From retro jello salads to smoky twists on picnic favorites, these recipes offer a variety of easy wins for your next event or casual meal. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing dip, a fresh lunch idea, or a nostalgic side dish, there’s something here that’s ready to impress without complicating your prep.
Ready to get inspired? Dig into these make-ahead-friendly dishes, small bites, and salad upgrades—each one simple to pull off and packed with flavor.
Dirty Martini Dip: Creamy Olive & Blue Cheese Appetizer
This cocktail-inspired dip brings bold flavor with a creamy blend of olives and blue cheese. It’s tangy, rich, and easy to serve with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies. Great for happy hour or a fun party starter.
Get the Recipe: Dirty Martini Dip: Creamy Olive & Blue Cheese Appetizer
Chicken Salad Chicken Classic Carol
Make this fan-favorite chicken salad at home using tender chicken tenderloins and a creamy Duke’s mayo base. It’s classic, simple, and perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Chicken Classic Carol
Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
This layered salad brings color, crunch, and creamy dressing in every bite. With crisp veggies and a chilled overnight setup, it’s a go-to for make-ahead meals, picnics, or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Classic Overnight Seven Layer Salad
Watergate Salad
A retro favorite, this fluffy green salad is made with pistachio pudding, pineapple, and marshmallows. It’s sweet, creamy, and always a hit at potlucks, cookouts, or as a light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Jello, Carrots, and Pineapple? Discover the Surprising Charm of Sunshine Salad
This cheerful jello salad combines orange gelatin with shredded carrots and crushed pineapple. It’s a bright, nostalgic side that’s easy to make and fun to serve at brunch or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Jello, Carrots, and Pineapple? Discover the Surprising Charm of Sunshine Salad
Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
These quick roll-ups combine salty ham, crisp pickles, and creamy cheese in one easy, no-cook bite. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or appetizer trays.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Classic and crave-worthy, these roll-ups are made with salami and a creamy cheese filling. Slice them up for easy snacking or serve whole for a fun finger food.
Get the Recipe: Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Sweet and savory come together in this chicken salad loaded with apples, grapes, and pecans, all tucked into flaky croissants. It’s a great option for brunch, lunch, or entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Easy Cold Crab Dip
This creamy dip is loaded with crab flavor and requires zero cooking. Just mix and chill. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or veggies for a no-fuss appetizer that always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cold Crab Dip
Lemony Mustard Chickpea Salad
This light and zesty chickpea salad comes together in minutes with a lemon mustard vinaigrette. It’s perfect as a quick lunch or a flavorful side for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Lemony Mustard Chickpea Salad
Vietnamese-Style Spring Rolls
These fresh spring rolls are filled with shrimp, crunchy veggies, and vermicelli noodles, served with a creamy peanut sauce. A light, flavorful dish that’s great for warm-weather meals or appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Vietnamese-Style Spring Rolls
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
If you’re a pickle lover, this pasta salad is a must-try. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with chopped pickles—perfect for summer potlucks and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer
Roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil come together in this simple but flavorful bite. A warm twist on Caprese that’s great for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Roast Tomato Mozzarella & Basil Appetizer
Seven Layer Dip Cups
All the layers of your favorite Tex-Mex dip—beans, guac, sour cream, cheese, and more—served in individual cups for easy, mess-free snacking at parties or game day.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Dip Cups
Frog Eye Salad
This sweet pasta salad blends acini di pepe with pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping. It’s a chilled, creamy crowd-pleaser perfect for summer spreads or potluck tables.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Salad
Smoked Potato Salad
Smoked baby potatoes add a bold, savory twist to this upgraded potato salad. It’s a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or backyard barbecue fare.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad