Sandwich fillings for guests

[Rosehip]

I've been doing some very casual, kids playing in the yard while grown-ups eat & drink on the deck entertaining. Generally I grill, but I was thinking that maybe I could sometimes do a sort of nice build your own sandwich sort of spread. I'd like to do something a step up from cold cuts. Any ideas for yummy salad fillings that might fit the bill alongside some nice salads?

And, would this idea be just too, too casual? Do I have to serve a regular entree?

[alegna]

Chicken salad is my go-to for that sort of thing. Fancy breads make it even nicer

-Angela

[rhiOrion]

Really good fresh tomato slices. How about a caprese type filling? Tomato slices, mozerella slices, basil, and a balsamic sauce. You definitely need hearty bread for that.

In the south you'd be required to have cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches, for sure.

I second the chicken salad suggestion. You could also do egg salad and/or tuna salad.

Pimento cheese.

And I think cold cuts are pretty classic, too. You could liven that up with something other than the general american cheese offering. Swiss, provolone, havarti, etc.

Brie with turkey and cranberry chutney.

now i want sandwiches. stupid dairy free stupid stupid blah.

[Starry-eyedMom]

Had this last night:

Havarti cheese
cucumber slices
avocado
tomato
spring lettuce mix
Deli meats
Bacon
fancy rolls for bread--lightly toasted
Mayo & Dijon mustard

Simple & yummy!

[Ola_]

Since you mentioned grilling, I think grilled veggies (peppers, zucchini, eggplant, portobello mushrooms) would make a lovely sandwich with some good cheese (havarti? or maybe white cheddar?). And the suggestion of brie/turkey/cranberry is making me drool even though I already had dinner!

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by rhiOrion

now i want sandwiches. stupid dairy free stupid stupid blah.

IME smushed up avocado really make up for a lack of dairy on a sandwich.

I love chicken salad and would probably do a roasted veggie as well.

You could do pinwheel things with wraps.

[Shantimama]

Hummus with tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, sprouts, etc makes a yummy sandwich, too.

[ollyoxenfree]

Ahead of time, you could grill flank steak or chicken breast and slice it, ready for sandwiches. It's nicer and healthier than deli meats.

I like cubano sandwiches . I think pork is traditional, but I use marinated chicken. I also like to serve it with sliced avocado, instead of pickle - so maybe it isn't a cubano anymore, LOL!

[TheGirls]

for my DD's birthday I did a crockpot full of pulled pork (place pork roast in crockpot. pour bbq sauce over it. cook 8hrs on low then shred with a fork) It was ridiculously easy and everyone raved. I served it with nice rolls and coleslaw. I used a mild BBQ sauce in the crock, then had extra in both mild and spicy so my guests could choose how saucy and how hot they wanted it.

My mom had done the same with bbq chicken (same technique as the pork) before.

[karne]

Cold poached salmon or chilled cooked shrimp can be used as part of a nice roll up sandwich. We like salmon ceaser roll ups, and these are pretty, as well as easy to make ahead. Pretty toothpicks hold the roll ups in place. Very refreshing on a hot night.

[calebsmommy25]

I love making traditional chicken salad.

Cubed chicken mixed with sundried tomatoes, lots of fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and a light vinaigrette adds something different.

Fresh tomatoes, basil, mozz alone or on some good bread, or you could do bruscetta.

I like the idea of using 'real' meat instead of cold cuts. Cooking some chicken, pork, beef ahead of time and slicing thinly on a tray for sandwiches. I bet it would probably be comparable in cost, if not cheaper...just a bit more work though.

Hummus and a cold cucumber salad makes for a great filling. I just had it for lunch on a wrap. Cube cucumber, dice onion, mashed garlic, dash of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and salt and pepper.

White bean spread made with olive oil, lemon juice, s/p and rosemary (or other fresh herbs).

Tortilla pinwheels with turkey or chicken, sundried tomatoes and pesto OR cream cheese and spinach OR tuna salad with some greens. I made a variety of these at Christmas time and to my surprise, the tuna salad was the hit.

I completely agree with one of the pp about the pulled pork. I made it one year for a party and it was a HUGE hit. Super easy and very cheap. Can easily be done ahead of time too, sometimes is even better after it sits for a while.