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    Home » Side Dish

    50+ Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Salad at Luncheon

    Published: Sep 10, 2022 · Modified: May 17, 2023 by Tami McBride · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Wondering what to serve with chicken salad at a luncheon? The best sides to serve with chicken salad at a party are bread, salad, chips, veggies, fruits, and desserts. Quick prep dishes are desirable when cooking for a crowd.

    Ready for some specifics? Let’s dig into some of the best sides to serve with chicken salad at a luncheon. Learn more useful serving tips.

    You may also be interested in this post on how much chicken salad you need per person. It depends on the bun size and quantity of side dishes.

    Bread, Rolls, or Croissants

    If you want the chicken salad to go further, have your guests make a sandwich. There are a wide variety of types of bread that you can serve with chicken salad at a luncheon. Like these:

    • Croissants. Light, flaky croissants are one of the most popular breads to serve with chicken salad.
    • Hawaiian rolls. Lightly sweet and soft, Hawaiian rolls are a great choice to make a chicken salad sandwich.
    • Potato buns. Pile chicken salad on top of soft and fluffy potato buns.
    • Sourdough bread. Tangy and chewy, sourdough bread turns chicken salad into a hearty sandwich. Don’t forget all the chicken salad sandwich toppings.

    Looking for more breads to try? Check out this post on the best bread to serve with chicken salad sandwiches.

    Salads

    Salads don’t always have to be green. Here are a few green (and nongreen) salads to serve with chicken salad at a ladies’ luncheon.

    Crisp Kale & Brussels Sprout Salad

    Try this copycat Cracker Barrel Kale and Brussels sprouts salad recipe. Shredded veggies, crunchy pecans, and sweet Craisins are drizzled with a creamy maple vinaigrette. Gimme seconds please.

    Chopped Salad

    Chop fresh, seasonal veggies and toss them with crisp lettuce. You can never go wrong with a chopped salad. Don’t forget to include a selection of salad dressing choices.

    Quinoa Black Bean Salad Lime Dressing

    Looking for a light, filling, healthy salad? A quinoa black bean salad recipe with lime dressing is your answer. Fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, fresh spinach, and sauteed summer vegetables, sprinkled with a zesty dressing.

    Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad

    Spinach, baby orange slices, and bacon tossed with candied pecans, and a poppyseed dressing are sure to leave you craving more.

    Potato Salad

    Sometimes you just gotta go with the classics. Chopped potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and a dash of dill pickles is a surefire win.

    Caprese Salad

    Slice mozzarella, beefsteak tomatoes, and basil. Then drizzle with a tasty balsamic vinaigrette for a simple salad with an Italian flair.

    Strawberry Spinach Salad

    Savor vibrant strawberry spinach salad. A delightful blend of juicy strawberries, tender baby spinach, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta, all drizzled with a zesty poppyseed dressing.

    It's the perfect light and refreshing companion to your chicken salad at any luncheon,

    Coleslaw

    Shredded cabbage and carrots in a healthy sauce will bring foodies back to get just one more serving.

    Caesar Salad

    A Caesar salad is simple to throw together and a familiar favorite.

    Broccoli Salad

    Nothing like throwing bacon into a salad to entice everyone to eat their broccoli. This recipe will make you glad you are eating healthy today.

    Layered Cornbread Salad without Beans

    Discover irresistible cornbread salad, a mouthwatering medley of crumbled golden cornbread, zesty peppers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp bacon. Layer and drizzle with tangy buttermilk ranch.

    Check out this recipe for easy canned chicken salad for a crowd. You will love it.

    Fruit Salad

    Add a bit of sweetness to the meal with fruit salad.

    Ambrosia Salad

    Check out this quick, effortless crowd-pleasing potluck recipe. Vintage 1950s ambrosia salad, perfect for every party, is made with canned fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and nuts (or not) in a creamy dressing.

    Mexican Fruit Salad (pico de gallo fruta)

    Try this easy Mexican fruit salad recipe (pico de gallo fruta). It is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and salty. Vibrant, colorful summer salad you will make again and again.

    Apple Snicker Salad

    Yup! Snicker bars in a salad. But don’t worry. There are some healthy ingredients too in this sweet and tart crunchy salad.

    Fruit Salad with Angel Food Cake

    Fruit + cake = a fruit salad you won’t want to miss. It’s like a trifle but so much healthier (when salad is in the name). Throw a few cake croutons on top and you'll be in heaven.

    Jello Salads

    Wiggly and jiggley, jello salads are right at home at large gatherings.

    Easy Mandarin Orange Jello Salad with Sherbet

    Ready for the perfect easy mandarin orange jello salad with sherbet? Ideal for barbecues, parties, and all crowds. Simple 4 ingredients = party food everyone loves!

    Cranberry Raspberry Jello Salad without Pineapple

    Creamy cranberry raspberry jello salad recipe with cream cheese, cranberries, raspberries, marshmallows, and Cool Whip. You won’t find pineapple in this salad. Perfect for a crowd, you can double the recipe for potlucks and parties.

    Cherry Fluff Salad

    A cherry fluff salad recipe is the easiest potluck side dish you can make. It blends the flavors of cherry, marshmallow, and Cool Whip to bring out the kid in everyone. Cuz who doesn’t need a bit of pink fluff in their life?

    Wondering if you can make chicken salad ahead? Learn everything you need to know about making chicken salad early.

    Appetizers

    A few choice finger foods will compliment chicken salad and keep your crowd satisfied.

    Charcuterie Board

    Sliced deli meats, cubed cheese, crunchy nuts, and crisp crackers. That is all you need to make a beautiful charcuterie board to serve with chicken salad at your luncheon.

    Hummus & Pita Chips

    A smooth, creamy, healthy dip made from chickpeas is perfect for pita chips. Originating in the Middle East, hummus combines the bitter and tart flavors of tahini and lemon juice with olive oil and spices to make a complex and exciting spread. 

    Try original hummus or roasted red pepper hummus.

    Deviled Eggs

    You have the chicken salad. Now it’s time for the eggs. Learn the best way to hard boil eggs to get soft, moist yolks.

    Pinwheels

    Veggie pinwheels are the best. All you need is a little cream cheese filling and some shredded veggies. Spread, roll, and slice.

    Bruschetta

    Toasted French bread. Slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil. This simple appetizer will disappear before you know it.

    Got leftover chicken salad? Find out how long chicken salad lasts. Plus, get the scoop on whether you can freeze chicken salad. Usually not, but there are some exceptions.

    Fruit

    Fruit tray, fruit salad, or fruit appetizers. There are so many ways to serve fruit with chicken salad at a lady’s luncheon.

    Sure, you can serve fruit at any luncheon, but women often prefer lighter sides.

    Consider these options for baby showers, bridal showers, women’s business networking lunches, female church luncheons, and teacher appreciation meals.

    Fruit Tray

    Slice fresh, seasonal fruit to make your fruit tray. Serve with marshmallow crème fruit dip for an unforgettable treat.

    Fruit and Cake Dessert Skewers

    Skewer berries, cake cubes, and marshmallows. For added fun, drizzle melted chocolate over them.

    What is a get-together without a creative way to serve the food? Learn interesting ways to serve chicken salad at a party.

    Veggies

    A vegetable tray or veggie appetizers are always appreciated at a potluck.

    Vegetable Tray

    Your local farmers market can load you up with seasonal vegetables for your platter. Enjoy carrots, celery, broccoli, peas, asparagus, and radishes dipped in a sour cream dill dip.

    Cucumber Bites

    Slice the cucumbers into 1-inch pieces. Then top with a dollop of ranch-flavored cream cheese. No one will complain if you sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top.

    Learn all about cooking bacon in the oven for crisp or chewy strips.

    Stuffed Celery Sticks

    Nutella and peanut butter stuffed celery sticks combine sweet and savory in this unique appetizer.

    • Buy Nutella.
    • Buy peanut butter

    Stuffed Tomatoes

    Pull out the hummus or cream cheese and stuff it into cherry tomatoes. Then top with an olive slice, and you are ready to go.

    Caprese Skewers

    Delight in exquisite caprese skewers. These charming sticks are a medley of juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, drizzled with a tantalizing balsamic glaze. Light, elegant, perfect for a potluck.

    Chips

    There are many ways to serve chips at a party. Plain, with dip, or with salsa. Consider these easy ideas.

    Potato, Tortilla, and Flavored Chips

    • Potato chips. Wavy, ruffled, classic. Flavors ranging from original and barbecue to cheddar or sour cream & onion. Buy a couple of bags and let guests choose their favorites. Buy potato chips.
    • Flavored tortilla chips. Doritos has the market on these chips. Try nacho cheese, cool ranch, or salsa verde. Buy flavored tortilla chips.
    • Flavored corn chips. Hello Fritos. Original, chili cheese, or barbecue. These chips are yummy with chicken salad. Buy corn chips.
    • More snack chips. Ready for more snack suggestions. Consider Cheetos, pita chips, Veggie Straws, pita cracker thins, and pretzels. Buy here.

    Tortilla Chips and Salsa

    If you have time, make some homemade salsa to go with your tortilla chips. Here are a few tasty salsas to pair with chips.

    • Guacamole. Learn how to make guacamole in 3 easy steps.   Choose the right avocados, control your spicy heat level, and be selective with your add-in ingredients.  
    • 7-layer dip. Try this versatile 7-layer dip recipe and discover why it will be the last one you’ll ever need. Learn all the layers in a 7-layer dip, plus discover why a recipe for this quick snack is optional. 

    Try this cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing. It may become your new favorite chicken salad recipe.

    Crackers

    Crackers are an easy side to serve with chicken salad at a luncheon. Forget the bread and go straight to the crackers. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

    • Triscuits. Buy here.
    • Club crackers. Buy here.
    • Ritz crackers. Buy here.

    Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

    Need a fun finger food for your next party? This baked mac and cheese bites recipe is the perfect appetizer for kids and adults. Easy to freeze, quick to reheat.

    Pasta Salad

    Homemade pesto makes this pasta salad stand out. That and the grilled onions and peppers topping freshly cooked pasta. A crowd favorite for sure.

    Macaroni Fruit Salad

    Macaroni fruit salad is a little sweet, a little savory, and a little creamy. You may not see it on every buffet table, but it is delicious and filling. Just what you need.

    Mac and Cheese

    Ready for some comfort food? Creamy mac and cheese is right on the mark. Guests will gobble it up when served as a side with chicken salad.

    Love your Instant Pot? Get the recipe for making Instant Pot chicken salad with grapes.

    Soup

    Soup and sandwich? Yes please. That is a popular pairing for a luncheon. Here are some of the best soups to serve with chicken salad sandwiches.

    Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Cream Cheese

    Enjoy a rich, creamy Vitamix butternut squash soup recipe made with cream cheese and white beans. It is cozy and perfect for cool weather. Make it on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker.

    You may also be interested in this post on other sides to serve with butternut squash soup. Or this one on the best bread for butternut squash soup.

    Pumpkin Soup with Apple and Ginger

    Blend fresh herbs and spices to make amazing pumpkin soup. Quick and easy to make with an electric pressure cooker. Ready to serve in just 30 minutes. Don't forget the soup toppings.

    Get the best sides and breads for pumpkin soup. And if the soup is too thin, learn how to thicken pumpkin soup.

    Tomato Soup

    A cup of tomato soup perfectly matches a chicken salad sandwich at a luncheon. Creamy, flavorful and bright, make a large pot of soup with fresh tomatoes and carrots.

    Potato Soup

    Pull out those leftover baked potatoes for this dreamy soup. Potatoes, leeks, and carrots. What more could you ask for?

    Broccoli Cheddar Soup

    Try a copycat Panera broccoli cheddar soup. Loads of chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and melty cheese.

    Serving store-bought chicken salad for your luncheon? Learn all the tips to make store-bought chicken salad taste better.

    Desserts

    You can't feed people without thinking of desserts. Here is a bunch of fantastic treats to serve with chicken salad.

    Strawberry Banana Pudding

    This fantastic strawberry banana pudding recipe is the best dessert for a crowd. Learn how to prep the strawberries for 3 exciting varieties of the recipe.

    Chewy Snickerdoodles without Cream of Tartar

    Do you want to make the BEST snickerdoodle cookies? Learn the 7 techniques that will take your snickerdoodles from good to absolutely AMAZING! 

    Thick, soft and chewy, the cookies taste of cinnamon and sugar sweetness.

    Brownies

    Blondies, brownies, peanut butter/chocolate. Any brownie will get scarfed down when served with chicken salad at a luncheon.

    Mini Cheesecake Bites

    Easily pick up a package of frozen Cheesecake Factory mini cheesecake bites at Costco. A micro version of 3 flavors will be a popular pick at the luncheon table.

    Or make your own version.

    Banana Muffins

    Moist banana bread slices (or banana muffins) are an excellent healthy dessert to serve with chicken salad at a luncheon. Not too heavy and easy to self serve.

    Or try blueberry muffins or zucchini muffins.

    Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

    Indulge in heavenly chocolate chip Bundt cake, a moist and rich masterpiece studded with gooey chocolate chips and crowned. The ultimate sweet finale with a silky chocolate glaze complements any luncheon.

    Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie

    Nothing leaves guests satisfied more than chocolate chip cookies as a finishing touch to a meal. Make Hershey chocolate chip cookies when you want to make a big batch with ease.

    More Side Dish Ideas You'll Love

    • Side dishes for sloppy joes
    • Ideas to serve with cinnamon rolls
    • Best bread to pair with soup

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    Hey there, Foodie Friend! I'm Tami and I’ve never set foot in a fancy cooking school. But with a pinch of curiosity, a dash of trial and error, and a few kitchen shenanigans, I’ve created a recipe box full of crowd-pleasers to share with you. And I’m gonna divulge all the savory secrets and clever culinary hacks I’ve learned along the way. If you want your homemade goodies to be ridiculously tasty, grab your whisk, put on your apron, and let’s get started.

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