Chicken And Orange Salad
A refreshing chicken and orange salad combining tender poultry, sweet citrus, crisp celery, and creamy mayonnaise, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice in boiling salted water until tender.
- Drain the rice and while still hot, mix with chopped onion and season with salt and pepper; let cool.
- Add cooked, diced chicken, chopped celery, chopped stuffed olives, and mayonnaise to the rice mixture.
- Toss lightly to combine.
- Peel the oranges and separate into sections.
- Cut half of the orange sections into small pieces.
- Add the orange pieces to the salad mixture and toss gently before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise. You can substitute the long grain rice with quinoa for a healthier option. If you want more crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the flavor profile of the salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Company Chicken With Savory Rice.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish at a summer barbecue. Serve it alongside Oven Barbecue Chicken And Cheese Biscuits for a complete meal. Garnish with extra orange sections or fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a microwave, but avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the chicken and vegetables. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Orange Salad contains roughly 638 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2529mg per serving (110% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add flavor to your salad. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise if I want a lighter option?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette dressing for a lighter, tangy flavor. Greek yogurt will also add creaminess while reducing calories, making it a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just mix all the ingredients except for the orange sections, as they are best added right before serving to maintain freshness. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
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).