Chicken 'N Rice Salad
A vibrant, creamy chicken 'n rice salad perfect for picnics or light lunches. Combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, sweet peas, and crunchy celery, all coated in a tangy mayonnaise dressing, this dish offers balanced flavors and textures that appeal to all ages and are great served on a bed of lettuce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, diced cooked chicken, cooked peas, diced celery, and grated onion; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, blend together mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
- Thoroughly mix the mayonnaise dressing into the chicken and rice mixture.
- Chill for an hour or more before serving.
- Serve on lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a refreshing twist, consider adding diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness. If you're short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Adjust the mayonnaise to your preference; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute. Adding nuts like slivered almonds can enhance the texture. This dish can also be served as a filling for wraps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken 'N Rice Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a light meal. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple vegetable slaw for added crunch. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps, perfect for picnics or lunch boxes. Consider complementing it with a chilled soup, like Vegetable Cheese Chowder, for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. If you prefer, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, as the flavors will continue to meld together. Avoid reheating if you plan to serve it again cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken 'N Rice Salad contains roughly 194 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 476mg per serving (21% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to white rice. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, and you may need to adjust the amount of dressing to balance the flavors.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting mayonnaise with a dairy-free version or using avocado as a creamy base. Also, ensure that the chicken and any added ingredients are free from dairy products.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even shredded carrots. These add color and extra nutrients while enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.
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).