15 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Salad Croissants

Are you planning to serve chicken salad croissants for lunch or dinner but don’t know what else to put on your plate? I know what you’re going through because I love hosting parties and have tried a lot of different side dishes to find the ones that go best with these tasty sandwiches.

Chicken salad croissants are already a great combination. The creamy chicken salad inside the buttery, flaky pastry is like heaven. But if you serve this simple sandwich with the right sides, it can become a memorable meal that will make your guests want seconds (and your recipes!)

This article will talk about my favorite sides that go well with chicken salad croissants. These sides create well-balanced meals with different textures and flavors that go well together. I can help you with any kind of party, from a casual lunch to an elegant brunch to a dinner party.

Fresh and Crunchy Side Dishes

When serving something as rich and creamy as chicken salad on buttery croissants, you need something with crunch and freshness to balance things out.

1. Mixed Green Salad with Light Vinaigrette

With the rich chicken salad, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing goes great. The acidic dressing and fresh greens really cut through the creaminess.

Pro tip: Avoid heavy, creamy dressings since your main dish already has plenty of richness. Stick with light vinaigrettes – lemon or balsamic work especially well!

2. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This refreshing combo is one of my go-to sides for chicken salad croissants

• Sliced cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper

The cool, crisp textures and clean flavors provide a delightful counterpoint to the sandwich.

3. Coleslaw

Coleslaw and chicken salad is a classic pairing for good reason! I personally prefer a vinegar-based coleslaw rather than creamy versions when serving with chicken salad croissants The tanginess helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich sandwich,

4. Fresh Fruit Salad

A medley of seasonal fruits brings natural sweetness and juiciness that pairs wonderfully with savory chicken salad. Try combinations like:

• Berries, melon and grapes in summer
• Apples, pears and citrus in cooler months

The fruity sweetness creates a lovely flavor contrast while adding nutritional balance to your meal.

Savory and Hearty Options

If you’re looking for something more substantial to round out your meal, these heartier sides won’t disappoint.

5. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a natural companion to chicken salad croissants, but I recommend using a lighter version with herbs and vinaigrette rather than another mayo-heavy dish. This creates better flavor balance overall.

6. Pasta Salad

A vibrant pasta salad with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing works beautifully alongside chicken salad croissants. Just avoid creamy pasta salads that might compete with your main dish.

My favorite combination includes:

• Bow-tie pasta
• Bell peppers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olives
• Italian dressing

7. Light Soup

A light, brothy soup can provide warmth and complement your sandwich without being too heavy. In cooler months, I love serving chicken salad croissants with:

• Butternut squash soup
• Clear chicken broth with vegetables
• Light vegetable soup

The contrast between the warm soup and cool sandwich creates a satisfying meal experience.

8. Chips

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one! The satisfying crunch of chips provides textural contrast that works wonderfully with soft, creamy chicken salad. Kettle-cooked or baked chips are my preference for a more substantial crunch.

Sweet and Tangy Sides

These sides offer a contrasting flavor profile that can really elevate your chicken salad croissant meal.

9. Pickled Vegetables

The tangy acidity of pickled veggies cuts through the richness of chicken salad beautifully. Try:

• Dill pickles
• Pickled carrots
• Pickled red onions

I like to serve these on the side so guests can add them as desired.

10. Fruit Chutney

A sweet and savory fruit chutney, like mango or apple, adds a complex flavor dimension that pairs wonderfully with chicken salad. The sweet-tangy-spicy notes create an interesting counterpoint to the creamy sandwich.

11. Apple Slices with Cheese

The crisp freshness of apple combined with sharp cheddar cheese offers a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. This simple side adds elegance and balance to your meal.

12. Ambrosia Fruit Salad

For something a bit more indulgent, ambrosia fruit salad combines sweet fruits with coconut, marshmallows and a light creamy dressing. It’s like having a side and dessert in one!

Beverage Pairings

Don’t forget about drinks! The right beverage can enhance your chicken salad croissant experience.

13. Peach Iced Tea

This refreshing beverage complements chicken salad croissants perfectly, especially in warmer months. The subtle sweetness and fruity notes create harmony with the savory sandwich.

14. Lemonade

Classic, tart lemonade provides palate-cleansing acidity that works wonderfully with rich chicken salad.

15. Light White Wine

For adult gatherings, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio makes an excellent pairing. The acidity and light fruit notes complement the sandwich without overwhelming it.

Presentation Tips

How you present your chicken salad croissants and sides matters almost as much as what you serve! Here are some easy ways to elevate your presentation:

• Use fresh herbs as garnish (parsley or dill work great)
• Serve on colorful plates to create visual appeal
• For parties, consider making mini chicken salad croissants
• Line the croissant with lettuce to prevent sogginess
• Arrange sides in small, individual portions for a more elegant look

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I warm the croissant before adding chicken salad?

Generally, no. Cold chicken salad is best served on room-temperature croissants. Warming might make them too soft and potentially soggy. However, very lightly toasting a day-old croissant can enhance its texture.

Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead lets the flavors develop nicely. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble your croissants right before serving.

What’s the best chicken to use for chicken salad?

Poached or roasted chicken breast is ideal. It’s lean, flavorful and easy to dice. I try to avoid canned chicken because the texture and flavor just aren’t the same.

How can I make my chicken salad healthier?

Try using Greek yogurt or light mayo instead of regular mayonnaise. Adding extra veggies like celery and bell peppers increases nutrients and fiber too.

How do I prevent croissants from getting soggy?

Two tricks I swear by:

1. Don’t overfill the croissant
2. Line it with a lettuce leaf to create a barrier between the filling and bread

Final Thoughts

Chicken salad croissants are already delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right sides elevates them to a complete, balanced meal. Whether you go for something fresh and crunchy, savory and hearty, or sweet and tangy, the key is creating contrast and complementary flavors.

My personal favorite combo is a chicken salad croissant with a small mixed green salad and a few pickle spears on the side, finished with a glass of peach iced tea. It’s simple but perfectly balanced!

What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken salad croissants? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!