Are you tired of the same old chicken salad sandwich? Maybe you’re cutting carbs or just want to mix things up a bit. Well you’re in luck! I’ve put together an awesome list of alternatives to bread that’ll make your chicken salad shine in new and exciting ways.
As someone who loves chicken salad but doesn’t always want the extra carbs from bread, I’ve experimented with tons of different options. Some worked amazingly well, others… not so much (cucumber boats can get messy, trust me). But after lots of taste-testing, I’ve narrowed down the best alternatives that’ll make you forget all about bread!
Why Skip the Bread?
Before diving into our alternatives, let’s talk about why you might want to skip bread:
- You’re watching your carb intake
- You’re gluten-free or have a wheat sensitivity
- You want more nutrients with your meal
- You’re simply bored with regular sandwiches
- You’re looking for lighter options for summer
Whatever your reason, these alternatives will give you delicious new ways to enjoy your favorite chicken salad!
Crunchy Alternatives to Bread for Chicken Salad
1. Crackers
Crackers give you that satisfying crunch while being more portion-controlled than bread. They’re perfect for making mini chicken salad bites for snacking or appetizers.
Best crackers for chicken salad:
- Triscuits
- Ritz Crackers
- Chicken in a Biskit (kinda meta, right?)
- Nut Thins (made with almonds)
- From the Ground Up Cauliflower Crackers (for a low-carb option)
Pro tip Sturdy crackers work best to hold the chicken salad without breaking, Nobody wants a lap full of chicken salad!
2. Rice Cakes
Rice cakes are a gluten-free option that can hold a good amount of chicken salad without breaking They’re light, crunchy, and come in different flavors Garlic or herb-flavored rice cakes pair especially well with chicken salad.
You can also find corn cakes that are similar to rice cakes if that’s more your style. Either way, they make for a light and satisfying lunch option.
3. Baked Won Ton Cups
These are SO cute and perfect for serving chicken salad at parties! They’re super easy to make too:
- Place won ton wrappers in a non-stick mini muffin tin
- Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until crispy
- Let cool, then fill with chicken salad
These crispy cups hold their shape perfectly and make for an attractive appetizer that guests will love.
4. Potato Chips or Tortilla Chips
For a more casual option, try serving chicken salad with potato chips or tortilla chips. The chips add a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken salad.
You can even make your own potato chip croutons by slicing potatoes thin, baking them until crispy, and then crumbling them up as a base for your chicken salad.
Veggie-Based Alternatives
5. Lettuce and Other Greens
Lettuce wraps are my go-to lunch option when I want something light but filling. Different greens offer different flavors and textures:
- Romaine lettuce: Sturdy enough for a wrap and adds a nice crunch
- Butterhead lettuce: Soft, pliable leaves perfect for wraps
- Green leaf lettuce: Large leaves work well for wraps
- Cabbage leaves: Extra sturdy and won’t tear as you eat
- Kale: Try lacinato kale for wraps (curly kale is too tough)
- Spinach: Use baby spinach as a bed or large leaves as wraps
Simply place a scoop of chicken salad in the center of a large leaf, fold the sides in, and roll it up for a fresh, crunchy wrap.
6. Raw Veggies
Veggies aren’t just for dipping—they can be vessels for your chicken salad too!
Vegetables that work well with chicken salad:
- Celery sticks: The perfect scoop for chicken salad
- Cucumber slices: Use thick slices as mini “plates”
- Mini sweet peppers: Colorful and perfect for appetizers
- Bell peppers: Cut in half and fill with greens and chicken salad
- Water chestnuts: Surprising but delicious topped with chicken salad
7. Stuffed Avocado
This is my absolute FAVORITE way to eat chicken salad! Cut a ripe avocado in half, remove the seed, and fill the hole with chicken salad. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with chicken salad, and you get all those healthy fats too. It’s best eaten with a spoon to get every last bite.
8. Stuffed Tomatoes
Tomatoes and chicken salad are a match made in heaven. Try these options:
- Hollow out cherry tomatoes for bite-sized appetizers
- Slice a beefsteak tomato and top with chicken salad
- Cut Roma tomatoes in half, scoop out the insides, and fill with chicken salad
The juicy sweetness of tomatoes perfectly balances the savory chicken salad.
Grain and Protein-Based Alternatives
9. Hard-Boiled Eggs
Create a twist on deviled eggs by making chicken salad deviled eggs! Hard-boil some eggs, cut them in half, and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks into your chicken salad, then stuff the mixture back into the egg whites. It’s an unforgettable appetizer that’s protein-packed.
10. Baked Potato
A baked potato topped with chicken salad makes for a hearty, satisfying meal. You can either spread some butter on the potato before adding the chicken salad or top it with sour cream and chives first. Either way, it’s delicious!
11. In an Omelet or Frittata
Who says chicken salad is just for lunch? Try mixing it into an omelet or frittata for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option. Just whisk some eggs with milk and seasonings, add your favorite veggies and cheese, then fold in some chicken salad.
12. Tortillas
Tortillas make excellent wraps for chicken salad. You can use flour, corn, spinach, or gluten-free varieties depending on your preference.
For a fun party appetizer, spread chicken salad on a tortilla, roll it up tightly, and slice it into pinwheels. A cranberry pecan chicken salad works particularly well for this!
Fruit-Based Options
13. Apples
Cut an apple in half, remove the seeds, and spoon chicken salad into the empty space. The sweet crunch of the apple pairs wonderfully with savory chicken salad.
Quick tip: Apples will start to brown once cut. A splash of lemon juice or a product like Fruit Fresh can help prevent browning.
14. Pineapple Rings
For a tropical twist, serve chicken salad on pineapple rings. Place a ring on a small butter lettuce leaf, then fill the hole with chicken salad. You can even sprinkle some shredded coconut on top for an extra tropical touch.
15. Apricots
Small and sweet, apricots make adorable vessels for chicken salad. Cut them in half, remove the seed, and fill with chicken salad for a sweet-savory bite.
Serving Chicken Salad on Coleslaw or Other Slaws
Cabbage and chicken are an excellent combo. Sweet, spicy, or savory coleslaw makes a scrumptious bed for chicken salad. You can also try these slaw variations:
- Traditional cabbage and carrot slaw
- Kale and Brussels sprouts slaw
- Parsnip and apple slaw
The crunch of the slaw contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the chicken salad.
FAQ: Common Questions About Serving Chicken Salad
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just don’t mix high-water content ingredients (like tomatoes or cucumbers) into the salad until right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
It depends on the ingredients. If all ingredients thaw well without texture changes, you can freeze it. However, many chicken salad recipes with ingredients like grapes don’t freeze well.
How do I jazz up store-bought chicken salad?
If deli chicken salad seems bland, try adding:
- Fresh herbs like dill or parsley
- Crunch with nuts or seeds
- Sweetness with dried cranberries or raisins
- Spice with a dash of curry powder
- Zing with lemon zest or a splash of vinegar
Final Thoughts
Who needs bread when you’ve got so many delicious alternatives for serving chicken salad? From crunchy crackers to sweet fruits and nutritious veggies, there are endless possibilities to enjoy this classic dish in new ways.
My personal favorites are stuffed avocados and lettuce wraps for everyday meals, and won ton cups or chicken salad deviled eggs for parties. But I’d love to hear your favorites too!
Easy Garden Salad Recipe
Theres no excuse for not eating your veggies when you can whip up a simple garden salad in as little as 20 minutes! It pairs perfectly with chicken salad, and you get bonus points for making your dressing from scratch (recipe included)!
Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls
You cant go wrong with these delicious pull-apart rolls. Theyre fluffy, soft, and practically fail-proof!
Made using just 6 simple ingredients, these cheddar bay biscuits are similar to Red Lobsters version, but so much better!