If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying lunch option, a chicken salad cafe sandwich on whole grain bread is a great choice. This half sandwich packs in 320 calories, making it a hearty meal that will keep you fueled throughout the afternoon.

In addition to being tasty, this sandwich also provides a good amount of nutrition. The chicken salad is made with fresh ingredients like diced chicken, celery, onion, and mayo, while the whole grain bread provides fiber and complex carbohydrates to help sustain your energy levels.

In this article, we'll explore the ingredients and steps needed to make a chicken salad cafe sandwich, as well as some nutritional information and side dish suggestions to round out your meal.

What is Chicken Salad Cafe Sandwich?

A chicken salad cafe sandwich is a type of sandwich made with chicken salad (usually a mixture of diced or shredded cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and vegetables like celery and onion) and served on your choice of bread. Some cafes and delis offer pre-made chicken salad sandwiches, while others allow you to customize your sandwich with different types of bread and add-ons like lettuce or tomato. The one we're focusing on in this article is a half sandwich made with whole grain bread, which is a healthier option that provides more fiber and nutrients than white bread. This sandwich also includes lettuce and tomato to add some extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients of Chicken Salad Cafe Sandwich

To make a chicken salad cafe sandwich at home, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 6.25 oz cooked, diced chicken
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 slices whole grain bread
• Lettuce and tomato, for serving

Simply mix the chicken, mayo, celery, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined, then place the lettuce and tomato on one slice of bread, add the chicken salad mixture, and top with the second slice of bread. Cut in half and your sandwich is ready to go!

How to Make Chicken Salad Cafe Sandwich?

To make a chicken salad cafe sandwich at home, follow these steps:

1. Cook 6.25 oz of chicken and let it cool completely. Dice the chicken into small pieces.
2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp of mayonnaise with the diced celery and onion.
3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Place lettuce and tomato on one slice of whole grain bread.
6. Spread the chicken salad mixture over the lettuce and tomato.
7. Place the second slice of bread on top and serve.

That's it! Enjoy your homemade chicken salad cafe sandwich.

Nutritional Information of Chicken Salad Cafe Sandwich

Here are the approximate nutritional values for a half serving (6.25 oz) of a chicken salad cafe sandwich on whole grain bread:

• calories: 320
• Total Fat: 12.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g

Keep in mind that this is just an estimate and the actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Health Benefits of Whole Grain Bread

Whole grain bread is an excellent choice for sandwiches because it provides more fiber and nutrients than white bread. Here are a few of the health benefits of whole grain bread:

• Provides fiber to help keep you full and aid digestion
• Contains vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc
• May help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer
• Can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes

Low-Fat Chicken Salad Recipe

If you're looking for a lighter version of chicken salad, try this low-fat recipe:

• 6.25 oz cooked, diced chicken breast
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and serve on whole grain bread for a tasty, healthy sandwich option.

Vegan Chicken Salad Substitute

If you're looking for a vegan alternative to chicken salad, try this recipe using chickpeas:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Mash the chickpeas in a bowl using a fork or potato masher, then mix in the remaining ingredients. Serve on whole grain bread for a vegan chicken salad cafe sandwich alternative.

Gluten-Free Bread Option

If you're following a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free bread options to use in your chicken salad cafe sandwich. Some great options include:

• Udi's Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread
• Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free Bread
• Trader Joe's Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread

Just be sure to check the ingredients list carefully to ensure it is truly gluten-free and safe for your dietary needs.

Side Dish Suggestions with Chicken Salad Cafe Sandwich

To round out your meal, consider adding a side dish to your chicken salad cafe sandwich. Here are a few options to try:

• Side salad with mixed greens, veggies, and a low-fat dressing
• Carrot sticks or other raw veggies with hummus for dipping
• Baked sweet potato fries
• Whole grain crackers with cheese or nut butter

Ideas for Leftover Chicken Salad

If you have leftover chicken salad from your sandwich, don't let it go to waste! Consider these ideas for using it up:

• Spread it on crackers or cucumber slices for a healthy snack
• Use it as a topping for a baked sweet potato
• Make a chicken salad wrap using a whole grain tortilla
• Top a salad with chicken salad for a protein boost