Chicken salad and garlic bread with cheese

Make a shredded chicken salad with green beans

Fresh, light, and zesty, this salad with shredded chicken and green beans captures the essence of a bright summer afternoon. Crisp leaves combine with tender chicken and a lively lemon dressing for a refreshing note in every bite.

The chicken is grilled until lightly golden for a savoury finish and a juicy bite. Easily shredded, it adds a satisfying texture to the salad which, after being lightly steamed, the green beans enhance with their slender shape and gentle snap. With a vibrant colour and a natural sweetness, the green beans round the dish off, resulting in a bright, fresh and satisfying salad perfect for summer months.

Lemon-kissed with a zesty dressing

A fresh salad like this calls for an equally fresh and simple dressing. Lemon juice provides the bright base with light acidity, while a little zest deepens the citrus aroma and gives the dressing its ‘lemon-kissed’ charm. Finely chopped red onion and garlic bring a mild sharpness that wakes up the greens and shredded chicken, and a bit of sugar softens the intensity of the lemon and garlic, leaving a bright, balanced dressing that lightly coats the salad.

Cheesy garlic pitta bread with Havarti cheese

The chicken salad may take centre stage, but the cheesy garlic pitta bread is hard to ignore. Traditionally, garlic bread is made with a baguette or ciabatta and melted mozzarella, creating a soft and stretchy topping over crisp bread. But this recipe does it slightly differently.

By using wholemeal pittas, their small pocket allow room for cheese both inside and on top. Slices of Havarti soften within the centre, forming a lusciously soft, molten pocket with a golden crust of grated cheese baked on top.

For this, Havarti works especially well. It melts beautifully while offering a fuller flavour than mozzarella, with buttery notes and a mild acidity which combines beautifully with warm garlic. This ensures the pittas come out of the oven golden, fragrant, and ready for tearing and scooping up the salad.

An effortless lunch and dinner option

This chicken salad with garlic cheese bread adds a touch of finesse to everyday lunches and dinners. It feels effortless but thoughtfully put together, making it just as suitable for a quiet meal at home as it is for a relaxed evening gathering. With a glass of iced tea or refreshing lemonade alongside, it feels especially fitting on warm evenings.

If you want to explore more lunch and dinner recipes, try a grilled asparagus salad for a crisp seasonal option or prawn and lemon pasta for an elegant dinner. Grilled carrots are another great alternative, revealing how a humble vegetable becomes deeply flavourful when kissed by the grill.

Elevate the salad with extra vegetables and flavours

Upgrade this chicken salad with garlic cheese bread with a few thoughtful additions, like finely sliced cucumber for a cool, juicy crunch, radishes for a striking pink contrast and a peppery edge, or peas for small bursts of sweetness. For an extra touch of summer, grilled courgettes are wonderful, offering a tender texture and delicate sweetness.

Herbs are another easy way to add freshness to the salad; chop them finely and scatter one or several through the greens. Dill contributes a fragrant, slightly liquorice-like note, while basil introduces a sweeter herbal nuance with a hint of pepper.

Alternatively, add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a pleasant, tangy taste. Very finely minced lemongrass can also enhance the citrus notes, or you can try replacing part of the lemon juice with freshly squeezed orange or grapefruit juice – orange adds mild sweetness and a vibrant citrus aroma, while grapefruit adds an intensely sour sweetness with a distinct, bitter note.