What Dressing Goes with Chicken Salad? (16 Dressings)

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or as a side at a picnic or barbecue.

The great thing about chicken salad is that it can be customized to your liking with different herbs, fruits, and nuts.

And of course, the dressing is key!

The right dressing can take your chicken salad from good to great.

There are so many delicious dressings out there, it can be hard to decide which one to use.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Here are 16 of the best dressings for chicken salad.

From classic mayonnaise to tangy vinaigrettes, there’s sure to be a dressing that you’ll love.

Why Consider Using A Dressing with Chicken Salad?

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients.

However, many people find that a dressing is necessary to make the dish taste good.

There are a few reasons why using a dressing with chicken salad is important.

First of all, it helps to bring out the flavor of the chicken.

In addition, different dressings can add different flavors and textures to the salad.

A dressing can also help to keep the chicken moist and make it easier to eat.

Last but not least, many people find that a dressing makes chicken salad more enjoyable to eat.

What Dressing Goes with Chicken Salad?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a dressing for chicken salad.

First, you’ll want to think about the other ingredients in the salad.

If the salad includes fruits and vegetables, you’ll want a dressing that is light and refreshing, such as a vinaigrette.

If the salad includes heavier ingredients, such as bacon or avocado, you’ll want a richer dressing, such as ranch or Caesar.

You’ll also want to consider the flavor of the chicken itself.

If the chicken is grilled or smoked, you may want to use a barbecue-style dressing.

If the chicken is poached or roasted, a more traditional creamy dressing would be a good choice.

For even more ideas, keep scrolling!

1. Balsamic Vinaigrette

Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic dressing that pairs perfectly with chicken salad, as it’s made from balsamic vinegar and oil.

The sweet tang of the vinegar complements the savory taste of chicken, and the rich feel of the oil pairs well with the creamy texture of chicken.

2. Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is also made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar, but instead of using lemon juice for flavoring like in balsamic vinaigrette, it uses lemon zest or lemon juice to give it a tangy taste.

This dressing goes particularly well with chicken salad because it has a similar flavor profile—it’s just a bit more acidic than balsamic vinaigrette.

3. Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing is another great option for pairing with chicken salad because its sharp taste complements the more mellow flavors of chicken and mayonnaise-based dressings.

Blue cheese also has a strong enough flavor that it can stand up against other ingredients in a dish like this one; it’s not overpowered by any other flavors or textures when used as an accompaniment to something else like this dish does.

4. Honey Mustard Dressing

This dressing pairs well with chicken salad because it has a strong kick of flavor—it’s not too sweet or too tart, but it still packs a punch.

It also has lots of fragrant mustard seeds in it and even more tangy-sweet honey.

The result is a perfect balance between sweet and savory that makes this dressing ideal for chicken salad.

5. Italian Dressing

Italian dressing is one of the most popular dressings in America, so it’s no wonder that it goes so well with chicken salad!

The combination of garlic and oregano give this dressing an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture of chopped up veggies and greens in your chicken salad bowl.

It also adds just enough spice to keep things interesting without overpowering your palate… which means the flavors of your meal will really shine through!

6. Ranch Dressing

This is another one that just works well with chicken salad because it brings some tanginess to the party while still giving you that creamy texture you love so much in a dressing.

But be careful: Ranch can be high in fat if you’re not careful about what kind of ranch dressing you buy—so make sure it’s low-fat if possible!

7. Thousand Island Dressing

This classic dressing is super creamy, with just a touch of tanginess from the pickles.

It’s also got a little kick from the spices and some sweetness from the tomato paste.

It’s not too heavy, so it won’t weigh down your salad.

The best part?

You can make it at home in about five minutes!

8. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is great because it adds a nice smoky flavor to your dish.

It’s also got lots of umami—that savory taste that makes you feel full and satisfied.

If you’re looking for something spicy, try adding hot sauce as well as BBQ sauce to your chicken salad!

Keep in mind that if you add too much hot sauce, it might get a little soggy, so use sparingly at first until you find what works best for you!

9. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is a great add-in for chicken salad because it adds a little tang and some heat, but not so much that it overpowers the chicken salad.

If you’re using hot sauce, keep it light—and don’t be afraid to mix things up with different flavors like lemon-pepper or chipotle!

10. Sour Cream

Sour cream is another great dressing because it adds a creamy texture that goes well with the crunchy vegetables in your salad.

You can even use sour cream as the base for your own dressing recipes!

For example, try mixing sour cream with lime juice and cilantro for a delicious Mexican-inspired flavor.

Or try adding some fresh garlic and shallots for an Asian flair!

11. Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic add-in because it adds just enough sweetness to balance out all of the savory flavors from your veggies and protein source.

If you have ketchup on hand at all times (and who doesn’t?), then this is definitely one of our go-to dressings!

12. Mayonnaise

Perhaps the most classic dressing is mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise is a creamy mixture of egg yolk, oil, and vinegar.

The acidity of the vinegar helps to bring out the flavor of the chicken and other ingredients in the salad.

It also acts as an emulsifier for the oil and vinegar, which means that it helps them stay combined.

It’s important to use real mayonnaise made from eggs rather than a store-bought substitute like Miracle Whip or Kraft Singles—those products have been treated with preservatives and artificial ingredients that will ruin your chicken salad.

13. Olive Oil

Olive oil is a healthy alternative to using mayonnaise in your salad—it adds an extra bit of flavor and heart-healthy fats!

14. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a light dressing that can easily be added to any chicken salad recipe without making it taste too acidic or overpowering.

Lemon juice also helps keep the salad from turning brown or yellow as it sits out on your countertop, so if you’re serving this dish at a party or picnic where it might sit out for hours before being eaten, lemon juice is an excellent choice!

15. Dijon Mustard Dressing

Dijon mustard is tangy and sharp, and it pairs well with the chicken.

When you add it to your chicken salad, you get a nice contrast between the crunchiness of the lettuce and celery and the softness of the chicken.

This dressing is also very easy to make!

1. Just mix 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a bowl until it’s fully combined.
2. Then add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey (or brown sugar) to taste.

You can use more or less honey depending on how sweet you want your dressing to be.

If you like sour flavors, add in some lemon juice or vinegar as well!

Store this dressing in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it again!

16. Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

The consistency of this dressing is very thick and creamy—it’s perfect as a dip for vegetables or pita bread chips!

It can also be used as a salad dressing for chicken salad by adding fresh herbs like basil or dill.