Are you tired of the same old chicken salad sandwich? Maybe you’re cutting carbs, following a keto diet, or just looking to switch things up. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of creative and tasty ways to enjoy chicken salad without reaching for bread!
I’ve been experimenting with breadless chicken salad options for years, and I’m excited to share my favorite alternatives that are just as satisfying—if not more so—than the traditional sandwich.
Why Skip the Bread?
Before diving into alternatives, let’s talk about why you might want to skip bread:
- You’re following a low-carb or keto diet
- You have gluten sensitivity
- You’re simply looking for variety
- You want to increase your veggie intake
- You’ve run out of bread (we’ve all been there!)
Now let’s explore some delicious ways to enjoy that creamy. savory chicken salad without the bread!
1. Wrapped in Crisp Lettuce Leaves
This is probably the most popular bread alternative, and for good reason! Lettuce wraps provide a satisfying crunch while letting the flavor of your chicken salad shine through.
How to do it:
- Choose large, sturdy lettuce leaves (romaine, butter lettuce, or iceberg work well)
- Wash and pat dry
- Fill with chicken salad
- Fold the sides and roll up like a burrito
The crisp texture provides a refreshing contrast to creamy chicken salad. Plus, it’s super low in calories and adds extra nutrients!
2. Stuffed in Avocado Halves
This is my personal favorite! The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado perfectly complements chicken salad
To make:
- Cut an avocado in half and remove the pit
- Scoop a small amount of avocado out to make more room (save it to mix into your chicken salad!)
- Fill the cavity with chicken salad
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or paprika for extra flavor
This option adds healthy fats and makes for an Instagram-worthy lunch!
3. Scooped with Cucumber Slices
For a light, refreshing option, thick cucumber slices make perfect little “crackers” for scooping up chicken salad.
Try this:
- Slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- Remove some of the seedy center with a small spoon to create a shallow bowl
- Top each with a small scoop of chicken salad
- Garnish with fresh dill
These make adorable appetizers for parties too!
4. On Top of Keto-Friendly Crackers
If you’re missing that crunch factor, try using almond flour or cheese-based crackers as a base for your chicken salad.
Many stores now offer low-carb cracker options, or you can make your own cheese crisps by baking small piles of shredded cheese until crispy. These provide the perfect vehicle for chicken salad without the carbs of traditional crackers.
5. In a Hollowed Bell Pepper
Bell peppers make colorful and nutritious “bowls” for chicken salad!
Here’s how:
- Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise
- Remove seeds and membranes
- Fill with chicken salad
- Enjoy with a knife and fork
The sweet crunch of the pepper adds a delightful contrast to savory chicken salad. Try different colored peppers for variety!
6. On Top of a Baked Potato
For a more filling option, top a baked potato with your chicken salad. This works especially well if you’re using leftover roast chicken in your salad.
Make it extra tasty:
- Bake a potato until tender
- Split it open
- Add a touch of butter if desired
- Top with warm chicken salad
- Sprinkle with cheese and chives
This comfort food combo is particularly satisfying on chilly days!
7. As a Dip with Veggie Sticks
Turn your chicken salad into a dip! This works best if your chicken salad is on the creamier side.
Serve with:
- Carrot sticks
- Celery stalks
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
- Jicama sticks
- Cherry tomatoes
This option is great for casual gatherings or when you want to increase your veggie intake.
8. In Endive Leaves
Endive leaves have a natural boat shape that’s perfect for holding chicken salad.
Their slightly bitter flavor contrasts nicely with creamy chicken salad, and they provide a satisfying crunch. Plus, they look fancy without requiring any real effort!
9. In an Omelet or Frittata
This might sound unusual, but warm chicken salad makes a delicious filling for omelets or frittatas!
Quick recipe idea:
- Whisk eggs with a splash of milk
- Pour into a hot, oiled pan
- When eggs begin to set, add a spoonful of chicken salad to one half
- Fold omelet over and cook until eggs are set
- Serve with fresh herbs
This makes for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch option!
10. With Rice Crackers
If you’re avoiding wheat but not all grains, rice crackers can be a good alternative to bread.
They’re typically more neutral in flavor than wheat crackers, allowing the taste of your chicken salad to shine through. Look for brown rice varieties for extra fiber.
11. In a Taco Shell
Who says tacos have to be filled with Mexican-inspired ingredients? A hard taco shell can add a satisfying crunch to chicken salad!
Make it fun:
- Warm taco shells according to package directions
- Fill with chicken salad
- Top with diced tomatoes, avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese
- Add hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
Kids especially love this creative twist on chicken salad.
12. On a Bed of Spinach or Mixed Greens
Sometimes the simplest option is the best. Serve your chicken salad on top of a bed of fresh greens for an instant salad upgrade.
Pro tip: Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice to dress the greens underneath, then top with your chicken salad. The combination of textures and flavors is divine!
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Salad
No matter how you serve it, a good chicken salad starts with these basics:
- Use quality chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience
- Don’t skimp on seasoning: Salt, pepper, and herbs make all the difference
- Add crunch: Celery, water chestnuts, or chopped nuts add texture
- Include something sweet: Grapes, dried cranberries, or diced apples balance the savory flavors
- Use enough binder: Mayo, Greek yogurt, or a combination keeps everything together
Making It a Complete Meal
When you’re not serving chicken salad on bread, you might wonder how to make it a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Add a side of fresh fruit
- Serve with a cup of soup
- Include a handful of nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats
- Pair with roasted sweet potato wedges for a heartier meal
The Bottom Line
Who needs bread when there are so many delicious ways to enjoy chicken salad? These alternatives not only cut carbs but also add nutrients, flavors, and textures that might make you forget all about traditional sandwiches.
I’ve personally found that exploring these options has made me more creative in the kitchen and helped me incorporate more veggies into my diet. Win-win!
Next time you whip up a batch of chicken salad, try one (or several) of these ideas. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dish!
What’s your favorite way to eat chicken salad without bread? I’d love to hear your creative ideas in the comments below!
Lettuce and Other Greens
Chicken salad is a perfect topping on a bed of salad greens. It turns into a healthy meal, complete with protein and vegetables.
Another option is to stuff the chicken filling in a large lettuce leaf and eat it like a wrap. This is my favorite way to eat chicken salad for lunch.
Here are some of the best salad greens to eat with chicken salad:
- Romaine lettuce. Suitable for a sandwich wrap or salad. Learn all about the lettuce in this ultimate romaine lettuce guide.
- Butterhead lettuce. Boston, butter, and bib lettuces are all examples of butterhead lettuce. This lettuce can be used as a wrap if you use one of the larger outer leaves. Otherwise, smaller leaves make a good salad bed for the chicken filling.
- Green leaf lettuce. Loose leaf lettuce is my favorite base for a green salad. The leaves are also big enough for a chicken salad sandwich wrap.
- Arugula. Make a bed of baby arugula and microgreens for a hearty chicken salad meal.
- Kale. Lacinato makes a good sandwich wrap. I think curly kale is too tough to eat without shredding it first. Check out my ultimate guide to kale.
- Cabbage. Do you want a hearty wrap? Then use a cabbage leaf. The wrap will hold its shape without tearing as you munch on it.
- Spinach. Use baby spinach as a salad bed and large spinach leaves as the base of a wrap.
RELATED: Ready for some fun ways to serve chicken salad? I list them all in the post on creative ways to serve chicken salad at a party.
Ever made deviled eggs? Change things up and make chicken salad deviled eggs. It is an unforgettable appetizer.
- First, hard-boil the eggs. Check out my post on the perfect way to hard-boil eggs to get moist, delicious yolks.
- Then cut the hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks in the chicken salad.
- Finally, stuff chicken salad in the empty egg crevice.
Rice cakes are round snacks made of puffed rice that has been condensed into a shape. They are crunchy just like crackers. However, they are much larger and thicker, so they can hold a lot of sandwich filling without breaking.
Rice cakes can be unflavored or seasoned. Garlic or herb-flavored rice cakes are appetizing topped with chicken salad. After eating a light and filling lunch, you may just forgo bread all the time.
You can also find corn cakes that are almost identical to rice cakes. Try either one in place of bread with chicken salad.
Some raw vegetables are an ideal container to hold chicken salad. Veggie-stuffed chicken salad coming right up. You get a unique raw vegetable appetizer, perfect for any party.
Here are a few favorite veggies to stuff:
- Celery Sticks. Forget smearing peanut butter or cream cheese in the center of celery pieces. Instead, try spreading chicken salad inside. After all, most chicken salad recipes call for celery as an ingredient, so the flavor will be delicious. My chicken salad recipe for a crowd would be delicious on celery sticks.
- Cucumber slices. Forget the crackers. Spoon a dollop of chicken salad filling on a cucumber slice. It is the perfect mini plate for a yummy appetizer.
- Mini sweet peppers. These mini bell peppers come in colorful shades of red, orange, and yellow. They are small enough to be an appetizer and are vivid enough to make an attractive platter. You can also stuff a full-sized bell pepper for an entrée. I recommend filling half the pepper with shredded salad greens and topping them with chicken salad.
- Water chestnuts. Yes, water chestnuts are vegetables, not nuts. Make an appetizer with chicken salad on top of water chestnut slices. Eating them with a fork may be easier than with your fingers.
- Avocado. Ready to get your healthy fats? Cut open a ripe avocado and remove the seed. Stuff ¼ cup of chicken salad in the hole where the seed used to be. It is easiest to eat this one with a spoon. Read up on how to pick a good avocado and then follow up on the best way to cut avocado for any occasion.
Some say fruit. Others say veggie. I say they get their own category in the food to eat with chicken salad.
Here are some of the best ways to eat chicken salad with tomatoes.
- Stuff grape or cherry tomatoes with chicken salad for an appetizer.
- Cut a beefsteak tomato into slices and spread chicken salad on top.
- Slice a Roma tomato in half. Scoop out the juicy filling. Scoop the chicken salad back into the empty tomato half.
Oh, the variety of tortillas available. Flour, corn, spinach, and gluten-free.
Tortillas are perfect for making a chicken salad wrap. Try one for a delicious lunch.
Or, if you prefer finger food, slice the rolled tortilla into pinwheels. Use this cranberry pecan chicken salad recipe for the filling. It will make a festive appetizer for your next holiday party.
Chicken salad pairs with more than just savory foods. Many fruits are scrumptious with chicken. So why not try one with chicken salad if you want to avoid serving it with bread.
- Apple. Cut an apple in half and remove the seeds. Spoon the chicken salad in the empty crevice and enjoy your main dish with your fruit.Note: The minute you cut the apple, it will start to brown. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar helps a little. Fruit Fresh (affiliate link) is a citric acid product that is more effective than juice.
- Pineapple Rings. Pineapple and chicken are a match that may remind you of the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Make your chicken salad with macadamia nuts. Place a pineapple ring on a small butter lettuce leaf. Then fill the pineapple hole with chicken salad. Optional: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top. Luau appetizer ready to serve.
- Apricots. Small and delicious with chicken. Cut the apricot in half and remove the seed. Scoop the chicken salad in the hole and enjoy. Remember to use a ripe avocado for a sweet, savory taste.
How to Make Chicken Salad | Chicken Salad Recipe | Lunch Ideas | Canned Chicken Recipes
FAQ
What can I eat with chicken salad besides bread?
Chips are hands down my favorite side dish for chicken salad. Maybe it’s nostalgia from how chicken salad was served to me growing up or maybe you just can be a crispy fried potato! Either way, the salty crispiness of chips makes it a perfect accompaniment for chicken salad.
What is the best thing to eat chicken salad with?
Simply toast up some sourdough bread, add in a few lettuce leaves, and top this chicken salad on top. It’s delicious! Eat it on lettuce wraps: Want a lower-carb way to enjoy this chicken salad? Wrap it up in some romaine lettuce leaves for a crunchy, refreshing, and delicious way to eat this recipe!
What compliments a chicken salad?
- Soup. An easy Soup recipe is always a great option to pair with Chicken Salad, especially in the Fall and Winter months. …
- Classic Salads with Greens. …
- Pasta Salads. …
- Grain Salad. …
- Macaroni and Cheese. …
- Vegetable Sides. …
- Coleslaw.
How do you jazz up chicken salad?
Optional Chicken Salad Recipe Add-Ins
There’s a lot you can do with this chicken salad recipe. Add minced fresh herbs like parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon. Add fresh grapes for juicy little bursts of flavor. Add cooked pasta to stretch the chicken salad into a larger meal.
What can you eat with chicken salad besides bread?
The best foods to eat with chicken salad besides bread are crackers, greens, veggies, and fruits. Spread, layer, or stuff the chicken salad filling into one of these bread alternatives. Chicken salad has never been so versatile. RELATED: Get fantastic ideas for side dishes to serve with chicken salad at a luncheon.
Can you use lettuce instead of bread in chicken salad?
You can use lettuce as a replacement for bread in your chicken salad recipe and transform it into a healthy lunch or dinner. You can also use spinach or other leafy greens instead of lettuce. When you’re serving your favorite chicken salad without bread, keep the toppings and condiments simple.
What goes with chicken salad?
Between soups, green salads, potato chips or even pickles, a wide variety of options are available to you when it comes to sides to pair with chicken salad. Really that’s the beauty of it though, it can go with or be adapted to go with near enough anything.
Can you eat chicken salad without bread?
There are plenty of tasty foods to eat with chicken salad instead of bread. Try stuffing chicken salad in the hollow of an apple. There are so many ways to eat chicken salad without bread. What should you eat with chicken salad instead of bread? The best foods to eat with chicken salad besides bread are crackers, greens, veggies, and fruits.
Can you eat crackers with chicken salad?
Try crackers if you want to avoid eating bread with chicken salad. Top the cracker with chicken salad, or use the crackers to dip into the salad. Chicken salad served with crackers makes a wonderful appetizer or snack. Dozens of crackers are delicious with chicken salad. The best news is that you can find gluten-free and other healthy crackers.
What salad greens can you eat with chicken salad?
Here are some of the best salad greens to eat with chicken salad: Romaine lettuce. Suitable for a sandwich wrap or salad. Learn all about the lettuce in this ultimate romaine lettuce guide. Butterhead lettuce. Boston, butter, and bib lettuces are all examples of butterhead lettuce.