From Linda Larsen,
Your Guide to Busy Cooks.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Sandwich spreads are some of the best make ahead meals. When your family is in and out of the house, eating at different times and with different appetites, having these delicious and nutritious spreads in the fridge is like money in the bank. And they are the perfect answer to feeding your family when it's just too hot to cook.

These spreads should last two to three days in the refrigerator, as long as you keep them well covered. They can be spread on focaccia, put into split pita breads, grilled between slices of whole wheat bread, piled on a bagel, wrapped in flavored tortillas, or eaten on crackers. You can use them as appetizer dips, fill some celery sticks or bell pepper slices with these recipes for a buffet, or use them for grilled sandwich fillings if you want something hot.

Use your imagination when making these spreads. Change the meat used, add some of your favorite ingredients and flavors, change the fruits and vegetables, and be sure to check out new food products in your supermarket for more ideas.

With a few of these spreads and a cold Side Dish Salad or two in your refrigerator, plus a selection of good bakery breads, you don't need to make lunch for days! I especially like Nectarine Coleslaw, Marinated Greek Salad and Orange Cream Salad. Let your kids assemble their own lunch using the wonderful fixings you have prepared for them while you relax on the porch under a ceiling fan. Now that's what summer is all about!

Sandwich Spreads

• Grilled Chicken Apple Sandwiches
  This is the most fabulous sandwich spread. It's really delicious grilled between two slices of whole grain bread, but it's also wonderful stuffed into a pita with some crunchy lettuce.
• Cobb Salad Sandwiches
  To make this spread ahead of time, just leave out the avocado and add it as you're making the sandwich.
• Salmon Cucumber Sandwiches
  Think about using one of the new flavored kinds of packaged tuna in this easy sandwich spread.
• Updated Peanut Butter Sandwich
  Peanut butter gets a makeover with some delicious and healthy additions. Think about adding your kids' favorite snack ingredients to this sandwich spread.
• Crunchy Chicken Thyme Sandwiches
  Celery and sunflower seeds add wonderful crunchy to this flavorful sandwich spread. You could use canned tuna or salmon in this recipe if you like.
• Fruit Sandwiches
  Dried fruit makes a really wonderful sandwich filling. Look in your supermarket for different kinds of mixed dried fruit.
• Olive Spread
  Take a few minutes and browse through the olive section of your supermarket. You'll be really surprised at the range and variety of olives you can buy. I myself really love garlic stuffed green olives.
• Turkey Cucumber Sandwiches
  The combination of cool, crisp cucumbers and tender chunks of turkey makes a great sandwich.
• Egg Salad Sandwich Spread
  Classic egg salad is always a hit with young children. This recipe is made a little differently than traditional egg salad.
• Antipasto Sandwiches
  This sandwich filling is really wonderful served in whole wheat pita breads lined with some deep green romaine lettuce.
• Hummus Sandwich Spread
  Hummus is a Greek spread made of pureed chickpeas, tahini, sesame seeds, and lemon. It's really wonderful as a sandwich spread.
• Wild Rice Chicken Sandwich Spread
  Did you know that you can buy canned cooked wild rice? It's a great way to get that great flavor and texture without heating up your kitchen.
• Tofu Egg Salad Sandwiches
  For strict vegetarians, those on low fat diets, or just for a delicious change, try this flavorful tofu sandwich spread.
• Ham, Cheese and Corn Sandwich Spread
  This spread works really well when layered with cheese and crunchy whole grain bread, then grilled just until the cheese melts.
• Pimiento Cheese
  This great spread is a classic Southern recipe. I always have some in my refrigerator for last minute appetizers as well as instant sandwiches.
• Parmesan Tuna Spread
  Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in this updated tuna salad sandwich.
• Curried Chicken Sandwich Spread
  Crunchy celery, sweet and chewy currants, and hot and spicy curry powder combine for a fabulous sandwich spread.
• Shrimp Salad Sandwiches
  Cabbage and carrots are combined with tender shrimp in this nutritious and delicious sandwich spread.
• Spinach Pesto Spread
  Spinach adds great flavor and nutrition to pesto. Spinach also costs less than fresh basil, which is a boon to your wallet.
• Crab Spread
  Try different kinds of seafood in this easy, elegant, and very yummy sandwich spread.