If you love a good salad but want something hearty and satisfying, this Chicken Bagel Salad is about to become your new favorite! It’s got everything—tender, juicy chicken, crunchy bagel croutons, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. Imagine the flavor of your favorite deli sandwich, but in a fresh, vibrant salad form.
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The best part? It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bagels! Toasted bagel pieces add a deliciously chewy-crunchy texture that takes this salad to the next level. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making salads with bagels all along!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Bagel Salad
Hearty & Satisfying
This isn’t just any salad—it’s a full, filling meal thanks to the protein-packed chicken and crunchy bagel croutons.
Great Way to Use Leftovers
Got extra bagels? This is the perfect way to repurpose them into something delicious!
Quick & Easy
Minimal prep and cooking make this salad a perfect weeknight dinner or quick lunch.
Customizable
You can switch up the ingredients to fit your taste—swap the dressing, add more veggies, or even throw in some bacon for extra flavor!
Crowd-Pleaser
With its mix of textures and flavors, this salad is a hit with everyone—kids, adults, and even those who usually don’t love salads.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to bring this unique salad to life:
Chicken Breast
The protein star! Grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
Bagel Croutons
Toasted, crispy chunks of bagel give this salad its signature crunch. Everything bagels add extra flavor, but plain or sesame bagels work too.
Romaine Lettuce
Crisp, fresh, and the perfect base to hold up all the other ingredients.
Cherry Tomatoes
Juicy, sweet bursts of flavor that complement the chicken and bagel croutons.
Cucumber
Adds a cool, refreshing crunch.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness. You can soak it in water if you prefer a milder taste.
Cheese
Feta, cheddar, or shredded mozzarella all add a creamy, salty bite.
Creamy Dressing
Ranch, Caesar, or a homemade garlic yogurt dressing would all be fantastic options!
Everything Bagel Seasoning
A final sprinkle of this gives the salad an extra boost of flavor and ties everything together.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Cook the chicken your preferred way—grill it, bake it, or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Bagel Croutons
Cut a bagel into small cubes, toss them with a drizzle of olive oil, and toast them in the oven or a skillet until golden and crispy.
Chop the Veggies
Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chicken, cheese, and toasted bagel croutons.
Dress It Up
Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top for extra flavor.
Serve & Enjoy
Plate it up and dig in! Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
How to Serve Chicken Bagel Salad
- As a Meal – This salad is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own!
- With a Side Soup – Pair it with a warm bowl of soup for a cozy, balanced meal.
- Stuffed in a Wrap – Toss the salad into a tortilla for a delicious wrap version!
- Party-Style – Serve it as a unique, crowd-pleasing salad at your next gathering.
Additional Tips
Use Different Bagels
Everything bagels add extra seasoning, but plain, sesame, or even cheesy bagels work well.
Make It Ahead
Prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble just before serving for a quick meal.
Switch Up the Dressing
Try a honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or even a spicy chipotle dressing for a different flavor twist.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Store the dressing separately to keep the croutons crunchy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Just store the croutons and dressing separately and toss everything together before serving.
Q2: What’s the best bagel flavor to use?
A2: Everything bagels add the most flavor, but plain, sesame, or onion bagels work well too!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For the best texture, store the croutons separately.
Q4: Can I use a different protein?
A4: Absolutely! Turkey, steak, or even tofu would be great swaps.
Q5: What’s a good substitute for everything bagel seasoning?
A5: You can mix sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, poppy seeds, and salt for a homemade version.
Q6: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q7: What’s the best way to make the croutons extra crispy?
A7: Toast them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.
Q8: Can I use store-bought croutons instead?
A8: Sure! But homemade bagel croutons add a unique texture and flavor.
Q9: What’s the best dressing to use?
A9: Ranch, Caesar, balsamic vinaigrette, or a garlic yogurt dressing all work well.
Q10: Can I add extra toppings?
A10: Of course! Avocado, crispy bacon, or sunflower seeds would all be great additions.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Bagel Salad is everything you love about a classic deli sandwich, transformed into a fresh and hearty salad. The combination of crunchy bagel croutons, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing makes it a must-try.
Print
Chicken Bagel Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bagel Chicken Salad combines all the flavors of your favorite bagel into a light, protein-packed meal. Made with shredded chicken, cucumbers, red onion, radishes, and chives, this salad has the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. The mix of Greek yogurt, whipped cream cheese, and Everything Bagel Seasoning creates a rich, tangy dressing without being too heavy. Perfect for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 2 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup radishes, diced
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (about 2 cups shredded)
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, whipped cream cheese, vinegar, and Everything Bagel Seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Prep the veggies: Finely dice the red onion, radishes, and cucumber.
- Combine ingredients: Add the shredded chicken and diced vegetables to the bowl.
- Mix & season: Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve & enjoy: Enjoy chilled on a bagel, lettuce wrap, sandwich, or by itself!
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy on a toasted bagel, in a wrap, over greens, or in a sandwich.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap out the cream cheese and Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg