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EASY LUNCH IDEAS | 4 CHICKEN SALAD RECIPES | NOT YOUR AVERAGE CHICKEN SALAD

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Mandy in the Making
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Recipes in this Video

7 recipes

Chicken salad is a popular dish in American cuisine, often served as a light meal or appetizer. It can be customized with various ingredients and dressings, making it versatile for different tastes and occasions. Traditionally, it is enjoyed during picnics, lunch, or as a quick dinner option.

Ingredients

  • cooked chicken
  • lettuce
  • tomatoes
  • cucumbers
  • mayonnaise
  • mustard
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the chicken until fully done and let it cool.
  2. 2Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 3Wash and chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  4. 4In a bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
  5. 5In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  6. 6Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Ingredient Alternatives

mayonnaise

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and higher in protein.

cooked chicken

Healthier: grilled chicken breast

Cheaper: canned chicken

Grilled chicken breast is leaner, while canned chicken is budget-friendly.

Techniques

boilingchoppingmixing

Equipment

bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Chicken Salad with GreensClassic Chicken Salad
dairy-free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup mixed salad greens
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (canned or cooked)
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, and black beans.
  2. 2Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the salad ingredients.
  3. 3Drizzle the honey BBQ sauce over the chicken and salad mixture.
  4. 4Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. 5Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. 6If desired, add shredded cheddar cheese on top of the salad.
  7. 7Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad before serving.
  8. 8Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Equipment

large bowlmixing spoon

Chicken salad is a popular dish in American cuisine, often served as a light meal or sandwich filling. It combines protein-rich chicken with creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, making it a versatile option for lunches or picnics. Variations abound, with different ingredients reflecting regional tastes and personal preferences.

Ingredients

  • cooked chicken
  • mayonnaise
  • celery
  • grapes
  • almonds
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Shred the cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl.
  2. 2Chop the celery and add it to the bowl.
  3. 3Halve the grapes and add them to the mixture.
  4. 4Chop the almonds and mix them in.
  5. 5Add mayonnaise and stir until well combined.
  6. 6Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Ingredient Alternatives

mayonnaise

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: store-brand mayonnaise

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and adds protein.

cooked chicken

Healthier: grilled chicken breast

Cheaper: canned chicken

Grilled chicken breast is leaner, while canned chicken is budget-friendly.

Techniques

mixing

Equipment

mixing bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lownutsdairy

Also Known As

Chicken SaladSimple Chicken Salad
pescatarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup diced apples
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced apples, crumbled blue cheese, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and diced red onion.
  2. 2In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. 3Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to combine until everything is evenly coated.
  4. 4Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  5. 5Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Serve chilled on a bed of greens or in a sandwich.

Equipment

large bowlsmall bowlwhiskspoonrefrigerator
dairy-freenut-free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup grapes, halved
  • 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, halved grapes, and sliced almonds.
  2. 2In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. 3Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
  4. 4Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking.
  5. 5Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Equipment

large mixing bowlsmall mixing bowlspoonplastic wrap

Tzatziki Chicken Salad hails from Greece, where tzatziki—a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic—is a staple. This dish combines the refreshing flavors of tzatziki with grilled chicken, making it a popular choice for summer meals and picnics. It's a celebration of fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors, enjoyed not only in Greece but also in various adaptations around the world.

Ingredients

  • cooked chicken
  • Greek yogurt
  • cucumber
  • garlic
  • lemon juice
  • olive oil
  • fresh dill
  • salt
  • pepper
  • red onion
  • tomatoes
  • feta cheese
  • lettuce

Instructions

  1. 1Grill chicken until fully cooked and juices run clear, about 6-7 minutes per side.
  2. 2Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. 3Mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl until smooth.
  4. 4Add diced cucumber, chopped dill, salt, and pepper to the yogurt mixture; stir to combine.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken, diced red onion, and chopped tomatoes.
  6. 6Pour the tzatziki dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  7. 7Crumble feta cheese over the salad and gently mix.
  8. 8Serve the salad over a bed of lettuce or in pita bread.

Ingredient Alternatives

Greek yogurt

Healthier: low-fat yogurt

Cheaper: sour cream

Low-fat yogurt maintains creaminess with fewer calories.

feta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese offers protein with less fat.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: sunflower oil

Sunflower oil is a budget-friendly alternative.

cucumber

Healthier: zucchini

Cheaper: celery

Celery provides crunch at a lower cost.

Techniques

grillingmixing

Equipment

grillmixing bowlknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

Greek Chicken SaladChicken Tzatziki Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and shredded chicken breast.
  2. 2Add the crumbled bacon to the bowl.
  3. 3Pour in the ranch dressing and mix well until all ingredients are coated.
  4. 4Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to the mixture.
  5. 5Sprinkle in the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  6. 6Toss everything together until evenly combined.
  7. 7Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  8. 8Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment

large mixing bowlmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsspoon for mixing

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