Chicken Artichoke Salad
A flavorful chicken salad with artichokes, olives, and crunchy nuts, perfect for light lunches or picnics, combining savory, tangy, and nutty flavors for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or roasting hen ⓘ
- 1 box Rice-A-Roni ⓘ
- 2 tall cans artichoke hearts, quartered ⓘ
- 4 to 5 chopped green onions with tops ⓘ
- 2 cans chopped ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces or toasted almonds, slivered ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Bake the chicken with usual seasonings, then cool and dice.
- Marinate the artichoke hearts in Italian dressing overnight.
- Cook the Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions, then cool.
- Drain the artichokes, reserving the marinade for moisture if needed.
- Mix the diced chicken, cooked Rice-A-Roni, drained artichokes, chopped green onions, chopped olives, sliced water chestnuts, mayonnaise, and Italian dressing in a large bowl.
- Taste and adjust the moisture by adding more dressing or reserved marinade as needed.
- Top the salad with pecan pieces or toasted almonds, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, or use a low-fat Italian dressing. You can also replace the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you want to add some crunch, consider including diced celery or bell peppers. Marinating the artichokes overnight in Italian dressing enhances their flavor significantly, so don’t skip that step! This salad can be made a day in advance for easy entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Chicken Artichoke Salad chilled, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a side of Debbie'S Cream Of Broccoli Soup or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider adding a green salad or fruit platter. This dish also works well as a hearty lunch option or light dinner, especially alongside a glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become drier over time, so consider adding a splash of Italian dressing or reserved marinade when serving leftovers to rejuvenate the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the artichokes and cooked Rice-A-Roni may not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Artichoke Salad contains roughly 722 calories, with 18g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value), iron (99% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% 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 instead of roasting a whole chicken?
Yes, using canned chicken is a great time-saver! Just ensure to drain and rinse it well before mixing it into the salad. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still create a delicious dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed to enhance the taste.
What can I substitute for Rice-A-Roni?
If you want to avoid processed foods, consider making your own rice pilaf using a mix of rice, broth, and herbs. Alternatively, quinoa or couscous can be used for a different texture. Just cook them according to package instructions before adding to the salad.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of artichokes, olives, and water chestnuts. You might also want to add some chickpeas or diced tofu for added protein. The flavors will still be robust and satisfying!
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).