 1/4 lb lox, gravlox or pastrami seasoned gravlox
- Cream cheese options and dairy free options:
Regular, chive, veggie cream cheese - Dairy free cream cheese alternatives: Kite Hill, Violife, Miyokos alternative nut dairy free brands
- Toppings or additional spreads : mashed avocado, Cocojunes dilly Labneh, pickled red onions, capers, sprouts
Fresh dill sprigs
Sandwich Making Method:
- Cut ciabatta in half
- Lightly toast ciabatta
- Start with mashed avo, add mayo, mustard, cream cheese, hummus or labneh for base layers
- Next top with diced red onions, capers, sprouts or lettuce and meat or fish of choice.
- If topping with tuna or chicken salad omit the onions and capers if in the salad.
Our Favorite Salads to Try:
You’ll love these simple but delicious salads:
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sandwiches
Can I customize these sandwiches to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap ingredients or adjust the recipes to suit your dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, or following a specific eating plan, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Are these sandwiches suitable for meal prep?
Yes, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy them. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to keep them fresh.
Can I make these sandwiches kid-friendly?
Of course! Get creative with your sandwich fillings and presentation to appeal to younger palates. You can even let the kids help assemble their own sandwiches for a fun and interactive mealtime experience.
So there you have it – easy sandwiches and salads that are perfect for any occasion. These delicious creations are sure to add a touch of flavor and fun to your adventures. Cheers to good food, good company, and good times!