Chicken And Carrot Salad
A creamy chicken and carrot salad with crunchy almonds and fresh celery, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Toss all ingredients together and add to the mayonnaise/lemon juice dressing.
- Chill the salad and serve on lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. You can also substitute the slivered almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. This salad also works well with additional spices, such as curry powder for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce or in a wrap for a quick lunch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or alongside a bowl of soup, such as Vera'S Chicken Soup. For a colorful presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or additional slivered almonds on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken and carrot salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to serve. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat the salad to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Carrot Salad contains roughly 818 calories, with 11g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 961mg per serving (42% 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 salad?
Yes, canned chicken is a convenient alternative and can save time. Make sure to drain and rinse it well to reduce sodium content. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken and carrot salad is great for meal prep. Just prepare the ingredients and store the salad separately from the dressing until you're ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and flavorful throughout the week.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber. You could also incorporate diced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, which complements the savory elements beautifully.
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).