11 Chicken Salad Recipes for Back to School That Keep Lunchtime Exciting

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Mediterranean Chicken Salad With Olives and Feta

Mediterranean Chicken Salad with Olives and Feta is a vibrant and rejuvenating dish that takes traditional chicken salad to a new level, infused with flavors from the Mediterranean region. This salad combines tender chicken, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and a variety of fresh vegetables, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It’s not only hearty but also a delightful way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with flavor.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, sliced olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing is a bold and zesty twist on traditional chicken salad, perfect for those who enjoy a kick of heat. This dish features tender chicken tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, complemented by crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and a rich blue cheese dressing. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo wings while keeping it healthy and fresh.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a small bowl, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated.
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, celery, carrots, and cherry tomatoes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Add the buffalo chicken to the salad mixture and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
5. Top with blue cheese crumbles and serve immediately.

Tropical Mango Chicken Salad With Coconut

Tropical Mango Chicken Salad with Coconut is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the tropics to your table. This delightful salad combines tender chicken breast with juicy mango, crunchy vegetables, and rich coconut, providing a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for warm weather or any time you’re craving a taste of the tropics.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced mango, red bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, cilantro, and shredded coconut.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Pesto Chicken Salad With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pesto Chicken Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the rich taste of basil pesto with tender chicken and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. This salad is not only packed with protein but also bursts with Mediterranean flavors, making it an ideal meal for lunch or a light dinner.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, and pine nuts.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Curried Chicken Salad With Raisins and Almonds

Curried Chicken Salad With Raisins and Almonds is a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad, featuring flavorful curry spices and a touch of sweetness from the raisins. This dish is perfect for those looking to elevate their lunch or dinner with a unique blend of flavors, while still being healthy and satisfying.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
2. Add the shredded chicken, raisins, sliced almonds, diced celery, and green onions to the bowl, and mix everything until well coated with the dressing.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Avocado Chicken Salad With a Creamy Lime Dressing

Avocado Chicken Salad With a Creamy Lime Dressing is a rejuvenating and nutritious spin on the classic chicken salad. This vibrant dish combines creamy avocado with tender shredded chicken, all drizzled with a zesty lime dressing that adds a burst of flavor. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is packed with healthy fats and protein, making it both satisfying and delightful.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the creamy lime dressing.
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, gently folding to combine without mashing the avocado.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Apple Walnut Chicken Salad With Cranberries

Apple Walnut Chicken Salad With Cranberries is a delicious and invigorating dish that combines savory shredded chicken with crunchy apples, walnuts, and sweet-tart cranberries. This delightful salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a filling dinner option. The combination of flavors and textures creates a satisfying meal that is both nutritious and visually appealing.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced apples, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and dried cranberries.
2. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold to combine.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley.

Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing

Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing is a vibrant and invigorating dish that combines shredded chicken with a colorful array of vegetables, topped with a creamy and flavorful peanut dressing. This salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, including crunchy cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, making it a perfect choice for a light meal or a satisfying side dish.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, red bell pepper, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, green onions, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and water until smooth, adjusting the consistency as needed.
3. Pour the peanut dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
4. Season with salt to taste and serve chilled, garnished with crushed peanuts on top.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken Salad

Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken Salad is a creamy and invigorating twist on the classic chicken salad, using Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with crisp vegetables and a flavorful ranch dressing, making it a perfect option for a light lunch or a hearty snack. The yogurt not only adds creaminess but also boosts the protein content, ensuring a satisfying meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning until well combined.
2. Add shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and green bell pepper to the yogurt mixture; stir until all ingredients are coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and fold in fresh dill if using.
4. Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce leaves or in a sandwich.

BBQ Chicken Salad With Corn and Cilantro

BBQ Chicken Salad With Corn and Cilantro is a delightful and zesty twist on traditional chicken salad, featuring smoky BBQ flavors combined with sweet corn and fresh cilantro. This colorful and hearty dish is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or everyday meals, offering a protein-packed option that is both satisfying and invigorating.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing until the chicken is well coated.
2. Add corn, diced bell pepper, red onion, and fresh cilantro; gently stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Drizzle lime juice over the salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste; mix well.
4. Serve the BBQ chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or in wraps for a delicious meal.

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad With Quinoa

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad With Quinoa is a revitalizing and nutritious dish that combines the protein of chicken with the wholesome goodness of quinoa and vibrant herbs. This salad is wonderfully light yet filling, making it a fantastic option for lunch, a light dinner, or as a meal prep for the week. The zesty lemon dressing adds a bright flavor that beautifully ties all the ingredients together.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water, then cook it in chicken broth or water according to package instructions; allow it to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooled quinoa, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, fresh parsley, and dill.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper; pour over the salad and mix well to combine.
4. Serve the salad over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a fresh presentation.