Chicken salad is a simple, yet flavorful dish that can be served as the main attraction or as a filling side dish. It uses wholesome ingredients and takes only minutes to toss together.
My own favorite chicken salad recipe has nuts and chicken breast along with fruit and veggies.
The best part about this salad is that you can swap things out as needed, so it’s great for cleaning out the refrigerator! Toss in some bell peppers or leftover chicken from the night before.
Are you stuck in a chicken salad rut? I totally get it! For years, I’d just slap my homemade chicken salad between two slices of bread and call it lunch. But there’s a whole world of exciting ways to serve this versatile dish that can transform your meal from ordinary to extraordinary!
Whether you’re hosting a fancy luncheon, prepping quick weekday meals, or just trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken in a creative way, I’ve got you covered with these mouth-watering serving ideas
Classic Serving Options for Chicken Salad
Let’s start with some timeless ways to enjoy chicken salad that never disappoint:
1. On Croissants (The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser)
There’s something magical about flaky, buttery croissants paired with creamy chicken salad. The contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior makes this combo absolutely irresistible for luncheons and special occasions.
Tip: To make your croissant sandwich look even more fancy, add some fresh greens and a slice of tomato before you close it.
2. In Lettuce Wraps
Looking for a low-carb option? Crisp lettuce leaves make the perfect vessel for chicken salad! I love using butter lettuce or romaine hearts – they hold up well and provide that satisfying crunch without the extra carbs.
This option is perfect for:
- Keto dieters
- Gluten-free folks
- Anyone watching their carb intake
- Light summer lunches
3. Stuffed in Tomatoes
This is such an underrated way to serve chicken salad! Beefsteak tomatoes with holes in them make a natural bowl that looks great and tastes great. The juicy tomato also gives the creamy chicken mixture a fresh taste.
For an impressive presentation at your next luncheon, try arranging these on a bed of greens with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.
4. On Multi-Grain Bread
When making traditional chicken salad sandwiches, the bread choice matters! Multi-grain bread stands up well to the moisture without getting soggy, and the nutty flavor complements the creamy chicken salad perfectly.
Other great bread options include:
- Sourdough
- Ciabatta rolls
- Potato bread
- Pretzel buns
Creative Twists on Chicken Salad Service
Ready to venture beyond the basics? Try these creative serving options:
5. Chicken Salad Melts
You haven’t lived until you’ve had a chicken salad melt! Just butter two slices of bread, spread chicken salad on the sides that aren’t buttered, add cheese (cheddar works great), and cook it like a grilled cheese. The warm, melty result is pure comfort food!.
6. Stuffed in Avocados
Talk about a healthy powerhouse! Chicken salad fits perfectly in half avocados. The chicken mixture goes well with the creamy, buttery avocado, making a satisfying meal that’s both fancy and simple.
7. Chicken Salad Quesadillas
This unexpected combo is a total game-changer! Spread chicken salad on half of a tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, add a slice of tomato, fold, and grill until crispy. The contrast of textures – crispy exterior with creamy filling – is absolutely fantastic.
8. On Cucumber “Chips”
For a light appetizer or snack, try serving chicken salad on thick cucumber slices. The cool crunch of cucumber perfectly balances the rich, creamy chicken salad, making for a refreshing bite-sized treat.
Elevated Serving Ideas for Special Occasions
Planning a luncheon, baby shower, or bridal shower? These elevated serving ideas will impress your guests:
9. In Pita Pockets
Pita bread creates a perfect pocket for holding chicken salad without messy spills. It’s portable, neat, and allows for easy customization with additional toppings like cucumber, sprouts, or red onion.
10. On a Charcuterie Board
Create a DIY chicken salad station as part of a charcuterie board! Include a bowl of chicken salad surrounded by various crackers, breads, cucumber slices, and garnishes. Guests can build their own perfect bite.
11. As Chicken Salad Wraps
Tortillas make excellent vehicles for chicken salad! Roll up your chicken salad with lettuce, cheese, and any other favorite toppings for a portable lunch option that’s perfect for picnics.
12. In Phyllo Cups
For an elegant appetizer, spoon small amounts of chicken salad into premade phyllo cups (found in the freezer section of most grocery stores). Top with a small piece of grape or cranberry for a pop of color and flavor.
What to Pair With Your Chicken Salad
No matter how you serve your chicken salad, the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some perfect pairings:
Crispy Companions
- Potato chips
- Sweet potato fries
- Cheese straws
- Dill pickles
Fresh & Light Options
- Fruit salad
- Fresh veggies with dip
- Cucumber salad
- Broccoli salad
Hearty Additions
- Pasta salad
- Potato salad
- Macaroni and cheese
- Soup (tomato or butternut squash work particularly well)
Making Your Chicken Salad Stand Out
Before we wrap up, let’s talk about how to make your chicken salad extra special! The basic recipe is great, but these mix-ins can take it to the next level:
- Crunchy elements: Celery, almonds, or even bacon crumbles
- Sweet touches: Grapes, dried cranberries, or diced apples
- Fresh herbs: Dill, tarragon, or chives
- Unexpected add-ins: Curry powder, corn kernels, or diced cucumber
My Go-To Quick Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s a super simple recipe I whip up regularly:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
- 1/2 cup mayo (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup halved red grapes
- 2 tbsp diced red onion
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix everything together in a bowl
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld
- Serve on your favorite vessel from the list above!
Final Thoughts
Chicken salad is truly one of the most versatile dishes in my recipe arsenal. Whether I’m serving it on a croissant for an elegant luncheon or stuffing it in an avocado for a healthy dinner, it never disappoints.
What’s your favorite way to serve chicken salad? Have you tried any of these methods? I’d love to hear your creative ideas and experiences in the comments below!
Remember, the next time you make a batch of chicken salad, think beyond the basic sandwich. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure!
Delicious Sides To Go With Classic Chicken Salad Sandwiches
The best thing about chicken salad sandwiches is that there are many side dishes that pair well with it!.
- Watermelon soup: A cold sandwich and a cold soup are great when it’s hot outside. Plus, it’s a good way to use up some of the cucumbers that come in summer!
- Potato Salad (Hot): Cold potato salad is also tasty, but there’s something nice about having cold chicken salad with hot potato salad.
- French Fries—Make your own potato wedges or French fries in the oven.
- Pasta Salad: You can make pasta salad in a lot of different ways. It’s a great way to use a lot of different kinds of vegetables.
- A cheese platter with chicken salad, different kinds of crackers, and cheese is a great way to enjoy this type of chicken dish.
Add-Ins For Healthy Chicken Salad
Another way to change up your chicken salad sandwiches is by playing with flavors you mix in to the chicken salad dressing, or what toppings you choose. Here are some options:
- The sour taste and crunchy texture of dill pickles go well with the creamy texture of chicken salad. Go with pickle slices or sweet pickle relish.
- Fresh Herbs: You could add dill, rosemary, green onions, or even full basil leaves across the top.
- Because mayonnaise is used as a base in many chicken salad recipes, sour cream is used instead. You can make it different by adding Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Avocado: Put some avocado slices on top of your sandwich or make an avocado dressing.
- Bacon Bits – Bacon is always a good idea.
How to Make Chicken Salad | Get Cookin’ | Allrecipes
FAQ
What can I eat with chicken salad instead of crackers?
What To Serve With Chicken Salad (That’s Not Just A Side Of Chips. Fresh Fruit Salad. Fruit salad is a fabulous side dish, or dessert, for any salad. Green Beans. Whole Grain Crackers Or Bread. Garlic Bread. Roasted Vegetables. Quinoa Or Rice Pilaf. Sweet Potato Fries. Avocado Toast.
What to accompany chicken salad with?
Consider sides that are cooling like a gazpacho or crisp salad. Chips. Chips are hands down my favorite side dish for chicken salad. Raw Veggies. Think vegetable crudites such as celery, cucumbers, carrots. Dill Pickles. Salad. Soup. Baked Beans. Roasted Veggies. Corn on the Cob.
What bread to serve chicken salad on?
The most common way to serve this salad is in a chicken salad sandwich. Toasted wheat bread, hamburger buns, croissants, homemade bread, wraps, or even (especially?) sourdough bread would all work nicely for this option.
What to serve with chicken salad at a party?
The best sides to serve with chicken salad at a party are bread, salad, chips, veggies, fruits, and desserts. Quick prep dishes are desirable when cooking for a crowd. Ready for some specifics? Let’s dig into some of the best sides to serve with chicken salad at a luncheon. Learn more useful serving tips.
What to eat with chicken salad?
Wild rice salad usually has feta, cranberries or pomegranate seeds, arugula, and a tasty dressing. It’s a colorful, crunchy, and tasty side dish. It’ll be a super flavorful compliment to chicken salad, and could quickly become everyone’s favorite new side.
What to serve with chicken salad sandwiches?
Here are the best soups to serve with chicken salad sandwiches: Chilled soup, such as gazpacho or avocado and cucumber soup – perfect for hot days! 13. Cucumber salad Cucumber salad is a quick, easy, and versatile summer side dish. It’s light and crunchy, which makes it the perfect accompaniment to hearty chicken salad. 14. Sweet potato fries.
What goes well with chicken salad on Thanksgiving?
The quintessential Thanksgiving side dish gets a warm welcome any time of year when paired alongside this cool salad. Rich chicken salad is balanced by the tangy sweetness of the dressing. Fresh oranges and pineapples give the dressing some texture and make it look more interesting.
Is potato salad a good side dish for chicken salad sandwiches?
Potato salad is a great side dish for chicken salad sandwiches because it’s cold and comforting on hot days. If you don’t want two dishes with creamy dressings, you can use a vinagairette-based potato salad recipe.
What bread goes with chicken salad?
Light, flaky croissants are one of the most popular breads to serve with chicken salad. Hawaiian rolls. Lightly sweet and soft, Hawaiian rolls are a great choice to make a chicken salad sandwich. Potato buns. Pile chicken salad on top of soft and fluffy potato buns. Sourdough bread.