This easy chicken salad recipe makes a cool and delicious summer meal! Especially good if you need something to make the day before and serve!
This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is the ultimate make-ahead meal! Cool, refreshing, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep, or a fuss-free Sunday dinner. Just layer the ingredients, pour on the creamy dressing, and let it chill—no last-minute cooking required!
Plus, we’ve included a full meal plan featuring crispy Potato Nachos, tangy Freezer Pickles, and fresh fruit for a delicious, stress-free spread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a quick, satisfying meal, these easy recipes will save you time and money.
Don’t forget to check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks—filled with budget-friendly, time-saving recipes your family will love!
[dining]
Meal Plan:
Layered Chicken Salad*
Potato Nachos*
Freezer Pickles*
Dinner Rolls
Watermelon and Cantaloupe Slices
This Easy Potato Nachos Recipe is a delicious way to use up leftover boiled red potatoes! Serve it as a side dish or appetizer, and if you prefer a milder flavor, simply skip the jalapeños. The recipe makes a huge amount, but you can easily adjust the portions to fit your needs.
Gardens will soon be in full swing, and if you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers, this easy Freezer Pickles recipe is a perfect way to use them up—no canning required! If you have plenty of freezer space, this is a great alternative to traditional pickling. You can also try this recipe with other veggies like peppers or okra or you can mix them with the cucumbers for a fun twist.
Bonus Tip: The onions from this recipe make a delicious topping for hot dogs!
More Quick Kitchen Tips!
- If you are out of food coloring, try adding a spoonful of cherry or strawberry Jello to your frosting—it adds color and a fun flavor boost!
- Easy frozen treat: If you get a great deal on bananas, and you need to do something with them quickly, roll them in strawberry jam. Then coat with nuts and granola ands freeze for a simple, delicious snack.
- Here’s a delicious way to use leftover meatloaf: Place a slice of meatloaf and a slice of cheese between two slices of bread. Grill like a classic grilled cheese for a tasty twist!
If someone in your family is fussy about tomatoes in their food, purchase the grape sized and serve them on the side. Why waste expensive tomatoes on those who won’t eat them?
good idea..thanks 🙂
I love these ideas, especially the frosting with spoon of jello idea, and that meatloaf grilled cheese sounds wonderful.
The salad and potato recipes sound terrific. If, like me, you won’t eat mayonnaise, you can use plain yogurt or cottage cheese pureed in the blender, and add the seasonings to those.
My best friend made a wonderful chicken salad sandwich last weekend for an outdoor party. She shredded the chicken, added celery and seasonings, and used ranch dressing instead of mayo. The sandwiches were delicious.
So you don’t cook the pickles at all?
No you don’t need to cook them.
Can you use the same recipe for freezer pickles to make homemade sauerkraut with cabbage?