Chicken Salads, A Delicious Alternative to a Sandwich for Your Bag Lunch

My friend, Ingvild sent me a message asking for a healthy meal to pack for a long day at work. Whenever we think bag lunch, the first thing that comes to mind is a sandwich. Now, don't get me wrong, there are some great sandwiches out there, but sometimes you want something different.

I have a few wonderful, flavorful and healthy Chicken Salad recipes to add some variety to your lunch bag.


Waldorf Chicken Salad

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 cups chopped cooked chicken, cubed
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1 large Gala or Jazz apple, diced
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup honey mustard ( if you don't have honey mustard, mix 1 part honey to 2 parts Dijon mustard)
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake walnuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted. Stir around at the halfway mark.

Mix together chicken, apples, celery, mayonnaise, mustard and walnuts. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I like to serve this on a bed of romaine lettuce or if you prefer a softer green to contrast with the crunchy apples use a bed of watercress.

Now here's my next Chicken Salad:


Chicken Salad with Olives and Couscous

1 cup uncooked Israeli couscous
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped capers
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

Cook couscous according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine olives, parsley, capers, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and garlic, stirring with a whisk. Add couscous to olive mixture; toss gently to coat. Stir in chicken just before serving.

If you're taking it for lunch, put your couscous and olive mixture in a separate container from your chicken and mix together before you eat.


Now...

Go, eat!!

If you enjoy the recipes, please share my blog with your friends. If you have a recipe you'd like to share in Friendly Foods, please send it in. Photos are also appreciated! teedycooks@gmail.com

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