Get inspired with these Top 7 side dish ideas for what to serve with Chicken Salad. These are some of the best side dishes you can eat with chicken salad. They range from soups and salads to macaroni and cheese.
Chicken Salad on Croissants are always a must have when hosting brunch, lunch, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. I love this specific chicken salad recipe because it takes just a few minutes to make, and is so much more elegant versus traditional deli meat sandwiches.
If you like fancier recipes with fruits and nuts, try this Cranberry and Pecan Chicken Salad recipe.
My favorite way to enjoy Chicken Salad is on croissants, but its also amazing on Sourdough bread, brioche rolls or over a bed of lettuce.
When it comes to side dishes, the sky is the limit. You could pair chicken salad with fries, chips or fruit or go a little bit extra with some of these ideas, that Im excited to share with you.
Here are the Top 7 Side Dish Ideas on What to Eat with Chicken Salad. Theres no ranking order, as they are all delicious and really depend on what you want to cook. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Chicken salad is one of those versatile dishes that I absolutely love making year-round. It’s refreshing yet comforting, simple yet flavorful, and perfect for everything from casual lunches to elegant baby showers. But sometimes I find myself wondering what should I serve alongside my chicken salad to create a complete, satisfying meal?
If you’ve ever stood in front of your refrigerator pondering this same question, you’re in the right place! I’ve gathered over 30 mouth-watering side dishes that pair perfectly with chicken salad Whether you’re serving it as sandwiches or on a bed of lettuce, these complementary sides will take your meal to the next level
How to Serve Chicken Salad
Before diving into side dishes. Let’s quickly go over the different ways you can eat chicken salad.
Best Bread Options for Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Croissants (those buttery pockets catch all the goodness!)
- Sourdough bread (the slight tang pairs wonderfully)
- Multi-grain bread (holds up well without getting soggy)
- Ciabatta rolls (perfect texture contrast)
- Pita bread (great for on-the-go eating)
- Whole grain bread (healthier option with more fiber)
- Tortillas or wraps (for a different twist)
- Pretzel buns (adds a salty element)
- Baguettes (crusty exterior, soft interior)
Low-Carb Ways to Enjoy Chicken Salad
- On a bed of lettuce
- Stuffed in avocado halves
- In lettuce wraps
- With cucumber “chips”
- Stuffed tomatoes
- Stuffed cucumber boats
- On celery sticks
- Over cauliflower rice
- Mixed with chopped broccoli
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Salad
Fresh and Crunchy Options
1. Dill Pickles
The sour crunch of dill pickles goes so well with chicken salad. The vinegary taste goes well with the creamy chicken salad, which is why I always keep a jar in the fridge for this reason.
2. Bread and Butter Pickles
If you don’t like how sour dill pickles are, bread and butter pickles are a sweeter option that still has that crunch you need.
3. Fresh Vegetables
A simple side dish of raw vegetables like bell pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers is both healthy and pretty. To make it look even better, add some ranch dressing or vegetable dip.
4. Cucumber Salad
Light and refreshing cucumber salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing is perfect for hot summer days when you’re serving chicken salad.
Hearty Salad Companions
5. Pasta Salad
Cold pasta salad is one of my favorite sides for chicken salad sandwiches! It’s filling, customizable, and can be made ahead of time – perfect for picnics or gatherings.
6. Potato Salad
Another classic companion to chicken salad. You can go with a traditional mayo-based potato salad or try a vinaigrette version for something lighter.
7. Macaroni Salad
Similar to pasta salad but usually with a creamier dressing, macaroni salad adds a hearty element to your meal without overshadowing the chicken salad.
8. Wild Rice Salad
For something a bit more sophisticated, try a wild rice salad with feta, cranberries, and arugula. The textures and flavors complement chicken salad wonderfully.
9. Broccoli Salad
Crunchy broccoli salad with bacon bits, cheese, and a sweet-tangy dressing might sound unusual, but it’s surprisingly delicious alongside chicken salad.
10. Asian Slaw
Colorful and vibrant, Asian slaw provides a nice contrast to the creamy chicken salad with its fresh, zesty flavors.
Comforting Sides
11. Potato Chips
Sometimes the simplest option is the best! The salty crunch of potato chips is the perfect counterpoint to creamy chicken salad. Plus, no cooking required!
12. Sweet Potato Fries
Whether baked or fried, sweet potato fries add color and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory chicken salad.
13. Potato Wedges
Seasoned potato wedges make a heartier side option if you’re serving chicken salad for dinner rather than lunch.
14. Macaroni and Cheese
When you’re craving ultimate comfort food, pair your chicken salad with creamy mac and cheese. Your taste buds will thank you!
15. Cornbread
Light and fluffy cornbread provides a subtly sweet counterpoint to chicken salad. It’s especially good if your chicken salad recipe includes grapes or apples.
16. Fried Rice
For an unexpected but delicious pairing, try serving your chicken salad with simple fried rice. The textures work surprisingly well together.
Soups to Serve with Chicken Salad
17. Potato Soup
A creamy potato soup alongside chicken salad sandwiches makes for the ultimate comfort food meal, especially during colder months.
18. Butternut Squash Soup
The slightly sweet, velvety texture of butternut squash soup complements the texture of chicken salad beautifully.
19. Cucumber Soup
For hot summer days, cold cucumber soup provides a refreshing counterpoint to chicken salad sandwiches.
20. Bacon Cheddar Soup
With favorite flavors like bacon and cheese, this hearty soup pairs wonderfully with lighter chicken salad variations.
Fresh and Fruity Options
21. Fruit Salad
A colorful fruit salad brings brightness and natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors of chicken salad. Plus, it adds beautiful colors to your plate!
22. Ambrosia Fruit Salad
This creamy, sweet fruit salad with coconut and marshmallows makes an unexpectedly perfect pairing with chicken salad.
23. Cranberry Sauce
Don’t save cranberry sauce just for Thanksgiving! Its tangy sweetness provides a perfect contrast to savory chicken salad.
24. Cranberry Relish
Similar to cranberry sauce but with fresher, brighter flavors. Try making it with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and just enough sugar to balance the tartness.
Healthy Vegetable Sides
25. Sautéed Greens
Simple sautéed kale, spinach, or mixed greens with a bit of garlic and olive oil add a nutritious element to your meal.
26. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make elegant sides for a more formal chicken salad luncheon.
27. Green Bean Casserole
This comfort food classic pairs surprisingly well with chicken salad, especially for holiday gatherings.
28. Creamed Corn
The sweet creaminess of creamed corn provides a nice contrast to the texture of chicken salad.
Easy Entertaining Options
29. Cheese and Cracker Platter
For casual entertaining, set out a variety of cheeses, crackers, and perhaps some olives alongside your chicken salad.
30. Deviled Eggs
These two picnic classics were made for each other! The creamy, tangy flavors of deviled eggs complement chicken salad perfectly.
31. Cheese Straws
These savory, crispy treats are a more sophisticated alternative to potato chips but still provide that essential crunch factor.
Drinks to Serve with Chicken Salad
Don’t forget about beverages! These refreshing drinks pair perfectly with chicken salad:
- Iced Tea – The classic accompaniment to any cold sandwich
- Lemonade – Especially good with chicken salad that contains fruit
- Berry Spritzer – For a touch of elegance at your next luncheon
- Sweet Tea – A Southern tradition that never disappoints
My Final Thoughts
Chicken salad is such a versatile dish that you really can’t go wrong with most side dishes. For lighter meals, I tend to stick with fresh fruits, vegetables, or chips. For heartier appetites, adding soups, potato dishes, or pasta salads rounds out the meal beautifully.
The best part is that many of these sides can be prepared in advance, making chicken salad the perfect centerpiece for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a baby shower, planning a picnic, or just making lunch for the family, these side dishes will help create a memorable meal.
What’s your favorite thing to serve with chicken salad? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
FAQ About Serving Chicken Salad
Is chicken salad a main dish or side dish?
Chicken salad can be either! Served as a sandwich or in larger portions, it makes a satisfying main dish. In smaller portions, it works well as a side alongside soup or other dishes.
What kind of soup goes best with chicken salad?
Creamy soups like potato soup and butternut squash soup pair wonderfully with chicken salad. For hot weather, try cold soups like gazpacho or cucumber soup.
How can I make my chicken salad healthier?
Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, serving it on lettuce instead of bread, and pairing it with fresh vegetable sides instead of chips or heavy starches.
What’s the best bread for chicken salad sandwiches?
Croissants are particularly popular, but any bread with a firm texture that won’t get soggy works well. Sourdough, multi-grain, and ciabatta are excellent choices.
Side Dishes for Chicken Salad:
During the fall and winter, an easy soup recipe is always a good choice to go with chicken salad. Vegetable Rice Soup is a great choice because it doesn’t have any meat and is full of vegetables in a tasty tomato broth.
Soup serves a lot of people as well, so if youre planning a party, its always a good choice. For more of my favorite soup recipes, try this Outback Baked Potato Soup, Chicken Minestrone and Bistro French Onion Soup.
Classic Salads with Greens
Classic Salads with greens, like this Spinach and Arugula Salad, are light and delicious and make a great pairing. This salad has bacon, cranberries, glazed pecans, and parmesan cheese on top. It is also tossed in a homemade honey mustard dressing.
Leafy Green Salads also make a nice choice because theyre not carb heavy and are quick to make. Try this Kale Pomegranate Salad, Arugula Pear Salad, and Peach Burrata Salad too.
Just say pasta, and Ill come running! I absolutely love fresh pasta salads for side dishes, like this Lemon Orzo with Feta Pasta Salad. Its topped with a lemon vinaigrette dressing and completely loaded with Greek flavors.
Any guest Ive ever had over goes crazy over this easy pasta salad recipe. For more delicious quick pasta salads, try this Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad, and Pesto Tortellini Salad.
This Farro Ancient Grain Salad is one of the most addicting salads I know and its healthy. It features a curry dressing that I can guarantee will make you want seconds. Its a fantastic side choice for chicken salad and you can even prep it a day ahead to save on time.