Banana Bombay Salad
A vibrant, fruity chicken salad blending sweet bananas, crunchy apples, and savory turkey, complemented by walnuts and a tangy tarragon dressing, perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Puree 3 bananas and whisk with lemon juice, mayonnaise, yogurt, and dried tarragon.
- Refrigerate the banana mixture for at least 2 hours.
- Cut cooked chicken or turkey into bite-sized pieces.
- Add chopped green apples and raisins to the chicken or turkey.
- Add chopped walnuts and mix well.
- Cut the remaining 2 bananas into thick chunks.
- Add the banana puree to the mixture and stir everything together.
- Serve the salad chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider substituting pecans for walnuts or adding some diced celery for crunch. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can increase the yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise. This salad also works well with the addition of some diced cooked bacon for a savory touch. For a different flavor profile, try using lime juice instead of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette or can be accompanied by a bowl of fruit. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice. This salad also complements dishes like the Chicken Bacon Delight perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the bananas to the salad until serving. If the salad becomes too thick, you can stir in a little extra yogurt or mayonnaise to loosen it. It’s best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Bombay Salad contains roughly 386 calories, with 9g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients except for the bananas and store them in the refrigerator. Add the banana puree and chunks just before serving to prevent browning and maintain texture.
What can I use instead of chicken or turkey?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken or turkey with chickpeas or tofu. For a seafood twist, cooked shrimp or crab meat can also be a delicious alternative, giving the salad a unique flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
To control the sweetness, consider reducing the amount of bananas or raisins. You can also add a bit of chopped green onions or celery to balance the flavors and add a savory note. Adjust the lemon juice to enhance the tanginess as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).