Brown Rice Chutney Chicken Salad
A vibrant, flavorful chicken salad featuring brown rice, pineapple, green onions, almonds, and a curry chutney dressing, perfect for a light, satisfying main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook brown rice according to package directions, omitting the butter.
- Put rice in a large bowl and let cool.
- While rice is cooling, drain the pineapple tidbits, reserving the juice.
- Stir drained pineapple bits, cooked chicken or turkey, celery, green onions, and toasted slivered almonds into the rice.
- Combine 1/4 cup pineapple juice, mayonnaise, chutney, and curry powder, mixing well.
- Stir the dressing into the rice mixture.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier salad, consider adding some Greek yogurt alongside the mayonnaise. If you prefer a different protein, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. You can also substitute the slivered almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different texture. For added flavor, try incorporating some diced apples or raisins for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Brown Rice Chutney Chicken Salad on a bed of fresh greens or as a filling in whole grain wraps. It also pairs beautifully with Oven Steamed Chicken for a hearty meal. For a light lunch, enjoy it with a side of fruit or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad from becoming too soggy, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing it in just before serving. If you need to reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave and then mix it back in with the salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice Chutney Chicken Salad contains roughly 417 calories, with 7g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 12g 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?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare the salad and chill it for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of chutney?
If you don't have chutney on hand, you can substitute with mango salsa or even a sweet curry sauce. Both options will add a similar sweet and tangy flavor that complements the dish well.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! It holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat.
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).