What to Serve with Chicken Salad Sandwiches? 15 Must-try Recipes & Side Dishes

One of the most classic lunchtime staples is a chicken salad sandwich.

But what do you serve along with it? Deciding on sides can be the best part of meal planning!

Whether you’re packing lunches or planning a special picnic, there are plenty of delicious options to consider but sometimes finding ideas that won’t take too much time and energy to prepare can be tricky.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 side recipes that go perfectly with your favorite chicken salad sandwich recipe – from light appetizers and salads to warm sides and sweet treats.

So grab a fork and let’s get started!

What to Serve with Chicken Salad Sandwiches? 15 Must-try Recipes & Side Dishes

1. Potato Chips

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Who doesn’t love potato chips? They’re salty, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

But did you know that there are infinite ways to elevate this humble dish? For example, try ditching the standard potato chips and switching to sweet potato chips instead.

Not only do they boast a more complex flavor, but their slight sweetness pairs perfectly with savory toppings like cheese or bacon.

If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try making your own potato chips at home.

Slice the potatoes thin, season them with your favorite spices, and then bake in the oven until crispy.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, potato chips are a delicious way to satisfy your snack cravings.

2. French Fries

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French fries are a classic side dish that can be served with just about anything.

They are crispy, salty, and perfect for dipping into ketchup or your favorite sauce.

French fries can be made from scratch or purchased frozen at the store.

When it comes to taste and texture, nothing beats homemade french fries.

They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can try making them yourself.

The key to making great-tasting french fries is to use fresh potatoes and fry them twice.

This will ensure that they are nice and crispy.

If you are looking for a healthier option, you can try baked french fries.

Baked french fries are not as crispy as fried ones, but they are still delicious.

You can also add different spices to give them some extra flavor.

3. Onion Rings

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Onion rings are a delicious, classic appetizer that can be enjoyed by everyone.

They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a slightly sweet taste that is irresistible.

If you’re looking for a dish to elevate your next gathering, consider trying this recipe.

While onion rings are typically fried, this recipe calls for them to be baked.

This healthier alternative is just as crispy and delicious as the traditional method.

You can also add various seasonings to the breading to give them an extra kick.

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy.

4. Fried Pickles

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Fried pickles are a delicious and unique appetizer that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

The combination of the crunchy breading with the juicy, tart pickles is truly irresistible.

And fried pickles are actually quite easy to make at home.

When it comes to taste and texture, fried pickles are definitely on the savory side.

The pickles are coated in a crispy breading that is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices.

This contrast of textures – crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside – is what makes fried pickles so addicting.

So why should you consider trying this recipe? Fried pickles are the perfect party food because they can be served as an appetizer or even as a main course.

They also travel well, so they’re great for potlucks and picnics.

Plus, they’re just plain fun to eat.

If you want to elevate your fried pickle game, there are a few things you can do.

First, try using different types of pickles – dill, sweet, or bread and butter all work well.

You can also experiment with the breading by adding herbs or different types of cheese.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping sauces.

BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and honey mustard all pair nicely with fried pickles.

5. Fruit Salad

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When it comes to summertime snacks, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a fruit salad.

This dish is light, airy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal – or even on its own as a quick snack.

And best of all? It’s incredibly easy to make.

The key to a good fruit salad is the balance of flavors.

You want a mix of sweet and tart, along with a variety of textures.

This recipe calls for watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapes, and strawberries.

The melons provide sweetness and creaminess, while the grapes add a pop of acidity, and the strawberries add a lovely touch of color.

If you’re looking to elevate this dish even further, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or lime juice.

Some chopped fresh mint leaves would also be delightful in this recipe.

6. Pasta Salad

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Looking for a new dish to try with your chicken salad sandwiches? Why not pasta salad? This dish is perfect for summer picnics and barbecues.

It’s also a great way to use up any leftover cooked pasta you might have in your fridge.

Pasta salad is all about the balance of taste and texture.

You want a mix of flavorful ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs, with a variety of textures, like chewy pasta, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing.

This recipe hits the nail on the head when it comes to flavor and texture.

The sun-dried tomatoes add a lovely sweetness to the dish, while the olives and herbs give it a nice savory flavor.

The pasta provides a chewy base, while the vegetables add some crunch.

And the dressing ties everything together perfectly.

• Use high-quality ingredients. Sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil will taste much better than those that are packed in water. And good quality olives will make a big difference in flavor as well.
• Cook the pasta al dente. You don’t want it to be too soft, or it will fall apart when you mix everything together.
• Add some protein. Chicken or shrimp would be a great addition to this dish.
• Use fresh herbs. If you have them available, fresh basil or oregano would be a great addition to this dish.

7. Potato Salad

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Looking for a new side dish to bring to your next summer BBQ? Try this easy potato salad recipe.

This dish is perfect for picnics and potlucks because it can be made ahead of time and doesn’t require any cooking.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover potatoes you have in the fridge.

The salad has a creamy texture and is flavored with dill, onion, and mustard.

It’s also studded with hard-boiled eggs, which add a nice protein boost.

If you’re looking to elevate the dish, try adding in some chopped bacon or shredded cheese.

8. Coleslaw

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Coleslaw is a salad made with shredded cabbage and carrots, usually dressed with mayonnaise.

It’s a popular side dish at picnics and barbecues, but it can also be a great addition to chicken salad sandwiches.

It is usually creamy and tangy, with a crunch from the cabbage and carrots.

The mayonnaise dressing is key to the flavor and texture of coleslaw, so be sure to use a good quality mayo.

You can also add in other flavors like diced onion, celery seed, or white vinegar.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your chicken salad sandwich game, coleslaw is a great option.

It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your taste.

Plus, the crunchy texture pairs well with the creamy chicken salad.

Just be sure not to overload your sandwich – a little coleslaw goes a long way.

9. Caesar Salad

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Looking for a delicious and easy salad recipe to try? Caesar salad is a great option.

This dish is traditionally made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing.

The flavors and textures in this salad are truly unique and irresistible.

If you’re looking for a new salad to try, Caesar salad is a great option.

This dish is traditionally made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing.

The flavors and textures in this salad are truly unique and irresistible.

The salty Parmesan cheese pairs perfectly with the crisp lettuce and crunchy croutons.

And the creamy dressing ties everything together nicely.

If you want to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.

First, you could add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a main course.

Or, you could switch out the traditional croutons for something a little more interesting, like roasted garlic breadcrumbs or fried onions.

Finally, you could top it all off with a sunny-side-up egg for an extra bit of protein and richness.

No matter how you choose to make it, Caesar salad is sure to be a hit.

10. Chicken Noodle Soup

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Chicken noodle soup is comfort food that many of us grew up eating.

It’s a simple dish that is easy to make and can be easily tailored to your taste.

The best part about chicken noodle soup is that it can be made in advance and reheated when you’re ready to eat it.

The taste and texture of chicken noodle soup are what makes it so comforting.

The broth is usually light and flavorful, and the noodles are soft and chewy.

The chicken provides a hearty protein boost, while the vegetables add some much-needed nutrients.

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your chicken noodle soup, consider adding some extra vegetables or even some cooked rice or quinoa.

You could also add some shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try adding some diced avocado or crumbled bacon.

11. Tomato Soup

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When it comes to cold weather comfort food, tomato soup is at the top of the list.

This hearty soup is perfect for a winter day and can be made with just a few simple ingredients.

Tomato soup is typically made with tomatoes, broth, and spices.

The soup can be smooth or chunky, depending on your preference.

Tomato soup is usually quite tart and acidic.

The acidity of the tomatoes is balanced out by the sweetness of the broth.

The soup can also be spiced up with additional seasonings, such as garlic, onion, and black pepper.

If you want a creamier soup, you can add milk or cream to the recipe.

If you’re looking to elevate your tomato soup game, there are a few things you can do.

First, try roasting your tomatoes before adding them to the soup pot.

This will give the soup a deeper flavor and richer color.

You can also add fresh herbs, such as basil or thyme, to the soup for an extra burst of flavor.

Finally, if you want a bit of texture in your soup, consider adding some chopped vegetables, such as carrots or celery.

12. Butternut Squash Soup

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Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy, dreamy soup that’s perfect for fall.

The taste is sweet and nutty, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon.

The texture is smooth and silky, making it the perfect comfort food on a cool autumn day.

Why not give this recipe a try? Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:

• If you’re not a fan of butternut squash, you can substitute another type of squash or even sweet potatoes.
• For an extra bit of creaminess, stir in some milk or cream when you puree the soup.
• To give the soup a bit of a kick, add some cayenne pepper when you puree it.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and some freshly chopped chives.

13. Ambrosia Fruit Salad

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If you’re looking for a light and refreshing salad to serve with your chicken sandwiches, look no further than this Ambrosia Fruit Salad.

The combination of sweet fruits, creamy yogurt, and crunchy nuts is sure to please everyone at the table.

And best of all, it comes together in just minutes.

The sweetness of the fruit is offset by the tanginess of the yogurt, making for a salad that is both flavorful and balanced.

The textures are also wonderful – the softness of the fruit, the creaminess of the yogurt, and the crunch of the nuts all come together in each bite.

This salad is also incredibly versatile.

If you’re not a fan of one of the fruits listed, feel free to swap it out for something else.

Or, if you want to add a bit more protein to the dish, consider topping it with some shredded chicken or diced tofu.

14. Macaroni Salad

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Macaroni salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed any time of year.

This dish is simple to make and can be easily tailored to your taste.

Macaroni salad is a great option for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues.

The taste and texture of macaroni salad are creamy and rich.

The pasta is usually cooked al dente and then combined with mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.

This dish can also be made with shredded chicken or diced ham for added flavor.

• Add in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
• Stir in some diced avocado or crumbled bacon for an extra boost of flavor and creaminess.
• Use a combination of different types of pasta such as shells, elbows, or even penne for a fun twist.
• Top your macaroni salad with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or some chopped nuts before serving.

15. Cheese Platter

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When it comes to easy and impressive party food, a cheese platter is always a good idea.

Not only is it simple to put together, but it also offers a great variety of tastes and textures.

And who doesn’t love cheese?

If you’re looking to elevate your cheese platter game, consider adding some unexpected ingredients.

A few slices of prosciutto or salami can add a nice salty contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.

Nuts are also a great way to add some crunch.

And if you really want to wow your guests, try pairing your cheeses with some honey or jam.

• Stick to a variety of textures and flavors. A mix of soft, hard, and crumbly cheeses is always a good idea.
• Think about what you’ll be serving the cheese with. If you’re planning on serving crackers or bread, make sure to include some that are neutral in flavor, so they don’t compete with the cheese.
• Choose a mix of familiar and unfamiliar cheeses. While it’s always good to have some crowd-pleasers like cheddar or brie, don’t be afraid to experiment with lesser-known varieties. You might just find a new favorite.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to serve with chicken salad sandwiches, it’s time to get cooking.

These 15 recipes are sure to please any crowd, whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal.