Brown Derby Chicken Salad
A refreshing chicken salad combining tender chicken, citrus oranges, grapes, walnuts, and crisp lettuce, coated in creamy yogurt and dressing—perfect for light lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss the cooked, chunked chicken breasts, mandarin oranges, seedless grapes, walnuts, chopped celery, and sliced green onions in a large bowl.
- Add the lemon low-fat yogurt and Miracle Whip dressing to the mixture, and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in some diced avocado or replacing the walnuts with pecans for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the lemon low-fat yogurt. Adding a splash of orange juice can enhance the citrus flavor, complementing the mandarin oranges perfectly. This salad is a great way to use leftover chicken from other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, including leaf, head, and bibb varieties, for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette or a side of whole-grain crackers. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside G.G.'S Cold Cucumber Soup for a refreshing combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Brown Derby Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of ingredients like celery, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave to avoid drying it out, though this salad is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Derby Chicken Salad contains roughly 618 calories, with 22g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you're short on time, but be sure to drain it well. Freshly cooked chicken breasts have a better texture and flavor. If using canned, try to find one that is low-sodium to keep the dish healthier.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the Brown Derby Chicken Salad more filling, you can add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the mixture. This will add substance and make it a complete meal. You could also serve it in a pita or wrap for a heartier option.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. It’s a great option for lunches throughout the week.
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).