This post is sponsored by ALDI. All opinions and statements are my own, as always.

Leftover roasted chicken is the key ingredient in this easy Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Sunflower Seeds. Ready in just a few minutes and perfect for the kids lunch boxes…or your own!

Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Sunflower Seeds | The Suburban Soapbox #ALDI #BacktoSchool

So, remember the Sunday chicken we made the yesterday? You know, the simple one with just a handful of ingredients that resulted in the best chicken ever? Yeah…that one. Well, I hope you saved your leftovers because they’re going to help keep you sane when packing the kids lunches. Back to school season is upon us…I think I’ve given everyone fair warning…but it will still smack me in the side of the head like a seagull attacking me for my sandwich. I’m never ready for it.

Simple Roast Chicken | The Suburban Soapbox #ALDI #BackToSchool

This year I’m going to help us all out with a little mealtime planning in the form of making a big dinner and then morphing the leftovers into the week’s lunch. Like this Simple Roasted Chicken…that I turned into..not one…not two…but THREE lunches that are totally kid friendly and won’t put a dent in your wallet. All the ingredients I used are from my local ALDI store. You know I’m a longtime fan and that’s not about to change anytime soon because my food budget has, literally, been cut in half.

My little guy likes to do things himself this year so two of the lunches are build yourself meals that the kids can assemble right at their lunch table. They’re so fresh and tasty, you should pack a little extra because there may be some hungry friends that would like a bite. You just never know.

Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Sunflower Seeds | The Suburban Soapbox #ALDI #BacktoSchool

First up is this amazing Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Sunflower Seeds. I became a fan of the cherry/sunflower seed combo when I whipped up this broccoli salad last year and it’s fast become a huge favorite here at the Soapbox. This chicken salad is hearty and healthy, it takes about 5 minutes to prepare and it’s sandwiched in between two slices of cinnamon raisin bread. It’s so incredible…you may just want to take one to work with you.

Chicken Tacos | The Suburban Soapbox #ALDI #BackToSchool

Then we made these fabulous chicken tacos…no recipe needed here, just pack your favorite taco toppings and build away. We love the Casa Mamita Fire-Roasted Salsa* at ALDI, it’s so fresh and tangy, perfect for these portable tacos. I grated some mild cheddar and added a few olives. Everything is wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla.

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wrap | The Suburban Soapbox #ALDI #BackToSchool

Last…but certainly not least…Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Again, think of things your kids like to eat and customize to their unique tastes. My little guy loves, LOVES mandarin oranges so they were a must in these wraps. We sliced up some green onions and then drizzled a little Tuscan Garden Teriyaki Sauce* on top that I found at ALDI. Fresh, fast and tasty!

Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Sunflower Seeds | The Suburban Soapbox #ALDI #BacktoSchool

Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Sunflower Seeds…and 2 More Easy Lunch Recipes for Back to School

lunch time is perfect for this Chicken salad with dries cherries and sunflower seeds!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (leftover from Sunday’s dinner)
  • 3 heaping tablespoons Burman’s Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chopped Southern Grove Dried Cherries
  • 1/4 cup Southern Grove Sunflower Seeds
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices L’oven Fresh Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken, mayonnaise, cherries, sunflower seeds and celery until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Spread half the chicken salad on one slice of bread and repeat with the remaining chicken salad. Top with the remaining bread and serve.
Serving: 0g, Calories: 497kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 33g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 278mg, Potassium: 518mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 145IU, Vitamin C: 1.2mg, Calcium: 65mg, Iron: 3.7mg

Note:  Bento boxes and snacks were also purchased at my local ALDI market, items available while supplies last.

School Lunches4