When the days get longer and the sun is shining, there’s nothing better than a chilled, creamy sandwich packed with flavor.
This Summer Chicken Salad Sandwich is everything I crave on warm afternoons: easy, satisfying, and bursting with texture.
It’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken, and with crunchy celery, juicy tomatoes, and a light mayo dressing, it’s refreshing without being heavy.
Whether you’re making lunch for your family, prepping a picnic, or just need something quick but delicious, this sandwich will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and No-Cook – Ready in 15 minutes with no stove or oven required
Great for Leftovers – Use cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience
Customizable – Add bacon, nuts, apples, or herbs to make it your own
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make the salad in advance and assemble when needed
Kid- and crowd-friendly – Balanced flavors everyone will enjoy
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Here’s what goes into making this chicken salad sandwich shine:
Cooked Chicken – Shredded or cubed, breast or thigh—your choice
Grape Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, halved for bite-size freshness
Celery & Green Onion – Crunchy and aromatic
Mayonnaise – Creamy binder with a smooth finish
Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and tang
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds savory depth
Lettuce & Bread – The perfect sandwich vehicle; choose your favorite varieties
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chop everything small – Easier to mix and spread on bread
Season to taste – Don’t skip the salt and pepper; it ties everything together
Use cold ingredients – Makes the salad more refreshing and helps it hold its texture
Toast the bread – Optional, but gives extra structure and flavor
Double the batch – It keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge
How to Make Summer Chicken Salad Sandwich
Step 1 – Prep the Ingredients
Shred or cube your cooked chicken.
Halve the grape tomatoes, chop the celery and green onion.
Step 2 – Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3 – Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, tomatoes, celery, and green onion.
Pour the dressing over and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4 – Assemble the Sandwich
Lay out your bread slices.
On one slice, place a lettuce leaf, then a generous scoop of chicken salad.
Top with another slice of bread.
Repeat for the remaining sandwiches.
Step 5 – Slice and Serve
Slice sandwiches in half if desired, and serve immediately.
Enjoy with chips, pickles, or a cold drink.
What to Serve It With
This sandwich goes well with:
Crisp potato chips
Dill pickles or cucumber salad
Fresh fruit or fruit salad
Iced tea or lemonade
A cup of chilled soup like gazpacho
Perfect for summer lunches or light dinners.
Variations / Substitutions
Add-ins: Chopped apples, grapes, raisins, bacon, or sliced almonds
Greens: Swap lettuce with spinach, arugula, or fresh basil
Dressing twist: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo
Low-carb: Serve in lettuce wraps or on a bed of greens
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store chicken salad (without bread) in an airtight container up to 3 days
Avoid sogginess: Keep the salad and bread separate until ready to eat
Make ahead: Prepare the salad the night before for the best flavor
Not freezer friendly: Mayo-based salads don’t freeze well
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just serve it on gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, red onion, or shredded carrots work well.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days, if stored in a sealed container and kept cold.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Just make sure your mayo is dairy-free (most are).
Can I use miracle whip instead of mayo?
Yes, though it will be slightly sweeter and tangier.
Can kids eat this?
Totally! You can even serve it as finger sandwiches for smaller hands.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Chicken Salad Sandwich is proof that simple meals can be incredibly satisfying.
It’s bright, creamy, and crunchy with just enough tang and savory depth to keep every bite interesting.
Whether you’re making lunch for one or prepping for a picnic with friends, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.
Summer Chicken Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine chicken, tomatoes, celery, and green onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk mayo, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture and stir to coat.
- Place lettuce on a slice of bread, top with chicken salad, and close with another slice.
- Slice and serve immediately.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/summer-chicken-salad-sandwich/
Notes
- For extra crunch, use toasted bread or add a few thin cucumber slices.
- You can prep the filling in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
- Rotisserie chicken works great here to save time.
