Chicken Pie Salad
A creamy chicken pie salad with pineapple, cheddar, and almonds, served in baked pie shells, perfect for light lunches or picnics, combining savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine baked chicken, shredded Cheddar cheese, diced celery, drained crushed pineapple, and slivered almonds in a bowl.
- Add 1 cup of mayonnaise to the mixture and toss to combine, reserving 1/2 cup of mayonnaise for topping.
- Fill each baked pie shell with the salad mixture.
- Cut each filled pie into 6 wedges.
- Top each wedge with the remaining mayonnaise and grated carrots before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or green onions for extra crunch. If you prefer a different cheese, try a mild mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. Chilling the salad mixture for an hour enhances the flavors, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Pie Salad is delightful served cold on a hot day. Pair it with a refreshing side like Wild Rice And Asparagus Salad for a balanced meal. It also works beautifully as a picnic dish or potluck favorite. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs or additional almonds and serve alongside a light vinaigrette salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, remove the filling from the pie shells and gently warm it in the microwave. Alternatively, you can serve it cold, as the flavors develop further with time. Avoid reheating the pie shells, as they may become soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pie Salad contains roughly 1670 calories, with 58g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), protein (117% of the Daily Value), and calcium (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1707mg per serving (74% 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 make this Chicken Pie Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish benefits from being made a few hours or even a day in advance. Just assemble the salad mixture, fill the pie shells, and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I use instead of slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, you can substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor. Alternatively, sunflower seeds are a great nut-free option that will still provide a satisfying crunch. Adjusting the nuts can create a unique twist while keeping the texture appealing.
Is it possible to freeze Chicken Pie Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this Chicken Pie Salad, as the mayonnaise and cream can separate and change texture once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pie shells separately. When you're ready to enjoy, prepare fresh salad ingredients and combine them with the thawed chicken for the best results.
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).