Chicken salad is a popular dish enjoyed for its versatility and light, refreshing taste. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a picnic, or a quick lunch at home, the question always arises: what to eat with chicken salad? Pairing the right side dishes can elevate your meal, turning a simple chicken salad into a delightful culinary experience.
In this article, we will explore 10 delicious side dishes to serve with chicken salad that complement its flavors and add variety to your plate. We’ll also highlight some key considerations when choosing the perfect sides for chicken salad, ensuring that your meal is not only tasty but balanced and satisfying.
What to Eat with Chicken Salad for a Balanced Meal
Chicken salad is a delicious and nutritious option that can be enjoyed as a main dish, but to create a well-rounded meal, it’s important to pair it with the right side dishes. Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or as a standalone salad, these side dish options will enhance your meal.
Why Choosing the Right Side Dishes Matters
While chicken salad can be a complete meal on its own, adding side dishes can provide more balance, texture, and flavor. The right sides can make the meal more substantial, especially when serving guests or preparing a dish for a special occasion. The balance of protein from the chicken salad and complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and additional vegetables from side dishes will make your meal more satisfying and nourishing.
Now, let’s get into the 10 best sides to eat with chicken salad.
Side Dish #1: Fresh Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad is one of the most refreshing and healthy side dishes to eat with chicken salad. The sweetness and tanginess of the fruit contrast beautifully with the savory chicken salad, creating a perfect balance.
Best Fruits for Fruit Salad to Serve with Chicken Salad
When making a fruit salad, opt for a mix of sweet and tart fruits like:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Grapes
- Apples
The vibrant colors and juicy flavors of these fruits make them a fantastic match for the creamy texture of the chicken salad. This side dish is light and perfect for spring or summer meals.
How to Prepare a Quick Fruit Salad for Your Chicken Salad Meal
Simply chop your choice of fruits into bite-sized pieces and toss them together. You can drizzle a bit of honey or lime juice for extra flavor, but the natural sweetness of the fruit will be more than enough to complement your chicken salad. This quick side takes minutes to prepare and will bring a refreshing note to your meal.
Side Dish #2: Classic Potato Salad
When thinking of what to eat with chicken salad, you can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad. Both chicken salad and potato salad are picnic staples, and they go hand-in-hand to create a filling meal.
Why Potato Salad is a Great Side Dish for Chicken Salad
Potato salad adds heartiness to your plate without overpowering the chicken salad. The creamy dressing of the potato salad pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the chicken salad, while the potatoes provide a satisfying starchy element.
Easy Potato Salad Recipe for Chicken Salad Pairing
To make a classic potato salad, boil some baby potatoes, and toss them with mayonnaise, mustard, chopped pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Sprinkle with paprika and fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of flavor. This simple recipe complements the savory flavors of the chicken salad perfectly.
Side Dish #3: Grilled Vegetables
Another healthy and delicious option to eat with chicken salad is grilled vegetables. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and their smoky flavor enhances the overall meal.
Best Grilled Vegetables to Serve with Chicken Salad
Some of the best vegetables to grill include:
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Asparagus
- Eggplant
- Mushrooms
- Onions
The slight char from grilling adds depth to the meal, and the crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to the creamy chicken salad.
How to Grill Vegetables as a Side Dish for Chicken Salad
To prepare grilled vegetables, simply toss your chosen vegetables in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill them until they develop grill marks and become tender. Serve them warm or at room temperature alongside your chicken salad for a wholesome and flavorful meal.
Side Dish #4: Garlic Bread or French Baguette
For those wondering what to eat with chicken salad in sandwich form, garlic bread or a French baguette is a great choice. These crunchy, flavorful breads add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Why Bread Works Well as a Side Dish for Chicken Salad
Bread is a classic accompaniment to salads of all types, especially when served as an open-faced sandwich or alongside a scoop of chicken salad. The crunchiness of the garlic bread or baguette adds contrast to the smooth texture of the chicken salad, making each bite more enjoyable.
How to Make Simple Garlic Bread for Your Chicken Salad Meal
To make garlic bread, spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on slices of a baguette. Toast the bread in the oven until golden and crispy. Serve warm alongside your chicken salad for a filling and flavorful side.
Side Dish #5: Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with chicken salad. The crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast to the rich and creamy chicken salad.
Why Coleslaw is a Perfect Match for Chicken Salad
The sharpness of the coleslaw dressing cuts through the richness of the chicken salad, creating a balance of flavors. Coleslaw is also a light and refreshing side, which makes it perfect for warm weather meals.
Easy Coleslaw Recipe for Chicken Salad
For a quick coleslaw, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. You can also add some celery seeds for extra flavor. Serve this crunchy and tangy side alongside your chicken salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Side Dish #6: Cornbread
Cornbread is a slightly sweet and hearty side dish that pairs exceptionally well with chicken salad. Its crumbly texture and buttery flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal.
Why Cornbread Complements Chicken Salad
The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complements the savory chicken salad, while the crumbly texture adds a new element to the dish. Cornbread is especially good if you’re serving chicken salad with Southern or BBQ-inspired flavors.
How to Make Simple Cornbread as a Chicken Salad Side
To make cornbread, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, and melted butter, then bake until golden brown. Serve it warm with a bit of honey butter for a sweet and savory combination that will take your chicken salad meal to the next level.
Side Dish #7: Pita Chips and Hummus
If you’re looking for a healthier, crunchy side dish to eat with chicken salad, consider serving pita chips and hummus. The crunchy chips and creamy hummus pair well with chicken salad, providing a balance of textures.
Why Pita Chips and Hummus are a Healthy Side for Chicken Salad
Hummus adds extra protein and fiber to the meal, making it more filling and nutritious. The pita chips offer a satisfying crunch, while the hummus adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the chicken salad.
How to Prepare Pita Chips and Hummus as a Side Dish for Chicken Salad
To make pita chips, slice pita bread into triangles, brush with olive oil, and bake until crispy. Serve with a generous portion of hummus for dipping, and enjoy the combination of creamy chicken salad with the crispy chips.
Side Dish #8: Cucumber Salad
A light and refreshing cucumber salad is an excellent side dish for chicken salad, especially on a hot day. The cool, crisp cucumbers add a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken salad.
Why Cucumber Salad is a Great Side Dish for Chicken Salad
Cucumber salad is light, hydrating, and full of fresh flavors. Its tangy dressing complements the richness of chicken salad, making it a great option for a lighter meal.
Easy Cucumber Salad Recipe to Serve with Chicken Salad
To make a cucumber salad, thinly slice cucumbers and toss them with a simple dressing made of vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. This refreshing side is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with chicken salad.
Side Dish #9: Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that pairs beautifully with chicken salad. These bite-sized treats add protein and flavor, making them a satisfying addition to your meal.
Why Deviled Eggs are a Tasty Side Dish for Chicken Salad
Deviled eggs offer a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the chicken salad, while their small size makes them easy to serve and eat alongside the main dish. They are also great for parties and picnics where finger foods are preferred.
How to Make Deviled Eggs for Your Chicken Salad Meal
To make deviled eggs, hard-boil a dozen eggs, cut them in half, and mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a dash of paprika. Spoon the yolk mixture back into the egg whites and serve them alongside your chicken salad for a rich and flavorful side.
Side Dish #10: Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For a hearty and nutritious side dish to serve with chicken salad, try roasted sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory flavors of the chicken salad.
Why Roasted Sweet Potatoes Are a Good Side for Chicken Salad
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy and filling side dish. The slight sweetness of the roasted potatoes pairs well with the creamy texture of the chicken salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potatoes for Chicken Salad
To make roasted sweet potatoes, peel and cube sweet potatoes, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or paprika. Roast them in the oven until tender and caramelized. Serve them warm as a wholesome and delicious side dish to complement your chicken salad.
Conclusion: The Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Salad
When it comes to what to eat with chicken salad, the options are endless. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing like fruit salad or cucumber salad, or something more hearty like potato salad or roasted sweet potatoes, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that can complement your chicken salad and enhance your meal.
Pairing the right side dishes with your chicken salad ensures a well-rounded, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. With this comprehensive list of 10 delicious sides, you now have the tools to create a perfect chicken salad meal every time. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or a special occasion, these sides will take your chicken salad to the next level.
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