Are you staring at your bowl of curry chicken salad wondering what else to add to your plate? I’ve been there too! Curry chicken salad is one of those versatile dishes that’s creamy slightly spicy, and absolutely delicious – but finding the perfect side dish can take your meal from good to unforgettable.
As someone who’s experimented with countless sides, I’m excited to share my favorite pairings that’ll make your curry chicken salad shine Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to jazz up your weekday lunch, these side dishes will definitely impress!
Why Side Dishes Matter with Curry Chicken Salad
Before diving into specific recommendations let’s talk about why side dishes are so important with curry chicken salad
- They can balance the spiciness of the curry
- They add textural contrast to the creamy salad
- They make the meal more filling and satisfying
- They can complement the flavor profile with complementary or contrasting tastes
I’ve found that the right side dish can truly transform how you experience curry chicken salad, making each bite more interesting and complete.
Bread and Cracker Options
1. Bread & Crackers
One of the simplest yet most satisfying sides for curry chicken salad is a selection of breads and crackers. There’s something so perfect about scooping up creamy curry chicken salad with a crunchy cracker or spreading it over soft bread.
When selecting crackers, go for firm varieties that won’t break under the weight of the salad. For bread, options like bagels, croissants, or hearty whole grain bread work wonderfully.
2. Naan Bread
Naan bread deserves its own special mention as it’s the traditional accompaniment to many curry dishes. The soft, chewy texture of naan provides the perfect canvas for curry chicken salad.
I love serving naan either plain or brushed with butter and garlic for added flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making whole wheat naan for a healthier option – it’s surprisingly easy to make at home and tastes way better than store-bought!
3. Puri (Fried Indian Bread)
For something special, consider serving puri – a puffy, deep-fried Indian bread made with wheat flour. The slight crispiness of puri contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of curry chicken salad.
4. Roti or Chapati
Roti (also known as chapati or phulka) is a whole wheat flatbread that’s a staple in many Indian homes. It’s lighter than naan and pairs wonderfully with curry chicken salad for a more casual meal.
Potato-Based Sides
5. Stovetop Melting Potatoes
These potatoes feature a crispy exterior and creamy interior, offering a delightful textural contrast to curry chicken salad. Made with butter, rosemary, and garlic, they bring a fragrant and aromatic essence to your meal.
6. Mashed Potatoes
The smooth, buttery goodness of mashed potatoes balances the spiciness of curry chicken salad perfectly. Their creamy texture complements the salad, making each bite satisfying and comforting.
7. Potato Salad
Another potato option is classic potato salad with its creamy, tangy flavors. It might seem like pairing two salads together is overkill, but they actually complement each other beautifully. The potato salad’s creaminess balances the spiciness of the curry.
8. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
I’ve found that crispy smashed potatoes are always a hit! These potatoes have deliciously crispy exteriors with soft, fluffy interiors. They’re rustic and simple but incredibly satisfying alongside curry chicken salad.
9. Potato Wedges
For a more substantial side, seasoned potato wedges offer that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside. Season them with herbs like rosemary or spices such as paprika for a flavor that enhances your curry chicken salad.
Rice and Grain Options
10. Zeera Rice (Cumin Rice)
Jeera rice or zeera rice is steamed, aromatic Basmati rice flavored with cumin and other whole spices. It’s a simple gluten-free side dish that’s ready in 20 minutes and pairs beautifully with curry chicken salad.
11. Yellow Rice
Yellow rice, infused with turmeric, garlic, and butter, provides a vibrant and aromatic accompaniment to curry chicken salad. The warm, earthy flavor profile enhances the curry’s spices.
12. Basmati Rice
Sometimes simplicity is best! Plain, fluffy basmati rice makes an excellent canvas for the flavorful curry chicken salad. The aromatic quality of basmati rice elevates the entire meal.
13. Quinoa Salad
For a more nutritious option, quinoa salad offers a protein-rich and refreshing side dish. It can be customized with various vegetables, herbs, and vinaigrette, adding a wholesome element to your meal.
Vegetable Sides
14. Roasted Asparagus & Carrots
This simple yet elegant side dish requires minimal prep work but delivers maximum flavor. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, which pairs wonderfully with the savory curry chicken salad.
15. Green Beans
Green beans offer a nutritious and versatile side option that pairs excellently with curry chicken salad. Their crunchy texture and mild flavor balance the bold, spicy notes of the curry. Whether steamed, sautéed, or roasted, they’re quick and easy to prepare.
16. Air Fryer Bok Choy
For something a bit different, try air fryer bok choy. This nutrient-dense leafy green retains its crisp texture and vibrant color, adding a fresh and mild taste to complement your curry chicken salad.
17. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
These addictive vegan “wings” are made from cauliflower and are surprisingly delicious! They offer a nice textural contrast to the creamy curry chicken salad and can be baked or air-fried for a healthier option.
18. Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Air fryer brussels sprouts develop a wonderful crispiness that contrasts perfectly with curry chicken salad. Season them with your favorite herbs and spices for an addictive side dish.
Yogurt and Raita Options
19. Onion Raita
Onion raita is a cooling yogurt side dish that’s almost essential with spicy curry dishes. This easy no-cook recipe takes just ten minutes to prepare and helps balance the heat of the curry.
20. Beetroot Raita
For a colorful option, beetroot raita combines the coolness of yogurt with the earthy sweetness of beets. It’s visually stunning and offers a refreshing contrast to curry chicken salad.
Salad Options
21. Kachumber (Indian Chopped Salad)
This fresh, easy chopped salad is traditionally served with curries. The vegetables are dressed with lemon juice, salt, and a little cumin and chili for a crisp and colorful accompaniment.
22. Cucumber Salad
A hydrating cucumber salad with an earthy, rustic tempering of cumin seeds in ghee and perfectly spiced with green chilies makes for a refreshing side to curry chicken salad.
Comfort Food Sides
23. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
For the ultimate comfort food pairing, creamy baked mac and cheese offers a rich, indulgent side dish. The creamy, cheesy goodness complements the spiced notes of curry chicken salad for a truly satisfying meal.
24. Mexican Baked Sweet Potato
For something a bit different, try Mexican baked sweet potatoes featuring a sweet potato base topped with salsa, chicken, and Mexican cheese. The balance of sweet and savory elements makes it a satisfying and unique accompaniment to curry chicken salad.
My Personal Favorites
I’ve tried all these sides, but my top three favorites have to be:
- Naan bread – There’s something about the chewy texture that’s just perfect for scooping up curry chicken salad
- Crispy smashed potatoes – The contrast between crispy exterior and fluffy interior is unbeatable
- Onion raita – The cooling effect of the yogurt balances the spice of the curry beautifully
Final Thoughts
Curry chicken salad is such a versatile dish that you really can’t go wrong with any of these sides. My advice? Choose contrasting textures and complementary flavors to create a balanced plate.
For a simple lunch, stick with bread or crackers. For a more elaborate dinner, try combining a few sides like yellow rice, roasted vegetables, and a cooling raita.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with curry chicken salad? I’d love to hear your go-to pairings in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Curried Chicken Salad?
Side dishes have significant benefits, and the correct side dish takes little effort to prep but has numerous health benefits, like working as a digestif and a palate cleanser.
Opening your creativity with side dishes can expand your horizons as you play with each element.
We’ve put together 10 of our best modern side dishes that rhyme perfectly with a curry chicken salad.
Broccoli Cheddar Muffins
Muffins and Broccolis? Sounds like quite the odd couple as we always expect muffins to be sweet.
But savory ingredients on sweet baked goods are also a delectable pairing with salads.
These protein-rich and veggie-packed Broccoli Muffins come with a tender and light crunch, a unique side dish ticking all boxes on flavor and looks.
Broccoli Cheddar Muffins can also be frozen and, on de-freezing, will still be as delicious.
It is also kid-friendly, meaning your kids will never notice that heaps of greens are loaded inside these soft goods and gobble them straight up.
Ina Garten’s Curried Chicken Salad | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network
FAQ
What goes well with curry chicken?
Pair Coconut Curry Chicken with rice and/or naan bread. A side of roasted carrots or roasted sweet potatoes would also pair nicely.
What is a good side with chicken salad?
- Vegetable soup recipes.
- Broccoli and Zucchini Soup.
- Panera 10-vegetable Soup Recipe.
- Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup.
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup.
- Crock Pot 15 Bean Soup (without ham)
- Fresh vegetable salads.
- Traditional Greek Salad.
What is a good salad accompaniment for curry?
- 2 little gem lettuce – shredded.
- 1 cucumber – diced.
- 6 tomatoes – diced.
- 1 small onion – finely diced.
- 1 bunch coriander – roughly chopped.
- 1 red chilli – finely chopped.
- juice of a lemon.
- pinch of sea salt.
How to serve chicken salad as a meal?
Main Courses. Turn leftover chicken salad into a main course salad by adding some heartier ingredients. Serve it on a bed of lettuce with chopped bell pepper, avocado slices , and crumbled feta cheese. Top it off with sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean twist.