What To Serve With Chicken Salad – 10 Interesting Sides You’ll Enjoy
Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It’s incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of different side dishes.
This article will share what to serve with chicken salad and explain why it goes well together.
I’ll also provide some recipes for delicious side dishes that will pair perfectly with your chicken salad!
What To Serve With Chicken Salad
- Sauteed Kale
- Cranberry Relish
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Fried Rice
- Cornbread
- Baked Beans
- Ranch Dressing
- Deviled Eggs
- Cranberry Sauce
- Dill Pickles
Sauteed Kale
Kale is a dark leafy green that is part of the cabbage family that can be eaten raw, sautéed, or added to soups and stews.
The benefits of eating kale include improved digestion, decreased inflammation, and increased metabolism. It is high in vitamins, calcium, potassium, and fiber. It is also a low-calorie food that is high in antioxidants.
When sautéed, kale becomes a crispy side dish that pairs well with chicken salad.
Additionally, other side dishes that pair well with chicken salad include roasted potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, and farro.
Kale can also be substituted for other greens in recipes such as spinach or Swiss chard.
Cranberry Relish
Cranberry relish is a delicious and tart side dish that can add a unique flavor to any dish.
This versatile side dish can be used in a variety of recipes, from chicken salad to desserts, and its sweetness pairs well with the savory flavors of chicken salad, making it a perfect combination.
Moreover, cranberry relish is packed with nutrients and antioxidants, that’s it a healthy choice for any meal.
It is also a great way to add sweetness and texture to desserts. The tartness of the cranberries offsets the sweetness of the cake or pie, making it a delicious and refreshing treat.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is an excellent side dish for chicken salad. There are many benefits to using it as a side dish.
First, the soup is full of nutrients that can help boost the immune system.
Second, it is high in fiber, which can help keep the digestive system healthy, and is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage.
Additionally, the soup is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice for those watching their weight.
Finally, the soup is very versatile and can be used in a variety of other recipes such as bread or crackers, baked potatoes, and vegetable salads.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a common and popular side dish that can be used in a variety of recipes. It can be used as a side dish for chicken salad, as it provides a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the creamy salad.
Fried rice is also a good side dish for fish or seafood recipes as well as a filling for tacos or burritos, as it helps to absorb the flavors of the dish.
Cornbread
There are many reasons to consider cornbread as a side dish for chicken salad.
For one, cornbread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which can help to sustain energy levels throughout the day.
Additionally, cornbread is a hearty food that can help to fill you up without weighing you down.
It is also versatile and can be enjoyed plain or topped with a variety of condiments such as honey, butter, or jam. It can also be enjoyed dry or moist, making it a suitable side dish for a variety of chicken salad recipes.
When considering all of these factors, it is easy to see why cornbread makes an excellent side dish for chicken salad.
Baked Beans
Baked beans make an excellent side dish for chicken salad. They are packed with protein and fiber, and they add a delicious savory flavor to the salad.
Plus, they are quick and easy to prepare. Simply rinse a can of beans and add them to your salad. If you want a little extra flavor, you can sauté the beans in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the salad.
Baked beans are also a great way to add some texture to your salad. If you are looking for something a little heartier, you can use them as a base for your chicken salad.
Simply combine the beans with some chopped chicken, celery, and mayonnaise. For a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing can be used as a side dish for chicken salad. It is a good source of fat and calories, and it can help to moisten the chicken salad and add flavor.
Ranch dressing is also a good source of protein, and it can help to bind the ingredients together. In addition, it can help to thicken the chicken salad and make it more filling. It is also a good source of fiber, and it can help to regulate digestion.
Lastly, it can help to absorb excess moisture from the chicken salad and prevent it from becoming watery.
Deviled Eggs
One of the most popular side dishes to serve with chicken salad is deviled eggs.
Deviled eggs are a perfect match for chicken salad because they are flavorful and have a similar texture.
The creaminess of the egg yolks pairs well with the smoothness of the chicken, and the zesty flavor of the mustard complements the sweetness of the grapes.
Additionally, deviled eggs add protein and essential nutrients to the dish, making it a more complete meal.
When served together, chicken salad and deviled eggs make an irresistible combination that is sure to please any crowd.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is an excellent side dish for chicken salad. There are several reasons for this.
First, cranberry sauce adds a tart and tangy flavor to chicken salad that can brighten up the dish.
Second, the sauce helps to moisten the chicken salad, making it more palatable.
And third, the sauce provides a lovely contrast in texture, adding a bit of creaminess to the salad.
Overall, cranberry sauce is an ideal side dish for chicken salad and can elevate the dish to new heights. Plus, it pairs well with other common side dishes such as green beans, carrots, and potatoes.
Dill Pickles
One of the most popular ways to enjoy chicken salad is with dill pickles. The creamy texture of chicken salad pairs well with the crispy, acidic flavor of dill pickles.
In addition, dill pickles add a pleasant crunch to the dish. This makes them an ideal side for chicken salad, as they provide both contrast and complementarity.
There are many different ways to prepare dill pickles, so they can be customized to suit any taste. However, they are typically made by combining cucumbers, vinegar, water, sugar, and spices.
This combination results in a delicious and refreshing side dish that is sure to enhance any chicken salad.
Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Chicken Salad
What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken salad?
Some good side dishes to serve with chicken salad include baked beans, ranch dressing, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, and dill pickles.
What are some tips for choosing what to serve with chicken salad?
Some tips for choosing what to serve with chicken salad include considering the flavor, texture, and nutrient profile of the dish. For example, baked beans add protein and fiber to the dish, while dill pickles add a crispy and acidic flavor.
What are some common mistakes when choosing what to serve with chicken salad?
Some common mistakes when choosing what to serve with chicken salad include picking side dishes that are too bland or too busy. Side dishes should complement the flavors of the chicken salad, not compete with them. Additionally, it is important to consider the texture of the side dish and make sure it pairs well with the creamy texture of the chicken salad.
What is the best way to serve a chicken salad?
The best way to serve chicken salad is with a variety of side dishes that add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish. This will help to create a complete and balanced meal that is sure to please any crowd.
Conclusion
Chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
When deciding what to serve with chicken salad, consider the dish’s flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. Side dishes should also complement, rather than compete with, the chicken salad’s tastes.
With that in mind, go ahead and experiment with different side dishes until you find the perfect combination for your next meal!