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.
You can change the ingredients in this salad to suit your needs, which makes it a great way to get rid of food that you don’t need. Add bell peppers or chicken from the night before.
Are you stuck in a lunch rut? Got some chicken salad but not sure what to pair it with? Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! As someone who makes chicken salad sandwiches at least twice a month (my kids are obsessed!), I’ve experimented with countless side dishes to find the perfect companions
Chicken salad sandwiches are amazing on their own, but the right side dish can transform your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a picnic, prepping lunch, or hosting a casual get-together, I’ve got you covered with these delicious pairings.
Why Chicken Salad Sandwiches Need the Perfect Partner
Before diving into my favorite side dishes, let’s talk about why chicken salad sandwiches are so versatile A good chicken salad typically contains
- Protein (chicken, obviously!)
- Vegetables
- Some type of fat or oil (usually mayo)
- And when made into a sandwich, you’ve got your carbs too
This makes chicken salad sandwiches a complete meal on their own But just because they can stand alone doesn’t mean they should! The right side dish can
- Add contrasting textures
- Complement the creamy flavor
- Balance the meal nutritionally
- Make your plate look more appetizing
So without further ado, let’s explore the best sidekicks for your chicken salad sandwich!
Best Sides for Chicken Salad Sandwiches
1. Potato Chips
There’s something so satisfying about a soft, creamy sandwich with crunchy potato chips. The saltiness perfectly balances the savory chicken salad.
Pro tip: Try different flavors like salt and vinegar or sour cream and onion to add another dimension to your meal.
2. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is my go-to side when I want something healthy, light, and refreshing. My favorites to pair with chicken salad include:
- Grapes
- Sliced apples
- Fresh berries
- Watermelon chunks
The sweetness of the fruit creates a wonderful contrast to the savory sandwich. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare!
3. Cucumber Soup
When summer hits and temperatures soar, nothing beats the combo of cold chicken salad sandwiches and chilled cucumber soup. It’s refreshing, light, and helps use up those extra cucumbers from your garden.
I make mine with:
- 2 peeled cucumbers
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- Fresh dill
- A splash of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Blend it all together and chill for at least an hour before serving. Divine!
4. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is one of those sides that can be changed in a million different ways. I like to make mine with:
- Rotini or bow-tie pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Diced bell peppers
- Black olives
- Italian dressing
This pasta salad is great because you can make it ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better after a day in the fridge because the flavors mix.
5. French Fries or Potato Wedges
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, homemade fries or potato wedges are the way to go. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior create a wonderful textural contrast to your sandwich.
I toss mine with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder before baking them until golden brown. They’re much healthier than deep-fried versions but still incredibly satisfying.
6. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side that pairs beautifully with chicken salad sandwiches. The garlicky, tangy dressing and crunchy romaine provide a nice counterpoint to the creamy sandwich.
Quick Caesar dressing recipe:
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk everything together and toss with romaine lettuce and croutons. So simple but so good!
7. Hot Potato Salad
Most people think of cold potato salad with mayo, but hot potato salad with a vinegar-based dressing is amazing with chicken salad sandwiches. The contrast between the hot, tangy potatoes and the cold, creamy sandwich is chef’s kiss.
8. Cheese Platter
A small cheese platter with 2-3 different types of cheese and some crackers makes for an elegant side option. I particularly love:
- Sharp cheddar
- Brie
- Gouda
The varied textures and flavors of the cheeses complement the chicken salad beautifully.
9. Raw Vegetables with Dip
For a healthy, crunchy side, you can’t go wrong with raw vegetables and a flavorful dip. My usual lineup includes:
- Carrot sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes
- Broccoli florets
Pair them with hummus, ranch dressing, or a yogurt-based dip for a nutritious addition to your meal.
10. Ambrosia Fruit Salad
If your kids prefer fruits to veggies (like mine do!), ambrosia fruit salad is a winner. This sweet treat includes:
- Mandarin oranges
- Pineapple chunks
- Miniature marshmallows
- Coconut flakes
- A light dressing of yogurt or whipped cream
It’s a bit indulgent but pairs surprisingly well with savory chicken salad.
11. Butternut Squash Soup
During colder months, a warm bowl of butternut squash soup alongside your chicken salad sandwich is pure comfort. The sweetness of the soup complements the savory sandwich perfectly.
I like to add a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg to my butternut squash soup for extra warmth and depth.
12. Green Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. I usually toss together:
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Balsamic vinaigrette
It’s fresh, light, and adds nutritional balance to your meal.
13. Bacon Cheddar Soup
For a more indulgent side, bacon cheddar soup is absolutely delicious with chicken salad sandwiches. The rich, cheesy flavor with smoky bacon bits creates a wonderful contrast to the lighter sandwich.
My family literally fights over this soup whenever I make it – there are never any leftovers!
14. Berry Spritzer
Don’t forget about drinks! A berry spritzer made with seltzer water and a splash of berry juice is refreshing and complements chicken salad sandwiches beautifully.
I make mine with:
- Sparkling water
- Fresh berries (muddled)
- A splash of cranberry juice
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves for garnish
It’s prettier than plain water and feels special without being too sweet.
15. Iced Tea or Lemonade
A cold glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade is the quintessential drink to serve with chicken salad sandwiches, especially during summer months.
My secret for perfect lemonade is to make a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved) rather than trying to mix sugar directly into cold lemonade. This ensures the sweetness is perfectly distributed!
Best Bread Choices for Your Chicken Salad Sandwich
While we’re focusing on side dishes, I should mention that the bread you choose for your chicken salad sandwich makes a huge difference too! Here are some options to consider:
- Croissants: The buttery, flaky texture is divine with creamy chicken salad
- Sourdough bread: The subtle tang complements the savory chicken
- Pita bread: Great for on-the-go eating with minimal mess
- Whole grain bread: Adds nutritional value and a hearty texture
- Lettuce wraps: A low-carb option that adds crunch
- Tortillas: For a fun chicken salad wrap variation
Make-Ahead Tips for Picnics and Gatherings
If you’re planning a picnic or gathering, here are some tips to make things easier:
- Prepare components separately: Keep bread separate from the chicken salad until serving time to prevent sogginess
- Pack side dishes in airtight containers: This keeps everything fresh and prevents spills
- Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs: They’ll keep food cold and provide cold drinks as they thaw
- Pre-portion sides: Individual containers make serving easier and more hygienic
- Bring wet wipes and paper towels: Chicken salad can be messy!
My Favorite Chicken Salad Recipe
I can’t talk about chicken salad sandwiches without sharing my favorite recipe! Here’s how I make mine:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix everything together and chill for at least an hour before serving. The combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements makes this chicken salad absolutely irresistible!
Final Thoughts
Chicken salad sandwiches are incredibly versatile, and the side dish you choose can completely transform your meal experience. Whether you prefer something light and healthy like fresh fruit or a more indulgent option like French fries, there’s a perfect pairing for every occasion.
My personal favorite combo is a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant with a side of pasta salad and some fresh berries. What’s yours going to be?
Remember, the best meals are about balance – textures, flavors, temperatures, and nutrition. So mix and match these sides to create your perfect chicken salad sandwich meal!
What side dishes do you like to serve with your chicken salad sandwiches? I’d love to hear your favorites too!
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Chicken Salad Sandwiches – Main Dish or Side Dish?
A well made chicken salad has a protein as the main ingredient, a vegetable, and a fat or oil of some sort. Make it a sandwich, and you add a carbohydrate.
Chicken salad sandwiches are a complete main dish and so simple, especially if you make it with a store bought rotisserie chicken.
It’s wonderful to have a cool lunchtime option for hot summer days that really covers all of the nutritional bases.
It’s also great as a side dish for big bowls of soup, but you can eat it in smaller portions as well.
It adds a nice contrast in flavor and texture, particularly to pureed soups.
There are so many things that go well with chicken salad sandwiches that your taste buds will be spoiled for choice.
Add-Ins For Healthy Chicken Salad
You can also change up your chicken salad sandwiches by adding different flavors to the dressing or changing the toppings you use. 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.
New York Deli Chicken Salad Secrets – How To Make It The Best Way
FAQ
What sides go with chicken salad sandwiches?
Side Dishes for Chicken SaladChips. 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.