During the dog days of summer, the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on the oven. Skip your sizzling supper standards and beat the heat with a few no-cook dinner ideas.
Chicken Wraps
Pull the meat off a deli-roasted chicken. Spread honey mustard or ranch dressing across the wrap; then layer slices of tomato, onion, chicken, shredded cheese and bacon (if desired). Roll and eat. Serve with a side of tossed salad and fresh fruit for dessert.
Chicken Salad Slaw
Mix 1 head of cabbage, shredded, with 1 lb. deli-roasted chicken; 1 tart green apple, shredded; 2 celery stalks, sliced; ½ onion, chopped; and ¼ cup creamy salad dressing. This slaw can be served over toast, on a freshly buttered roll, stuffed inside a tomato or on its own. It pairs nicely with bread sticks from the bakery, crisp pickle wedges or or slices of your favorite cheese.
Thanksgiving Pita
Stuff split pita pockets with roasted turkey breast and shredded romaine lettuce leaves. Top with whole-berry cranberry sauce mixed with mayonnaise and a sprinkling of chopped pecans. For the full effect, microwave some sweet potatoes or frozen mashed potatoes to serve on the side. Grab a frozen pie, thaw and offer slices after dinner.
Mexican Rice Salad
Combine cold, leftover rice with black beans, chopped bell pepper, chopped rotisserie chicken, chopped tomato and a bit of cilantro. Top it all off with a squeeze of lime, a dash of hot pepper sauce and a bit of olive oil. Serve on a bed of chilled lettuce and offer tortilla chips on the side.
The Big, Messy Sandwich
Slice a loaf of crusty bread lengthwise and brush the insides with olive oil. Place a layer of provolone cheese on the bottom. Then add sliced black olives, red onions, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, sliced pepperoncini, prosciutto and top with lettuce leaves and a dash of Italian dressing.
Tags: deli-roasted chicken, lettuce leaves