It’s convenient, delicious, and perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a picnic, a party, or a quick lunch on the go.
However, if you’ve been relying on store-bought chicken salad as your primary source of this tasty dish, you may have noticed that it can get a bit monotonous after a while!
If you are struggling to find joy in your store-bought chicken salad, then have no fear, as we are here to share fifteen ways to make a store-bought chicken salad more interesting and enjoyable.
From adding unique flavors to incorporating unexpected ingredients, these tips will help you transform your basic chicken salad into something truly special.
So if you’re ready to take your chicken salad game to the next level, keep reading!
1. Add In Some Texture
Texture is an important element in making a dish more interesting and enjoyable to eat. Here are a few more ways to add texture to your store-bought chicken salad.
Chopped Nuts
Nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to chicken salad. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the chicken salad can enhance their flavor and texture.
Crispy Bacon
Crumbled or diced bacon can add a smoky flavor and crispy texture to chicken salad. Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy and then crumble it into small pieces.
Panko Bread Crumbs
Adding panko bread crumbs to a chicken salad can give it a crispy texture similar to fried chicken. Mix the panko crumbs with a little bit of melted butter or olive oil before adding them to the salad.
Remember that adding texture to your chicken salad is all about experimenting with different ingredients and finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things!
2. Mix In Some Fresh Herbs
Mixing in fresh herbs is a great way to add a burst of flavor and freshness to store-bought chicken salad, so let’s delve into the best ways to do so.
Use A Combination Of Herbs
Mix and match different herbs to create a unique flavor profile. Some popular choices for chicken salad include parsley, cilantro, basil, dill, and chives.
Chop The Herbs Finely
Make sure to chop the herbs finely so that they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken salad. This will help to ensure that you get a burst of flavor in every bite.
Add The Herbs Just Before Serving
To get the most flavor from your herbs, add them to the chicken salad just before serving. This will help to preserve their freshness and prevent them from wilting.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs will give you the best flavor and aroma. If you don’t have access to fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead, but be sure to use less as they are more concentrated in flavor.
Some ideas for using fresh herbs in your chicken salad include mixing in a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous flavor, adding some cilantro for a slightly tangy, citrusy note, or mixing in some basil for a sweet, fragrant flavor.
3. Include Some Crunch
There are all sorts of ways to add some crunch and bite to your store-bought chicken salad, including the following ingredients.
Celery
Celery is a classic ingredient to add crunch to chicken salad. Chop it finely and mix it in to add a fresh, crisp texture.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers come in a range of colors and can add a sweet, crunchy texture to chicken salad. Dice them into small pieces and mix them in for a burst of color and flavor.
Nuts
Chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts can add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to chicken salad. Toast them beforehand for extra flavor.
Croutons
Add some crunch to your chicken salad by mixing in some croutons. You can make your own or use store-bought ones.
4. Stir In Some Fruit
Adding fruit to your store-bought chicken salad can add a sweet and tangy flavor that can take it to the next level.
That being said, some fruits work better with chicken salad than others, including the following.
Grapes
Halved grapes are a classic addition to chicken salad. They add a juicy sweetness that complements the savory flavors in the salad.
Apples
Diced or sliced apples add a sweet crunch to chicken salad. Granny Smith apples can add a tartness that complements the chicken.
Dried Cranberries
Dried cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor to chicken salad. They also add a chewy texture that can balance out the creaminess of the chicken salad.
Pineapple
Diced pineapple adds a sweet, tropical flavor to chicken salad. It also adds a juicy texture that can make the salad more refreshing.
Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges add a citrusy sweetness to chicken salad. They also add a pop of color and a juicy texture.
Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds add a sweet and tangy flavor to chicken salad. They also add a crunchy texture that can be a nice contrast to the creaminess of the chicken salad.
When adding fruit to your chicken salad, it’s important to choose fruits that complement the flavors of the chicken and the other ingredients in the salad.
5. Mix In Some Spices
Adding spices to a store-bought chicken salad can be a great way to enhance the flavor and make it more exciting.
Here are a few spice options that you might consider.
Curry Powder
Curry powder is a blend of spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger, that is often used in Indian cuisine.
Adding a sprinkle of curry powder to your chicken salad can give it a warm and slightly spicy flavor.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika has a rich, smoky flavor that can add depth to your chicken salad. It pairs well with chicken and can give your salad a bit of a barbecue flavor.
Cumin
Cumin is a spice commonly used in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a warm, earthy flavor that can add complexity to your chicken salad.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder can add a savory flavor to your chicken salad without the overpowering taste of raw garlic. It pairs well with chicken and can add a bit of depth to the overall flavor.
When adding spices to your chicken salad, it’s best to start with a small amount and then taste and adjust as needed. You can always add more if you want a stronger flavor, but it’s difficult to remove the spice once it’s been added.
Also, keep in mind that some store-bought chicken salads may already have some spices and seasonings added, so you’ll want to take that into account when adding your own spices.
6. Add Creaminess
Adding creaminess is a great way to include some extra richness in your store-bought chicken salad, so let’s have a look at some of the best ways to incorporate it.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is a classic ingredient in chicken salad, and it provides a creamy, tangy flavor. You can add a little or a lot, depending on your preference.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, and it can also provide a creamy texture to your chicken salad. It has a tangy flavor that can complement the chicken well.
Avocado
Avocado is a great way to add creaminess to your chicken salad while also adding healthy fats. Mash up half an avocado and mix it into your chicken salad for a creamy texture and a boost of nutrition.
Sour Cream
Sour cream can add a tangy flavor and a creamy texture to your chicken salad. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative to mayonnaise.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese can add a rich and creamy flavor to your chicken salad. It pairs well with herbs like dill or chives.
When adding creaminess to your chicken salad, it’s important to keep in mind that too much of a creamy ingredient can make the salad heavy and overpowering.
7. Includes Some Tang
For a bright and zesty flavor, tanginess is key to upping the flavor game of your store-bought chicken salad. Some of the best tangy ingredients that work with chicken salad include the following.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a classic ingredient that can add a bright, tangy flavor to your chicken salad. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken salad and mix well.
Vinegar
Adding a splash of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar, can also give your chicken salad a tangy kick.
Mustard
Mustard can add a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to your chicken salad. You can use Dijon, yellow, or whole-grain mustard.
Mix in a little at a time until you achieve the desired flavor.
Pickles
Pickles or pickle juice can add a tangy flavor and some texture to your chicken salad.
If you’re using pickles, chop them up and mix them in. If you’re using pickle juice, add it a little at a time until you achieve the desired flavor.
Adding tang to your chicken salad can elevate the flavor and make it more interesting. Again, start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
You can always add more, but it’s difficult to remove tangy ingredients once they’re added.
8. Bring The Heat
If spice is more your thing, then this is definitely an option to heat up your chicken salad. The following spices work particularly well.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is a classic way to add heat to any dish, including chicken salad. Make sure to adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a great option if you want to add some heat without changing the flavor of the chicken salad too much. Sprinkle a little bit on top and mix it in.
Red Pepper Flakes
Similar to cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick without changing the overall flavor too much. Add a pinch or two and mix it in.
Jalapeño Peppers
If you’re looking for a more intense level of heat, chop up some fresh jalapeño peppers and mix them into your chicken salad. Be sure to remove the seeds if you want to reduce the heat level.
Chipotle Peppers
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can add a smoky, spicy flavor to your chicken salad. Chop them up and mix them in, along with a little bit of the adobo sauce.
When adding spice, be sure to taste as you go so that you don’t add too much heat all at once!
9. Sweeten The Deal
Adding a touch of sweetness to a store-bought chicken salad can help balance out any acidity or bitterness in the dish. Here are some options to consider.
Grapes
The aforementioned grapes are another great option for adding sweetness and a juicy burst of flavor to chicken salad.
Honey
A drizzle of honey can add a subtle sweetness to chicken salad. Mix it in a little bit at a time and taste as you go.
When adding sweetness to your chicken salad, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. You don’t want to overpower the other flavors in the dish!
10. Fresh Veggies
Adding fresh veggies to a store-bought chicken salad can be a great way to increase the nutritional value and flavor of the salad.
Lettuce
Adding some fresh lettuce can add a crispy texture to the salad and provide additional fiber.
Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes can add a juicy sweetness to the salad, while also providing vitamins and antioxidants.
Cucumber
Sliced cucumber can add a refreshing crunch to the salad and provide hydration.
Carrots
Shredded or diced carrots can add a sweet crunch to the salad and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Radishes
Sliced or diced radishes can add a spicy kick to the salad and provide vitamin C and fiber.
Adding bacon to a store-bought chicken salad can enhance the flavor and add a salty, smoky taste to the dish. The combination of the chicken salad’s creamy texture with the crispy, savory bacon can create a satisfying contrast in texture and taste.
The salty and smoky flavor of bacon can complement the mild taste of chicken and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
Bacon can also add some protein and healthy fats to the chicken salad, which can make it more filling and satisfying.
12. Go International
If you want to add some international tastes to your store-bought chicken salad, there are plenty of ways that you can do so!
Curry Powder
Add a teaspoon or two of curry powder to give the chicken salad a delicious Indian-inspired flavor.
Sriracha
For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of Sriracha or another hot sauce to the chicken salad.
Soy Sauce And Sesame Oil
For an Asian twist, add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the chicken salad.
Harissa
For a North African flavor, add a teaspoon of harissa paste to the chicken salad.
Mango Chutney
Mix in a tablespoon of mango chutney for a sweet and spicy Indian flavor.
Gochujang
Add a teaspoon of gochujang for a Korean-inspired flavor with a little heat.
Za’atar
For a Middle Eastern twist, sprinkle a teaspoon of za’atar seasoning over the chicken salad.
Pesto
fMix in a tablespoon of pesto for a Mediterranean flavor with fresh basil and garlic.
13. Cheesy Richness
Adding cheese to a store-bought chicken salad can be a delicious and easy way to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Depending on your preferences, there are a few different types of cheese that could work well with chicken salad.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is a popular choice for chicken salad. It adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the chicken and mayonnaise.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese has a crumbly texture and a slightly salty flavor that pairs well with chicken salad. It can also add a Mediterranean twist to the dish.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese has a strong, pungent flavor that can add depth to the chicken salad.
It pairs well with nuts, grapes, and other fruits, and can create a delicious contrast with the creamy chicken salad.
14. Acidity
Acidity can provide a bit of extra bite to a chicken salad, working well with the moist nature of the chicken.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great option for adding acidity to chicken salad.
Start with a little bit of juice and taste the salad before adding more, as too much lemon juice can overpower the other flavors in the salad.
Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are good choices for adding acidity to chicken salad. Again, start with a small amount and taste before adding more.
Pickles
Adding chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice to the chicken salad can add a nice tangy flavor.
Remember to add these ingredients in small amounts and taste the chicken salad as you go, so you don’t end up making it too sour or overpowering the other flavors.
15. Go Nuts
We briefly touched on adding nuts earlier, but there are so many kinds of nuts that work so well with store-bought chicken salad that we had to give it its very own section!
Here are some tips on how to best include them.
Choose The Right Types Of Nuts
Some good options to consider include almonds, walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Make sure they are unsalted and roasted for added flavor.
Chop Them Finely
You don’t want the nuts to be too large and overpowering in the chicken salad. Chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
Serve Fresh
Nuts can become soft and lose their crunch over time, so it’s best to add them right before serving the chicken salad.
Final Thoughts
While store-bought chicken salad can be a convenient option, it can sometimes lack flavor and excitement. Adding some simple ingredients and spices can help elevate the taste and make it more interesting.
Whether it’s adding fresh herbs, dried fruits, nuts, or a variety of other ingredients, there are many ways to personalize and enhance store-bought chicken salad to suit your taste buds.
With a little creativity and experimentation, you can turn a basic store-bought chicken salad into a delicious and satisfying meal!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
