What Dressing Goes with Chicken Salad? (11 Dressings)

If you’re trying to figure out what dressing goes with chicken salad, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ve got 11 delicious options that will take your chicken salad to the next level.

And trust me, your friends and family will be impressed.

So, whether you’re looking for a creamy dressing or something on the lighter side, read on for my top picks.

See Also:

• 10 Best Herbs and Spices for Chicken Salad
• Chicken Salad Wine Pairing – Best Wines for Chicken Salads

What Dressing Goes with Chicken Salad?

The best dressings for chicken salad are mayonnaise-based dressings, such as ranch or Caesar. You can also use a vinaigrette, such as balsamic or honey mustard. If you want something lighter, try using Greek yogurt or avocado instead of dressing.

Still looking for ideas?

Then just keep scrolling!

Here are 11 dressings that go with chicken salad:

1. Greek Dressing

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When you’re craving something light and healthy, this Greek dressing is the perfect choice.

It’s made with simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, so you can easily whip it up in just a few minutes.

And it’s so versatile – use it as a salad dressing, a marinade for chicken or fish, or even a veggie dip.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make it creamy by stirring in some plain yogurt.
• Add some sweetness with a tablespoon of honey.
• Thicken it up by whisking in some mayonnaise.
• Make it zesty with an extra tablespoon of lemon juice.

See Also: 15 Best Substitutes for Celery in Chicken Salad

2. Honey Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/90846117474931197/

This dressing is like a mix between a honey mustard and a classic vinaigrette.

It’s perfect for chicken salad, but would also be delicious on any green salad or as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some spice with a teaspoon of sriracha or a diced jalapeño.
• Make it creamy with the addition of mayo or Greek yogurt.
• Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives.
• Use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of the red wine vinegar.

3. Ranch Dressing

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Oh, ranch dressing. Is there anything it can’t do?

In my opinion, ranch dressing makes everything taste better.

It’s the perfect addition to chicken salad, as it adds creaminess and a little bit of tang.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some diced avocado for extra creaminess.
• Stir in some diced dill pickles for a tangy twist.
• Mix in some chopped bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Add a tablespoon or two of hot sauce for a little bit of spice.

4. Olive Garden Salad Dressing (Copycat Version)

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How about making a copycat version of the Olive Garden salad dressing right in the comfort of your own kitchen?

You could also:

• Add some chopped cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad for extra protein.
• Swap out the greens for arugula or spinach.
• Add some chopped fresh fruit, like grapes or oranges.
• Top with shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese.

5. Thai Peanut Dressing

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I love Asian flavors, and this Thai peanut dressing is one of my favorites.

It’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy all at the same time, and it’s so good on a simple chicken salad.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
• Swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp.
• Use rice noodles instead of chicken for a noodle salad.
• Add diced bell peppers or cucumber for extra freshness.
• Mix in shredded carrots or red cabbage for color and nutrients.

6. Green Goddess Dressing

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Adding some beautiful green color to your chicken salad, this green goddess dressing is light and herbaceous with a touch of tang.

I like to use it as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables as well.

To change things up in terms of flavor and texture, you could:

• Add some diced avocado to your chicken salad for extra creaminess.
• Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Add some chopped celery, grapes, or nuts for extra crunch.
• Mix in some chopped herbs, like parsley, dill, or chives.

7. Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing

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Sweet, spicy, and tangy, this mango salad dressing is the perfect addition to any chicken salad.

It’s also great on its own as a dipping sauce or marinade.

And it’s so easy to make!

Just toss all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

If you want to change things up, you could:

• Add a tablespoon of honey for sweetness.
• Add a diced jalapeño for spice.
• Use yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier flavor.
• Add some chopped cilantro for freshness.

8. Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Tart, tangy, and slightly sweet, this balsamic vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to any chicken salad.

But don’t stop there!

Try it on a green salad, roasted veggies, or even grilled fruit.

To change things up, you could:

• Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for extra tanginess.
• Swap out the balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Add a minced shallot or garlic clove for more savory flavor.
• Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like thyme or basil.

9. Thousand Island Dressing

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This dressing needs no introduction – it’s a classic for a reason!

Thousand Island dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it goes so well with chicken salad.

But if you’re looking to change things up a bit, here are a few ideas:

• Add some diced avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra creaminess.
• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or sour cream to lighten things up.
• Use diced pickles instead of relish for more of a crunch.
• Add some chopped bacon or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.

10. Lemon Garlic Tahini Dressing

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Anything with garlic in it is automatically a winner in my book.

This lemon garlic tahini dressing is no different.

It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor.

I love it on simple green salads, grain bowls, and roasted veggie salads, but it would also be great as a dipping sauce for crudités or as a sandwich spread.

To change things up, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
• Mix in some diced avocado for creaminess.
• Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

11. Homemade Catalina Dressing

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6755468180411877/

If you like the taste of tomatoes, this dressing is for you!

It’s slightly sweet and tangy, with a hint of garlic and onion.

This dressing is also super versatile – use it as a salad dressing, a dipping sauce, or even a marinade.

To change things up, you could:

• Add some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it creamier by stirring in some Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
• Add more sweetness with a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar.
• Thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth.