Chicken salad is a classic lunch dish that people have been enjoying for generations. It’s easy to make, delicious and can be served on its own or with a variety of sides.
But when it comes to choosing what to serve with your chicken salad for lunch, it can be hard to think beyond the usual chips or crackers. If you’re looking for some inspiration for amazing side dishes to serve with your chicken salad, then we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or hearty and filling, there’s a perfect side dish out there just waiting for you to try.
In Short - What to Serve with Chicken Salad for Lunch Fruit Salad, Pasta Salad, Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges, Green Beans, Greek Salad, Roasted Vegetables, Quinoa, Grilled Corn, Couscous, Spinach Salad, Broccoli Slaw, Baked Potato Salad, Avocado Feta Toast, Kale Chips, Cucumber Dill Yogurt Dip, Crunchy Spring Roll Wraps, Crunchy Spring Roll Wraps, Coleslaw, Beetroot Slaw Salad, Goat Cheese & Walnut Crostini, Mediterranean Couscous Salad
What is chicken salad? What does chicken salad taste like?
Chicken salad is a dish made with cooked chicken that has been chopped or shredded and combined with other ingredients like cream, mayonnaise, celery, onions, pickles, and seasonings.
The ingredients are typically mixed together to form a creamy mixture that can be served on its own as a cold dish or used as a sandwich filling.
The flavor of chicken salad varies depending on the ingredients used, but it will generally have a savory taste with herbal and acidic notes from the seasonings.
Additionally, fruits such as apples or grapes can also be added for sweetness. Chicken salad is often eaten at picnics or barbecues as well as for lunch or dinner.
It can also be served open-faced on toast or in wraps for a light meal. The creamy consistency and mild flavor make it a favorite among children and adults alike.
20 Sides to serve with chicken salad for lunch
1. Fruit Salad
A light and refreshing fruit salad is the perfect partner for chicken salad. It adds a sweet balance to the savory flavors of the chicken salad.
You can make a simple fruit salad with a variety of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and mangoes. Add a bit of honey and lemon juice to give it a zesty kick.
2. Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a wonderful side dish for any lunch, but it pairs perfectly with chicken salad.
Choose your favorite pasta, such as fusilli or penne, and add fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
Drizzle with a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to keep it light.
You can also Look at: Best dressing for salad with salmon
3. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Looking for something a little more substantial to serve with your chicken salad? These delicious roasted sweet potato wedges are a perfect choice.
They’re easy to make and add a sweet and smoky flavor to the meal.
Simply cut sweet potato into wedges and toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Roast them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Discover More: What Sauce Goes with Potato Wedges
4. Green Beans
Green beans are a simple yet tasty side dish that pairs well with chicken salad.
Blanch your green beans for a few minutes, then toss them with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
Season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a healthy and delicious side dish.
5. Greek Salad
Greek salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes perfectly with chicken salad. It’s easy to make and adds a refreshing burst of Mediterranean flavor to the meal.
Dice up fresh cucumber and tomato, then add chopped red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Mizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, and toss well.
6. Roasted Vegetables
There’s nothing like roasted vegetables to add some amazing flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Try roasting some carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini and adding them to your chicken salad for a colorful and hearty dish.
You can also add some spices, like paprika or cumin, to give the dish a little extra kick.
7. Quinoa
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, try adding some quinoa to your chicken salad. Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and fiber, and it’s easy to prepare.
You can cook it in vegetable broth for some extra flavor and then mix it with your chicken salad for a healthy and satisfying meal.
8. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is a classic summertime side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken salad.
To make it even better, try brushing the corn with some herbs and olive oil before grilling.
This will give the corn a delicious smoky flavor and make it the perfect complement to your chicken salad.
Also Look at: What to Serve with Corn Cakes
9. Couscous
Couscous is a great side dish to chicken salad. It is easy to make and full of flavor.
Try cooking some garlic and onions in a little olive oil and then adding couscous and vegetable broth to the pan. (Recipe)
Once the couscous is cooked, you can mix it with your chicken salad for a filling and delicious meal.
10. Spinach Salad
A mix of baby spinach leaves and other colorful greens with some freshly shaved parmesan and croutons makes for a refreshing side to a light chicken salad.
Add some walnuts or candied pecans to give it some added crunch.
11. Broccoli Slaw
Light, crunchy slaw packed with lots of shredded broccoli florets adds an extra layer of texture when served alongside a chicken salad. Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for an extra burst of sweetness! (Recipe)
12. Baked Potato Salad
Chunks of roasted potatoes are dressed in mayonnaise, mustard, celery seed, and apple cider vinegar for an irresistible side dish that pairs well with chicken salad on a bed of greens or as part of a hearty sandwich wrap.
13. Avocado Feta Toast
Slices of crispy toast topped with mashed avocado, crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and freshly cracked black pepper make this the ultimate dipping companion when served alongside your favorite chicken salad recipe!
14. Kale Chips
Crispy baked kale chips are a great option if you’re looking for something different than the traditional lettuce-based salads usually paired with chicken salad recipes.
Spiced up with sea salt or garlic powder, these chips add just the right amount of crunchiness to your plate!
15. Cucumber Dill Yogurt Dip
Cucumber Dill Yogurt is a creamy dip made by combining Greek yogurt, cucumber slices, fresh chopped dill weed, and lemon juice, making it both light yet flavorful enough to be served alongside any type of chicken salad recipe!
16. Crunchy Spring Roll Wraps
Delicious crunchy spring rolls filled with cabbage slaw or julienned vegetables can be wrapped up into bite-sized snacks providing an excellent addition to any dinner spread involving a tasty batch of homemade chicken salad!
Also Discover: What to Serve with Your Wraps
17. Coleslaw
Traditional coleslaw made with shredded cabbage strips combined with mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar is always an excellent choice when deciding what type of side dish should accompany your chicken salad at lunchtime!
18. Beetroot Slaw Salad
Colorful beetroot slaw packs prebiotics while adding loads of flavor & crunch when added next to creamy chicken salads as part of its meal choices at lunchtime.
It’s also a healthier alternative which makes it the perfect option, especially during the summer months!
19. Goat Cheese & Walnut Crostini
Nutty crostini topped off with creamy goat cheese, walnuts & honey will definitely bring out delicious flavors in any kind of Chicken salad.
Plus, it’s easy to prepare & can be a great substitute instead serving the same old sides ( e .g., potato chips )!
20. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mediterranean couscous is full of flavor and less carbohydrates compared to white rice varieties.
Mixing couscous together with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, parsley, mint & feta crumbles yields a tasty side perfectly suited to complimenting Chicken Salads while still providing necessary daily nutrients!
chicken salad made of
Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. It traditionally consists of diced or shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and vegetables like celery and onion.
Other ingredients such as pickles, olives, grapes, nuts, and seasonings like salt and pepper can also be added for flavor and texture.
The mayonnaise can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dish. This salad pairs well with crusty bread or crackers. It is also perfect for topping salads or to use in wraps or sandwiches.
The flavors vary depending on what other ingredients are added, from tangy to sweet and savory to spicy.
The chicken salad makes an excellent lunch option since it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, filling, and nutrient-rich.
What are the best flavors to go with chicken salad?
Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of different ways. One of the best things about it is that it pairs well with a variety of flavors, allowing for endless possibilities to make a delicious meal.
If you looking to add an extra layer of flavor to their chicken salad, here are some of the best flavors to go with it:
Fruity: For those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations, adding some fresh or dried fruit to your chicken salad can create an amazing combination.
Fruits such as apples, peaches, raisins, cranberries, and even mango are great options for adding sweetness.
Citrusy: Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are perfect for brightening up the flavor profile of chicken salad.
You can either use freshly squeezed juice or zest in your dressing or add some slices on top as garnish.
Herbs & Spices: Adding herbs and spices to your chicken salad can really take it to the next level.
Some great options include basil, oregano, thyme, dill, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric. Not only do they provide great flavor, but they will also pack a nutritional punch!
Cheesy: Adding some cheese to your chicken salad can make it feel more indulgent and comforting. Options such as feta cheese crumbles or parmesan shavings work incredibly well with this dish.
Nutty: Nuts are another fantastic way to add texture and crunchiness to your dish while also providing some plant-based protein and healthy fat.
Walnuts, almonds, and cashews all work nicely when added on top or mixed into the salad itself.
Tangy: For those looking to add a bit of tanginess, try adding some pickles or capers. They will give your dish a nice acidic flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
With so many different options for flavoring it up, there’s no reason why you can’t make something delicious every time!
How do you jazz up a chicken salad for lunch?
Adding a twist to a traditional chicken salad can be an easy way to upgrade your lunch. Start by opting for a leaner cut of chicken, such as wild-caught cuts, thigh, or breast meat, instead of a deli-style rotisserie.
For added flavor and texture, mix in ingredients such as Greek yogurt, slivered almonds, cranberries, diced peppers, green onions, and shredded carrots.
You can also give it an extra pop of flavor with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. To make the salad even more filling and nutritious, add some quinoa or brown rice for extra fiber and protein.
Finally, top off the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an added kick of flavor. With these simple additions, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying lunch that will keep you energized throughout your day!
How do you display chicken salad on a platter at lunch?
One way to display chicken salad at lunch is by arranging the ingredients on a large platter.
Start by placing a bed of fresh, crisp greens in the center of the platter. Place chunks of cooked, shredded chicken around the base of the greens and top with crispy vegetables like red bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and radishes.
Finally, add a few dollops of dressing to the top of the salad and finish off with a sprinkling of rosemary or parsley as garnish. This presentation looks appealing and inviting when served for lunch or any other meal.
ways to serve chicken salad at a party
Serving chicken salad at a party can be an easy and delicious way to please guests. There are several different ways to prepare and serve the dish, depending on the occasion and the preferences of your guests.
One option is to make a classic chicken salad with diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onion, salt, and pepper. This version can be served as a sandwich filling or as part of a buffet spread with sides such as potato chips, pickles, and coleslaw.
For larger gatherings, consider doubling the number of ingredients for more servings.
For something more exciting and unusual, try making a curried chicken salad with apples and almonds. Start by combining cooked diced chicken with mayonnaise, curry powder, garlic powder, dried cranberries or raisins, sliced almonds or walnuts, diced apple (such as Granny Smith), celery, and onion in a bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Serve this flavorful version as a sandwich filling or atop crostini rounds for an easy yet elegant appetizer presentation.
Another great way to serve chicken salad is to fill ready-made pastries such as filo dough cups or puff pastry shells with the mixture.
This makes for an impressive presentation that will surely delight your guests! Place small portions of the filling inside each pastry cup before baking them according to package directions. Serve warm for best results; these little treats make for perfect finger foods!
Wrap Up on What to serve with Chicken Salad for Lunch
Chicken salad is a versatile and delicious meal that can be enjoyed at any minute of the day. With these creative side dish ideas, you can take your chicken salad to the ultimate level and enjoy a complete and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, there’s a perfect side dish out there waiting for you to try. So get creative and start experimenting with new flavors and textures today!
FAQs
How much chicken salad per person?
For a healthy serving, it is recommended to have about 4 ounces of chicken salad per person.
This amounts to around 1/2 cup of chicken salad per person since most cups measure 8 ounces. When preparing this amount for a meal, make sure to include other sources of protein and nutrition, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables, in order to provide a balanced meal.
Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions or food allergies when determining the amount of chicken salad per person.
How to eat chicken salad without bread?
Eating chicken salad without bread is a great way to enjoy the delicious combination of flavors while avoiding carbs. There are several ways to do it, depending on how you like to eat your chicken salad.
One simple way is to eat it with a fork. You can use a fork to scoop up bites of the chicken and other ingredients in the salad and eat them without any bread. This is an easy way to enjoy all the flavors without consuming any carbs.
Another option is to use lettuce wraps as a substitute for bread. Simply take some large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce) and fill them with your desired amount of chicken salad.
Then wrap them up and eat them just like you would with a sandwich. This allows you to easily enjoy all the flavors of the chicken salad while avoiding any carbs from bread.
Finally, if you’re looking for something more substantial, consider using bell peppers instead of bread for your wrap or bowl of chicken salad. Cut off the top and remove the seeds from a bell pepper, then fill it with your desired amount of chicken salad.
The bell pepper will add some crunchy texture and provide essential vitamins and minerals that you may be missing out on by not eating bread with your meal.
What can I add to chicken salad to give it more flavor?
One way to give your chicken salad more flavor is by adding a variety of herbs and spices.
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro can add an extra layer of flavor that’s both fragrant and vibrant. Additionally, you could also incorporate dried spices such as oregano, garlic powder, paprika, or cumin for a deeper and smokier taste.
You could even get creative with your ingredients by adding interesting items such as diced apples for sweetness, crushed walnuts for crunch, crumbled feta cheese for tanginess, or diced cucumber for added freshness.
All of these ingredients will bring unique flavors and textures to the chicken salad that will take it from ordinary to extraordinary in no time!
What are the best crackers to serve with chicken salad?
When it comes to serving crackers with chicken salad, the best option is to choose a lightly salted, crunchy cracker.
Rye and wheat crackers are ideal choices as they offer a nice nutty flavor that compliments the creaminess of the chicken salad.
Pita chips also make for a great option, as they are both savory and crunchy.
Another popular choice is melba toast which adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. All of these options provide an excellent balance between savory and crunchy flavors that will bring out the best in your chicken salad.
What to serve with grilled chicken salad?
Grilled chicken salad is a delicious and healthy option for a meal.
To make it even better flavorful and nutritious, pair the dish with tasty sides like roasted vegetables, a light soup, crusty bread, or some fruit.
Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, or squash are an excellent way to add flavor and texture to the dish.
For added protein, serve it with a bowl of hearty lentil or black bean soup. If you’re looking for something carb-laden to go with your grilled chicken salad, a slice of crusty sourdough or whole-grain bread is a great option.
Lastly, if you want to add some sweetness to the plate, consider serving your chicken salad with some fresh seasonal fruit like apples or strawberries.
