When you’re looking for a lunch that’s both satisfying and light, a chicken salad hits the sweet spot. Crisp greens, tender poultry, vibrant vegetables, and flavourful dressings combine to deliver a meal that’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your energy levels. At Ingham’s, we’ve taken our high-quality chicken products and paired them with simple, delicious salad builds that make lunchtime something to look forward to. Whether you’re prepping ahead or dining solo, these five chicken salad recipes are ideal for a lunch that’s easy, nutritious, and bursting with flavour.
The Best Chicken Salad Recipes for Lunch
1. Garden Chicken Tenders Salad
This chicken salad recipe uses Ingham’s chicken breast tenders to create a fresh, veggie-rich lunch option. Start by cooking the tenders as per the pack instructions. Then build a base of romaine lettuce and rocket, and layer in cherry tomatoes, edamame, red cabbage, radish and finely sliced red chilli.
Dress it with your choice of vinaigrette just before serving, while the chicken is still warm. The contrast between hot, succulent chicken and crisp, cool vegetables gives this salad a delightful texture balance.
Why it works for lunch: It is ready in just about 30 minutes and delivers a good mix of protein + veggies.
Tip: Cook a double batch of chicken tenders and keep leftovers chilled. Just assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.
2. Classic Chicken Caesar Salad
Sometimes you want something familiar yet satisfying. This Caesar salad uses Ingham’s breast fillets, cooked and cut into strips. Combine with cos (romaine) lettuce, grilled bacon, croutons, poached eggs and shaved parmesan. Top it with a creamy Caesar dressing and you’ve got a hearty lunch that still feels fresh.
Why you’ll love it: This chicken salad recipe is healthy and easy. The creamy dressing and crispy bacon bring indulgent flavour, perfectly balanced by the freshness of tender chicken and crisp greens.
Tip: For quicker prep, use pre-washed lettuce and store croutons separately until ready to serve so they stay crunchy.
3. Tenders Caesar Salad (Lightened Up)
If you love Caesar flavours but want a lighter option, this is the perfect chicken and salad recipe. Start by cooking Ingham’s Crumbed Chicken Tenders and spiral pasta.
While they cook, chop and rinse fresh romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Once everything is ready, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, and crispy chicken tenders in a large bowl. Drizzle over a light Caesar-style dressing made with Dijon mustard, olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some lemon juice. Then toss it well to ensure every bite is evenly coated.
Finish your salad dish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Also, add fresh parsley for a burst of flavour. Serve it alongside crispy bread chips topped with melted mozzarella for a satisfying, café-style lunch.
Why it’s ideal for lunch: It’s perfect for lunch, delivering that signature Caesar-style flavour while cutting back on ingredients and prep time to around 25 minutes.
Tip: Make a batch of the Dijon-lemon-olive oil dressing ahead and store in a jar. Just toss it in when it’s lunch time.
4. Asian Cabbage & Chicken Tenders Salad with Dipping Sauces
For a flavour change-up, this Asian-inspired simple chicken salad recipe is perfect. It combines crumbed chicken tenders with wombok (Chinese cabbage), thinly sliced cucumbers, spring onions, radish, avocado and pickled ginger.
The dressing is a mix of soya sauce, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, sugar and sesame seeds. You also get optional dipping sauces: teriyaki, French aioli and Japanese mayo-sesame.
Why it stands out: Exotic flavours bring excitement to lunch, and the dipping sauces make it feel like a treat.
Tip: Roast/toss the chicken and prep the veggies the evening before. Keep the dressing separate until you serve to preserve freshness.
5. Lightened Honey-Mustard Chicken Salad
For a refreshing twist, try this Lightened Honey-Mustard Chicken Salad. Toss some juicy shredded chicken into a creamy dressing made from Greek yoghurt, light mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, and white wine vinegar, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours.
A sprinkle of slivered almonds and scallions adds crunch and freshness, making it ideal for a light yet satisfying lunch. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep. Just chill it and enjoy straight from the fridge.
Why it stands out: It offers a flavourful, protein-rich alternative to traditional creamy salads while keeping calories in check.
Tip: Prepare the dressing and chicken in advance, then mix just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.
Conclusion
With these five healthy chicken salad recipes, Ingham’s Australia offers a perfect blend of flavour, nutrition and convenience, ideal for a lunch that leaves you energised, not stuffed. Grab your favourite Ingham’s chicken product, assemble your salad, and enjoy a light yet satisfying lunch that does you good.
Ready to dig in? Head over to Ingham’s recipe section to explore more or try out our Ingham’s products and see the magic for yourself. Transform lunchtime into your favourite meal of the day.