What to Serve Chicken Salad On: 15 Delicious Options Beyond Basic Bread

Have you ever stared at a bowl of freshly made chicken salad and wondered, “What am I gonna put this on?” I’ve been there too many times! Chicken salad is one of those amazingly versatile dishes that works for everything from quick lunches to fancy brunches, but figuring out the perfect vessel for serving it can make all the difference.

As someone who’s hosted countless baby showers wedding showers, and family brunches where chicken salad was the star, I’ve experimented with tons of different ways to serve this classic dish. Today I’m sharing my favorite options that go way beyond the basic sandwich!

Classic Bread Options for Chicken Salad

Let’s start with the tried-and-true bread options that never disappoint

1. Croissants

There’s something truly magical about chicken salad on a buttery flaky croissant. The rich buttery layers complement the creamy chicken salad perfectly. I always warm mine slightly before assembling for an extra touch of elegance. This is my absolute go-to when hosting any kind of special event!

2. Multi-Grain Bread

For a heartier option that won’t get soggy, multi-grain bread stands up beautifully to chicken salad. The nutty flavor pairs nicely with the creaminess, and the sturdy texture ensures your sandwich won’t fall apart midway through eating it.

3. Sourdough Bread

The slight tanginess of sourdough creates a perfect flavor contrast with chicken salad. I like to lightly toast sourdough slices to add some crunch while still maintaining that chewy interior.

4. Pita Bread

Chicken salad stuffed into a pita pocket creates a portable meal that’s less messy than traditional sandwiches. Add some lettuce, tomato, and whatever veggies you like for extra crunch and nutrition.

5. Baguette or French Bread

A crusty baguette provides the perfect foundation for chicken salad. The firm texture prevents sogginess, and the crisp exterior adds a delightful textural contrast. Plus, it looks so fancy when sliced and arranged on a platter!

Beyond Bread: Creative Serving Ideas

Want to switch things up? Here are some of my favorite non-bread ways to serve chicken salad:

6. Lettuce Wraps

For a low-carb option that’s still satisfying, large romaine or butter lettuce leaves make perfect chicken salad vessels. They provide a refreshing crunch and keep things light and healthy.

7. Stuffed Avocados

Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill the center with chicken salad for a creamy, decadent treat. The rich avocado complements the chicken salad beautifully, and it looks impressive with minimal effort!

8. Stuffed Tomatoes

Hollow out large tomatoes and fill them with chicken salad for a refreshing summer meal. The juicy tomato adds a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy chicken mixture.

9. Cucumber Boats

For a super light appetizer option, scoop out cucumber halves and fill them with chicken salad. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and add a refreshing crunch.

10. On a Bed of Greens

Simply scoop chicken salad onto a bed of mixed greens for a simple, light meal. This works great when you’re looking for something lighter but still satisfying.

Warm Options for Chicken Salad

Chicken salad isn’t just for cold sandwiches! Try these warm serving ideas:

11. Chicken Salad Melt

Butter two slices of bread, spread chicken salad on the unbuttered side, add your favorite cheese (cheddar works great) and a slice of tomato. Cook it in a skillet like a grilled cheese until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melty. Seriously delicious on a chilly day!

12. Chicken Salad Quesadilla

Butter a tortilla, flip it over, and spread chicken salad on half of the unbuttered side. Add some cheddar cheese and maybe a tomato or avocado slice. Fold over the empty half and grill it in a skillet. The warm, crispy tortilla with the creamy filling is a fantastic combo!

13. Chicken Salad Wrap

Roll chicken salad in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, tomato, or whatever add-ins you prefer. You can eat it cold or lightly grill it for a warm option.

Party-Perfect Serving Ideas

Hosting an event? Try these presentation-worthy options:

14. On Crackers or Crostini

For appetizers or light snacking, serve chicken salad on sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices (crostini). This works great for party platters and allows guests to help themselves.

15. In Pastry Cups

For an elegant presentation, spoon chicken salad into store-bought or homemade pastry cups. These bite-sized treats look fancy but are super easy to make!

What to Add to Your Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Whatever base you choose, consider these tasty additions to take your chicken salad to the next level:

• Lettuce or mixed greens
• Sliced tomatoes
• Red onion slices
• Green onions
• Bacon bits (everything’s better with bacon!)
• Cheddar cheese
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley
• A smear of dijon mustard

Perfect Side Dishes for Chicken Salad

Now that you’ve decided what to serve your chicken salad on, what should you serve alongside it? Here are some perfect pairings:

Fresh Vegetable Sides

• Carrot and celery sticks
• Cucumber slices
• Cherry tomatoes
• Pickles (the tangy crunch pairs perfectly!)

Salad Sides

• Pasta salad (a classic companion!)
• Potato salad (if you’re not worried about too much mayo)
• Coleslaw (try an apple coleslaw for something different)
• Greek salad with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives
• Quinoa salad with fresh veggies and herbs

Soup Pairings

In cooler months, a cup of soup makes chicken salad feel more like a complete meal:

• Vegetable rice soup
• Tomato soup
• Butternut squash soup

My Go-To Chicken Salad Recipe

While we’re talking about serving chicken salad, I might as well share my favorite basic recipe that works with all these serving suggestions:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: dried cranberries, chopped pecans, halved grapes, or diced apples

Instructions:
Mix everything together and chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Adjust mayo and seasonings to taste!

Final Thoughts

Chicken salad is one of those wonderfully versatile dishes that can be dressed up or down depending on how you serve it. From elegant croissants for a baby shower to lettuce wraps for a light lunch, the options are endless!

I’d love to hear how YOU like to serve your chicken salad! Do you have a favorite bread or a creative serving idea I missed? Leave me a comment below!

Until next time, happy eating!

P.S. – Don’t forget to check out my post on “What to Serve WITH Chicken Salad” for complete meal ideas!