Best Ever Chicken Salad
A vibrant, flavorful chicken salad combining tender chicken, juicy fruits, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing, perfect for light lunches or potlucks, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
- 5 c. chopped, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. orange juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. halved seedless grapes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can chunk pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 1 c. toasted, slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the chopped cooked chicken, cooked rice, salad oil, orange juice, vinegar, and salt in a large bowl; let stand for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Add the halved grapes, sliced celery, drained pineapple, mandarin oranges, toasted slivered almonds, and mayonnaise; toss gently to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours before serving.
- Serve on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the grapes with diced apples or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. For a nut-free version, omit the almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light soup. For a complete lunch, offer a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes too dry, add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of orange juice before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Chicken Salad contains roughly 768 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
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 chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this chicken salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served cold.
What type of chicken is best for this salad?
Cooked, chopped chicken breast is ideal for this recipe due to its mild flavor and tender texture. However, you can also use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for added flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this chicken salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, sweet corn, or even chopped green onions for extra crunch and flavor. Customize the recipe to suit your taste and make it your own.
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).