Aussie Chicken, Beetroot & Salad Roll (with Garlic Mayo)

The classic Aussie lunch roll: soft bread piled with chicken, beetroot, crunchy salad and a creamy garlicky spread—messy in the best way.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 500g)
• 4 soft white bread rolls (or crusty rolls)
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce (shredded)
• 2 medium carrots (grated)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup sliced beetroot (tinned, drained well)
• 1/3 cup whole-egg mayonnaise
• 1 small garlic clove (finely grated) *(pantry staple)*
• 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar *(pantry staple)*
• 1 tsp olive oil *(pantry staple)*
• 1 tsp paprika *(pantry staple)*
• Salt and black pepper *(pantry staples)*

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Season the chicken

  Pat chicken dry. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and paprika. This helps it colour nicely and keeps it tasty even once it’s in a roll.

• 2

  Step 2: Cook until golden and juicy

  Heat a frypan on medium-high with 1 tsp olive oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until deep golden and the centre is just cooked (resting will finish it). Rest on a plate 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

• 3

  Step 3: Make the quick garlic mayo

  In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, grated garlic, lemon juice (or vinegar), and a pinch of pepper. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.

• 4

  Step 4: Prep the salad

  Toss lettuce, carrot and onion in a bowl. (No need to dress it—your mayo does the job in the roll.)

• 5

  Step 5: Assemble the rolls

  Split rolls. Spread both cut sides with garlic mayo. Layer lettuce mix, sliced chicken, then beetroot on top (putting beetroot last reduces staining through the bread). Close, press gently, and serve.

Tips

• **Budget protein swaps:** Use shredded roast chicken from the supermarket, leftover BBQ chook, or even sliced ham—still very Aussie and lunch-friendly.
• **Keep it crisp:** Drain beetroot well and pat dry with paper towel to stop soggy bread.
• **Make-ahead:** Cook chicken up to 3 days ahead. Assemble rolls just before eating for best texture.
• **What to serve with:** A piece of fruit or a handful of chips—classic servo-lunch vibes, but fresher.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)