What makes this chicken salad sandwich recipe a real keeper is the creamy, crunchy texture and the personal twists you can bring to it. Over the years, this sandwich has earned its place at our family’s table, witnessing countless lunchtime giggles and evening heart-to-hearts. Now, it’s your turn to bring this simple yet magical recipe into your culinary repertoire.
How to make Chicken Salad Sandwich
A Chicken Salad Sandwich typically consists of shredded or diced cooked chicken mixed with a dressing, often mayonnaise, along with various ingredients like celery, onions, grapes, or nuts for added flavor and texture. This mixture is usually served between two slices of bread, in a wrap, or on a bed of lettuce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (Rotisserie chicken works great for a flavorful shortcut!)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red or green grapes, halved (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds or pecans, toasted and chopped (for that delightful crunch)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (to brighten up the flavors)
- A pinch of garlic powder (for a subtle depth of flavor)
- Your choice of bread (whole wheat, sourdough, croissants, and multi-grain are all great options)
- Lettuce leaves or arugula (for a fresh, peppery bite)
- Tomato slices (optional)
- Additional mayonnaise or mustard (if desired)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken if it’s not already pre-cooked. Boiling or grilling are great methods. Once cooked, let it cool before dicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the Nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the almonds or pecans until they’re golden and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, grapes, red onion, and toasted nuts. Give it a gentle toss.
- Create the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Chill: Let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional but it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread additional mayo or mustard on your chosen bread if you like. Then, layer on the lettuce leaves followed by a generous helping of the chicken salad. Add tomato slices if you’re including them.
- Serve: Put the top half of the bread on and serve immediately. If you’re packing this for a lunch to-go, keep the salad separate and assemble just before eating to avoid soggy bread.
Tips:
- Freshness Counts: Use the freshest ingredients you can find, especially when it comes to the greens and the lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the chicken salad by adding ingredients like diced apples for extra sweetness or swap the mayo for avocado for a healthier fat option.
- Balance the Texture: Make sure there’s a balance of textures with the crunch from celery and nuts and the creaminess from the dressing.
- Keep it Cool: If you’re serving this at a picnic or as a make-ahead meal, keep it in a cooler or refrigerated until you’re ready to eat.
What to serve with
Pairing the perfect side dishes with a Chicken Salad Sandwich can elevate your meal from simply satisfying to absolutely delightful. Considering the creamy, crunchy, and savory elements of the sandwich, here are some delectable options for sides that complement these flavors and textures beautifully:
1. Crisp Vegetable Sticks and Hummus: A light and healthy choice, crisp vegetable sticks such as carrots, celery, cucumber, and bell peppers offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich. Dip them in hummus for an additional layer of flavor.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can be a sweet, refreshing side that balances the savory notes of the chicken salad sandwich. Think of combining fruits like berries, mango, pineapple, and kiwi. The natural sweetness and acidity of the fruits help cleanse the palate.
3. Soup: A cup of soup alongside your sandwich can make for a comforting and filling meal. Opt for lighter broths or creamy soups like tomato basil, garden vegetable, or even a chilled gazpacho during warmer months.
4. Potato or Pasta Salad: Classic picnic sides, a well-made potato salad or pasta salad, can complement your chicken salad sandwich with delicious flavors and textures. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette as the base instead of mayonnaise.
5. Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled vegetables like cucumbers, beets, or even a homemade quick pickle mix of radishes and carrots can cut through the richness of the salad and refresh your palate.
6. Chips and Dip: For something more casual or for an on-the-go meal, kettle-cooked chips or vegetable chips with a side of flavorful dip (think tzatziki, guacamole, or salsa) can be a crunchy, satisfying addition.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw, whether it’s mayo-based or vinaigrette-based, adds a nice textural contrast to the creamy chicken salad. It’s also a breeze to prepare ahead of time.
8. Cheese and Crackers: A simple platter of assorted cheeses and artisan crackers can turn your chicken salad sandwich meal into a more upscale picnic or casual party fare. Add some grapes or figs on the side for a touch of sweetness.
9. Sweet Potato Fries: Offer a sweet and salty edge with oven-baked sweet potato fries. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional French fries and can add a delightful crunch and color to your plate.
10. Green Salad: Sometimes, keeping it simple with a green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can be the perfect accompaniment, adding freshness and vibrancy to your meal. Incorporate mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added texture.
11. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Don’t forget about the perfect drink to wash it all down. A glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade can be both refreshing and complement the flavors of your overall meal.
12. Dessert Options: End on a sweet note with a light dessert like lemon bars, macarons, or fresh berries with whipped cream. These options provide a sweet counterpoint without overwhelming the palate after the main meal.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a chicken salad sandwich allows for a myriad of ingredient substitutes to cater to different dietary needs, taste preferences, or to simply use what you have on hand.
Chicken:
- Tofu or Tempeh: For vegetarians or vegans, firm tofu or tempeh can be a great substitute. Make sure to press, marinate for flavor, and then bake or pan-fry.
- Chickpeas: Another plant-based option is mashed chickpeas, which provide a similar protein-packed bite.
- Turkey or Tuna: If you have leftover turkey or prefer another type of meat, these can be good alternatives while still keeping the dish meat-based.
- Egg Salad: Hard-boiled eggs can replace chicken for an egg salad version.
Mayo:
- Greek Yogurt: For a lighter and tangier alternative to mayo, Greek yogurt works wonderfully.
- Avocado: Mashed avocado can provide creaminess along with healthy fats.
- Hummus: To add a different flavor profile and creamy texture, hummus can be used.
- Sour Cream or Crème Fraîche: These can offer a richer taste and creaminess with a bit of tang.
Celery:
- Jicama: For crunch without the distinct taste of celery, jicama is an excellent choice.
- Apple: Adding diced apples can give a sweetness and crunch that complements the savory chicken.
- Cucumber: This will provide a refreshing crunch while being neutral in flavor.
Grapes:
- Dried Cranberries or Raisins: If fresh grapes aren’t available, dried fruit like cranberries or raisins can add sweetness and texture.
- Chopped Apple or Pear: These can contribute a similar juicy crunch.
Nuts (Like Almonds or Walnuts):
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can offer a crunch for those allergic to nuts.
- Chopped Vegetables: For additional texture without nuts, try adding more diced vegetables like bell peppers.
Onion:
- Shallots: For a milder onion flavor, shallots can be finely minced and used.
- Green Onions: The green parts of green onions can provide a less intense onion flavor.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives give a mild, almost garlicky flavor.
Bread:
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, large lettuce leaves like butter lettuce can hold the chicken salad beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Bread: A wide variety of GF bread is available for those with gluten intolerance.
- Croissants or Wraps: For a different bread experience, use flaky croissants or soft wraps.
Seasonings (Herbs, Mustard, Salt, Pepper, etc.):
- Fresh for Dried Herbs or Vice Versa: If you don’t have fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, dried ones can be used in smaller quantities as they are more potent.
- Different Mustards: Try Dijon, stone-ground, or honey mustard to slightly change the flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice for Vinegar: A splash of lemon juice can bring freshness and acidity, just as a dash of vinegar (apple cider, white wine, etc.) can.
Final Thoughts
With this classic Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe in your culinary toolkit, you’re all set for a comfort food experience that’s not only satisfying but also customizable to your taste.
More Salad Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red or green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds or pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (to brighten up the flavors)
- A pinch of garlic powder (for a subtle depth of flavor)
- Your choice of bread
- Lettuce leaves or arugula (for a fresh, peppery bite)
- Tomato slices (optional)
- Additional mayonnaise or mustard (if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken if it's not already pre-cooked. Boiling or grilling are great methods. Once cooked, let it cool before dicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast the Nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the almonds or pecans until they're golden and fragrant. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, grapes, red onion, and toasted nuts. Give it a gentle toss.
- Create the dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Chill: Let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional but it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread additional mayo or mustard on your chosen bread if you like. Then, layer on the lettuce leaves followed by a generous helping of the chicken salad. Add tomato slices if you're including them.
- Serve: Put the top half of the bread on and serve immediately. If you're packing this for a lunch to-go, keep the salad separate and assemble just before eating to avoid soggy bread.
