Garlic Hummus Chicken Salad Sandwiches: The Ultimate Creamy, Mayo-Free Meal Prep Solution
In the whirlwind of daily life, finding a meal that is both delicious and incredibly convenient can often feel like an impossible task. But what if we told you there’s a recipe that perfectly balances flavor, health, and ease, making it ideal for everything from busy weekday lunches to quick, satisfying dinners? Enter these sensational **Garlic Hummus Chicken Salad Sandwiches**! This innovative take on a classic comfort food swaps out traditional mayonnaise for a luscious, savory garlic hummus spread, transforming a simple sandwich into a culinary highlight. Prepare to fall in love with a chicken salad that’s not only incredibly tasty but also wonderfully light and packed with wholesome goodness.
Reimagining Chicken Salad: A Fresh Perspective on Flavor and Texture
Chicken salad sandwiches hold a special place in the hearts of many, a go-to for a satisfying and easy meal. However, not all chicken salads are crafted with the same care or attention to detail. Having sampled countless versions from various delis and eateries, I’ve developed a discerning palate and some very clear preferences about what constitutes a truly excellent chicken salad. My aim with this recipe is to address common disappointments and elevate the experience.
The Unwanted Sweetness: Why Fruit Doesn’t Belong
First and foremost, let’s tackle the controversial addition of fruit. While some adventurous palates might enjoy the sweetness of grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries in their chicken salad, I firmly believe that these ingredients often detract from the intended savory profile. The unexpected bursts of sugary fruit can create an imbalance, clashing with the savory notes of the chicken and seasonings. For those who, like me, experience a sense of culinary betrayal when encountering grapes in a chicken salad, rest assured: this recipe celebrates pure, unadulterated savory goodness. We’re keeping it classic, allowing the rich flavors of garlic and chicken to dominate.
Beyond Basic: The Quest for Bold Dressing
Secondly, the dressing must never be bland. A chicken salad that tastes solely of chicken and plain mayonnaise is a missed opportunity. The dressing is the backbone of the salad, infusing every bite with character and moisture. This is where strategic additions make all the difference. Finely chopped onion provides a piquant crunch, while sweet pickle relish adds a delightful tang and subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without being overwhelming. Think of the dressing as the flavor conductor, ensuring every ingredient plays its part in a harmonious symphony of taste.
The Perfect Consistency: A Balanced Creaminess
Thirdly, and crucially, the dressing should be perfectly balanced in quantity. While a creamy texture is essential for a great chicken salad, there’s a fine line between luscious and oversaturated. No one wants to feel like they’re eating a spoonful of dressing straight from the jar. The key is to achieve a consistency where the chicken and other ingredients are beautifully coated and moist, yet still distinct and not drowned. This balance ensures a rich, satisfying mouthfeel without being heavy or greasy, allowing the individual flavors of the chicken, hummus, and aromatics to truly shine.
The Unexpected Inspiration: How Hummus Became the Hero
My culinary adventures often stem from moments of necessity and creativity. The inspiration for these Garlic Hummus Chicken Salad Sandwiches struck during one such occasion. I had an undeniable craving for chicken salad for dinner, but a quick check of the fridge revealed a disheartening sight: no mayonnaise. Rather than abandoning my craving or making a last-minute dash to the grocery store, my eyes landed on a tub of hummus. A flash of inspiration! “Why not?” I thought. “Hummus is creamy, flavorful, and I already have it on hand.” This spontaneous substitution proved to be a stroke of genius, leading to the creation of a truly remarkable dish.
The result was astounding. The hummus lent an incredible creaminess and a distinct, savory depth that mayo simply can’t replicate. Infused with the delightful pungency of garlic and the fresh notes of herbs, this chicken salad immediately became a new favorite. The inclusion of sweet relish and finely chopped onion provided the familiar crunch and tang that elevate a good chicken salad to a great one. It’s a refreshing, healthier, and equally satisfying alternative that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its fantastic potential for meal prepping. Prepare a batch of this creamy chicken salad ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen in the refrigerator. This brief chilling period (at least one hour) is crucial, as it allows the ingredients to get to know each other, resulting in a more harmonious and robust flavor profile. This means you’ll have a ready-to-eat, wholesome meal on hand for quick lunches, after-school snacks, or effortless dinners when cooking time is at a premium.
Beyond the Bread: Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Hummus Chicken Salad
While the classic sandwich format is undeniably satisfying, the versatility of this Garlic Hummus Chicken Salad extends far beyond traditional bread. It’s a truly adaptable dish that can be enjoyed in a multitude of exciting ways, catering to different dietary needs and culinary preferences.
Embrace the Warmth: Toasted Sandwiches and Melts
Although chicken salad is traditionally served cold, I wholeheartedly recommend trying it warm. Toasting your sandwich, much like making a grilled cheese, adds another layer of deliciousness. The gentle heat softens the bread and warms the creamy hummus, intensifying its garlicky aroma and creating an even more comforting experience. My parents often used their trusty sandwich maker (affiliate link) to create perfectly sealed and toasted hot sandwiches, a nostalgic treat. While a dedicated appliance is convenient, a simple non-stick skillet or a panini press will achieve equally fantastic results, transforming your cold sandwich into a warm, gooey, and utterly satisfying melt.
Light and Crisp: The Lettuce Wrap Alternative
For those seeking a lighter, low-carb, or gluten-free option, serving this chicken salad in crisp lettuce wraps is an absolute game-changer. Boston lettuce is my preferred choice due to its large, pliable leaves that form perfect cups to hold a generous portion of the salad. The refreshing crunch of the lettuce provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy filling, making for an incredibly fresh and satisfying meal without the added carbohydrates of bread. Other sturdy greens like romaine hearts or butter lettuce also work beautifully, offering a refreshing way to enjoy this flavorful salad.
Creative Culinary Explorations: Beyond the Usual
Don’t limit your imagination! This hummus chicken salad is also excellent served on a bed of fresh mixed greens as a vibrant salad, spooned into hollowed-out bell peppers or avocados for a visually appealing and healthy meal, or simply enjoyed with a side of your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks for a quick snack. It can also be stuffed into pita bread, served on mini croissants for an elegant appetizer, or even used as a topping for baked potatoes. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it endlessly adaptable to almost any mealtime scenario.
The Wholesome Heart: Sabra Hummus Spreads
The secret to the unparalleled creaminess and distinct flavor of this chicken salad lies in its star ingredient: a high-quality hummus spread. As previously mentioned, I used Sabra Spreads, which are designed as refrigerated sandwich spreads made with the foundational goodness of mashed chickpeas (hummus) blended with other fresh, wholesome ingredients. These spreads are a fantastic innovation, offering a more flavorful and often healthier alternative to traditional condiments, bringing a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste to your meals.
Hummus itself is a nutritional powerhouse, celebrated for its numerous health benefits. Made primarily from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and olive oil, it’s an excellent source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and healthy monounsaturated fats. By opting for a garlic herb flavored hummus, you’re instantly infusing your chicken salad with layers of savory, aromatic complexity, often reducing the need for additional seasonings. This substitution not only contributes to a lighter, more nutrient-dense meal but also caters to those looking for dairy-free alternatives without compromising on a rich, creamy texture. It’s a simple swap with significant benefits for both taste and well-being.
Complementary Companions: Perfect Side Dishes
To create a truly complete and satisfying meal, these Garlic Hummus Chicken Salad Sandwiches pair beautifully with a variety of complementary side dishes. For a refreshing balance, a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent choice, adding freshness and a delightful textural contrast. If you’re seeking more substantial accompaniments, my homemade Caesar Pasta Salad or a flavorful Italian Potato Salad would be outstanding options. The rich, savory notes of the chicken salad are beautifully enhanced by the tanginess and varied textures of these popular sides, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying culinary experience.
Other excellent pairings include a comforting bowl of vegetable soup, a vibrant fruit salad for a hint of natural sweetness, or even a batch of crispy sweet potato fries for a heartier, more indulgent combination. The versatility of this chicken salad allows it to seamlessly integrate with diverse flavors and textures, ensuring that you can easily craft a meal that suits any preference or occasion. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight dinner, these pairings will elevate your chicken salad sandwiches into a memorable feast.
Garlic Hummus Chicken Salad Sandwiches
4 servings
1 hour 15 minutes
1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped* (see Note)
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup Garlic Herb Sabra Hummus Spreads
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Bread, lettuce, tomato, and red onion, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl (preferably with a lid), mix together the chicken, relish, onion, hummus spread, milk, and lemon juice until creamy. If you want it creamier, you can add more milk. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before eating. Serve on bread with lettuce, tomato, and red onion.
Notes
How To Cook Chicken Breast: *I used 1 in-bone chicken breast, roughly 1/2 pound (8 ounces). You can cook the chicken how you like. My favorite method is putting the chicken in a large pot covered completely with water, bringing to a boil, then turning it down to simmer and cook covered another 30 minutes or until no longer pink inside. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooking time might be slightly less, around 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Alternatively, you can bake chicken breasts, grill them, or use a rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience. Make sure to chop or shred the chicken finely for the best texture in your salad.
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sabra. Thank you for supporting me and the companies I work with as sponsored posts help pay for the costs of running Chocolate Moosey, including website hosting and groceries for recipe development.