What's that one dish that always seems to pop up at every summer picnic or family gathering? You guessed it: chicken salad! (a chilled salad of diced cooked chicken often bound with mayonnaise and aromatics)
We love how it's versatile enough to play the sidekick or take center stage.
We could eat chicken salad every day and still get excited about it. But let's be real, it can get a bit repetitive if we serve it the same way every time.
That's where the side dishes come in!
We're here to spice things up and give our beloved chicken salad the support it deserves.
From crunchy to creamy, there's no need to stick to the basics. Let's get creative with some tasty companions that will have everyone talking at the table!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Chicken Salad
Here are 13 of the best side dishes to pair with chicken salad:
1 - Fresh Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad is like a bright fiesta in a bowl. It's packed with juicy goodness from seasonal fruits (think strawberries, peaches, and blueberries), making each bite refreshing.
We love the combination of sweetness from strawberries and the zesty kick of citrus.
This side brings a splash of colour and texture to our plates. Plus, it's super easy to whip up on short notice.
It's that five-minute fix that compliments chicken salad perfectly and pairs well with taco salad side ideas.
2 - Garlic Breadsticks
Garlic breadsticks are magic in stick form. We can't get enough of their buttery, garlicky goodness.
The moment we bite in, we taste the perfect balance of warm bread and rich garlic.
They're soft, fluffy, and just right for dipping. The addition of herbs like parsley (Petroselinum crispum) makes them even more delicious.
These breadsticks are a must-have side for chicken salad, keeping it fun and loaded with flavor and pairing well with garlic butter shrimp side ideas.
3 - Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are like the life of the barbecue. They bring layers of smoky, charred goodness that makes any meal shine.
We love how the grilling process caramelizes the natural sugars in veggies (through Maillard reactions), creating a sweet contrast to their earthy flavors.
Think zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Every bite bursts with bright taste and pairs nicely with grilled salmon side pairings.
Each piece is tender yet still has that pleasant crunch.
Plus, they're super easy to customize to our liking!
4 - Avocado Slices
Avocado slices are a creamy delight. They add a buttery texture that blends well with chicken salad.
We love how their mild flavour complements everything without overpowering it (with subtle nutty notes).
A sprinkle of salt or a dash of lime juice can really enhance their taste.
These slices not only look great on the plate, they also boost nutrition. We enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack too!
5 - Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is like a hug in a bowl (made from Cucurbita moschata). It's smooth, velvety, and packed with that sweet, nutty flavor we crave.
This soup shines with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Chunky croutons on top bring a nice crunch.
We love how it complements chicken salad perfectly with its warmth and richness and pairs well with butternut squash risotto side options. Serve it warm and watch it disappear-especially during those chilly evenings!
6 - Mediterranean Couscous
Mediterranean couscous is a colorful side that brightens any plate. We love its chewy texture (Israeli couscous is often toasted semolina pearls) and how it absorbs all the surrounding flavors.
The mix of herbs, spices, and zesty lemon creates a refreshing taste.
Chopped veggies like cucumber and tomatoes add crispness. This dish is perfect for soaking up dressings or marinades, improving every bite and fitting right into Mediterranean sides to brighten meals.
It's like a little party of tastes and textures we can't resist!
7 - Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Stuffed cherry tomatoes are like little flavor bombs that we can't get enough of.
They're fresh, juicy, and have a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity (often from cherry varieties like Sungold). We love that they can be filled with anything from creamy cheese to zesty herbs, creating various flavours with every bite.
These bite-sized goodies work as a fantastic appetizer or side dish that always impresses. Plus, they're easy to customise, which keeps things exciting for our taste preferences.
8 - Quinoa Tabbouleh
Stuffed cherry tomatoes are a pop of fresh flavor in every bite. They mix sweetness with a hint of acidity, which is simply refreshing (brightened with lemon and parsley).
These little gems can be filled with anything-from creamy cheeses to zesty herbs, allowing us to switch things up at our gatherings.
They're colorful, easy to share, and add a fancy touch to any platter. We love how they can work as a fun appetizer or a side that impresses without trying too hard.
9 - Pita Chips and Hummus
Pita chips and hummus are a winning duo that checks all the boxes. The chips have a nice crunch and a hint of saltiness, perfect for dipping.
Hummus comes in various flavours-from classic garlic to roasted red pepper (made from cooked chickpeas and tahini). Each option adds a creamy, rich texture that goes with the chips like magic.
These snacks are simple to make and bring a party vibe to any table. They're easy to share and pack plenty of flavour in every bite.
10 - Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Roasted red pepper soup is a creamy bowl of goodness that really knows how to charm our palate. We appreciate its rich sweetness paired with a hint of smokiness that sets it apart (often from roasted Capsicum annuum peppers).
The texture is smooth like a warm hug, and a drizzle of olive oil adds a nice finish. It's comforting enough for a chilly evening but versatile enough to stand next to our bright chicken salad.
11 - Broccoli Slaw
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Broccoli slaw might just be the crunch we didn't know we needed. It's a refreshing mix of chopped broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage (using broccoli stems adds extra fiber).
Each bite gives us a satisfying crunch with a hint of earthy sweetness.
Dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, it adds a zesty kick that goes well with chicken salad. This slaw is not just nutritious; it transforms our meal into something lively.
Perfect for those warm days when we crave a light side!
12 - Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy roasted chickpeas are a crunchy snack that hits the spot every time. They bring a satisfying crunch and great flavor.
Tossed in spices, they can be seasoned however we like, from spicy to savory (try a 1:1:1 ratio of paprika, cumin, and salt).
These little bites are perfect for adding texture to any dish. They're not just for snacking; they're great on salads or just munching straight from the bowl.
Perfect for when we need something deliciously unique.
13 - Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are like little bites of nostalgia we can't resist. They bring a creamy texture and a tangy kick that brightens any spread.
We slap on mayo, mustard, and a hint of paprika for that classic flavour combo (about 1 tablespoon mayo to 1 teaspoon mustard per egg half).
These snacks are super easy to customise, too. We can add everything from bacon bits to fresh herbs.
Perfect for parties or just snacking, deviled eggs never go out of style.
They're like a tasty blast from the past!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
