Savoring the classic combination of rich, creamy chicken and fresh vegetables on toasted bread, or perhaps indulging in the delightful fusion of chicken salad and buttery croissant – either way, it’s a match made in heaven. Not only do these sandwiches satisfy our taste buds, but they also provide an impressive array of essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates.
And while they make for a satisfying meal on their own, there may be times when you need something more to round out your experience. That’s where this list comes in – a curated selection of mouth-watering side dishes that pair perfectly with the humble chicken salad sandwich.
Dill Pickles
Start your culinary journey off on the right foot by creating a classic condiment that’s a staple in many cuisines – dill pickles. These tangy treats are the perfect accompaniment to any sandwich, particularly when paired with a creamy chicken salad. Instead of breaking the bank at the store, make them yourself and enjoy an endless supply. To do so, simply combine small cucumbers, garlic, white vinegar, and your choice of flavorings – this recipe uses dill, peppercorns, and coriander seeds.
Cut the cucumbers into strips and pack them into a jar along with the dill and garlic, then dissolve salt and sugar in the vinegar over low heat. Pour the brine into the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Butternut Squash Soup
The harmony between soups and sandwiches is undeniable, and this butternut squash soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement the richness of a chicken salad sandwich. When you take that first dip, the flavors meld together in a delightful symphony. What’s more impressive is that this soup is completely vegan, relying on the natural goodness of vegetables and spices rather than cream or butter.
With its make-ahead and freeze-friendly nature, it’s the perfect solution for those busy nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Sautéed Greens
To amplify the nutritional profile of your meal, consider serving your chicken salad sandwich alongside a medley of sautéed greens. This versatile recipe allows for creative freedom, incorporating kale, chard, collards, and spinach as the foundation. Feel free to experiment with other options like broccoli and asparagus to suit your taste preferences. The choice of cooking medium is yours – opt for oil or butter, the latter imparting a richer flavor profile.
Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of personality to your dish by incorporating herbs and spices such as garlic, parsley, and dill. Moreover, these greens can be easily reheated in a microwave when taking your lunch on-the-go without compromising their texture or nutritional value.
Roast Potatoes
While traditional thinking might suggest avoiding double carbs in a single meal, this combination of roast potatoes and chicken salad sandwich offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The warmth from the roasties complements the creamy salad beautifully, especially when topped with a drizzle of rich gravy. These perfectly cooked roast potatoes boast a satisfying crunch on the outside and fluffy interior, making them an ideal accompaniment to your meal.
To achieve this delectable result, start by boiling the potatoes before finishing them in a mixture of vegetable oil and duck fat for approximately 40-50 minutes. Resist the urge to constantly stir or move the potatoes; instead, simply rotate them once to ensure even golden browning. The end product is sure to impress!
Caesar Salad
For a satisfying and nutritious meal combination, pair a chicken salad sandwich with a creamy Caesar salad. The light and refreshing nature of this pairing makes it perfect for warm summer days. This duo provides an impressive amount of nutritional value, including protein, vitamins, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. To elevate the flavor of your Caesar salad, prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate overnight to allow all the ingredients to meld together.
The result will be a tangy and delicious accompaniment to your chicken salad sandwich.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a beloved side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. The combination of tender kernels, rich cream, and subtle spices creates a delightful experience for the senses. Imagine dipping crusty bread into the warm, velvety corn – it’s a match made in heaven! To prepare this comforting treat, start by melting butter in a pan and then add your corn, heavy cream, salt, pepper, sugar, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour before adding them to the mixture. Stir until the corn is cooked through and the sauce has reached a thick, creamy consistency. Finally, season with your desired flavors and you’re ready to serve.
Potato Chips
Transforming your sandwich game just got a whole lot easier! While potato chips are the classic go-to accompaniment, they can be store-bought or freshly made at home. For a more personalized touch, why not try crafting your own potato chips from scratch? It’s surprisingly easy and only requires a few simple steps. Start by slicing your potatoes into incredibly thin strips using a cheese slicer or potato peeler.
Next, submerge them in ice-cold water for approximately 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Following this step, heat some oil in a pan over moderate heat and fry the potato slices for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once they’re golden brown, drain them on paper towels and season with your preferred spices. Finally, store them in an airtight container to allow the flavors to meld together.
And just like that, you’ll have a delicious homemade snack ready to elevate your sandwich experience.
Veggie Strips
Pairing a crunchy veggie snack with a creamy dip is a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to a satisfying chicken salad sandwich. The added texture and nutritional boost are the perfect complement to your meal. For an extra-special treat, whip up this homemade cashew cream recipe, featuring soaked cashews, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, oil, vinegar, garlic, and water.
Simply blend all the ingredients together on high speed until smooth, then indulge in dipping your favorite veggie sticks – carrots, peppers, celery, zucchini, or any other variety you fancy for lunch or dinner.
Avocado And Cucumber Soup
Indulge in this refreshing chilled soup during the warmer months when a warm, comforting bowl just won’t cut it. The creamy avocado and revitalizing cucumber create an unbeatable combination that’s sure to leave you craving more. With only a few simple steps, you can blend together these ingredients and let them chill in the fridge for hours before serving. Add a pinch of sea salt for added depth and enjoy every spoonful.
Asian Slaw
Asian slaw is a versatile and delicious condiment that pairs perfectly with chicken salad sandwiches. Its appeal lies not only in its delectable flavor but also in its ability to be prepared in bulk and stored for future use. The secret to this slaw’s Asian twist lies in the incorporation of sesame oil and vinegar, which infuses it with a distinct flavor profile that complements the shredded vegetables beautifully.
To prepare the slaw, simply shred carrots, cabbage, and scallions using a food processor or alternative tools like a cheese grater or potato peeler. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, cumin, olive oil, and sesame oil. Allow this mixture to chill in the refrigerator for a brief period before combining it with the shredded vegetables.
This Asian slaw can be served on the side of your chicken salad sandwich or incorporated directly into the chicken salad mixture for an added burst of flavor.
Ham And Potato Soup
As we continue to explore the perfect accompaniments to our sandwiches, we’re thrilled to introduce another soul-warming soup that pairs beautifully with its crusty counterpart. This hearty ham and potato soup is a masterclass in comfort food, bursting with a medley of nutritious vegetables that provide a delightful balance of essential nutrients. As the winter months roll around, this delectable side dish proves an irresistible choice for dipping your sandwich into – a match made in heaven!
Mac And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser that never fails to evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. By preparing a generous batch of the dish and portioning it out into convenient side servings, you can easily turn a mundane workweek into a more enjoyable experience. When paired with a freshly made sandwich, this warm and inviting side dish allows for the perfect combination of dipping and devouring.
While store-bought alternatives may be convenient, there’s something uniquely special about crafting your own homemade macaroni and cheese recipe from scratch.
Deviled Eggs
A convenient and protein-rich side dish, deviled eggs are an excellent option for a quick pick-me-up during your lunch break. Not only do they pack a punch in terms of nutrition, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare and transport. Simply boil your eggs, cut them in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the yolks. Next, combine these with a mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Once you’ve achieved the perfect blend, spoon this filling back into the egg whites and top each one off with a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.
Fruit Salad
Looking for a flavorful and revitalizing snack? A fruit salad is an excellent choice, requiring minimal effort to prepare. Simply chop your preferred fruits into bite-sized pieces and combine them with a dressing of your choice. In this recipe, we’re using a tangy blend of fresh orange juice, honey, and lemon zest to create a refreshing treat that only improves with time as it sits in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to chicken salad sandwiches, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut serving them as is, but why not elevate the meal by pairing it with a delicious side dish? Depending on your mood and preferences, you might be craving something light and refreshing or something comforting and warm. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with 15 mouthwatering side options that perfectly complement your chicken salad sandwich.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.