Chicken Salad Ambrosia
A creamy, fruity chicken salad with mandarin oranges, grapes, and pecans, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, chopped celery, drained mandarin oranges, halved grapes, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Italian salad dressing mix until well combined.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce and garnish with additional grapes if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a substitute for cooked chicken. Feel free to add diced apples or raisins for extra sweetness. This salad can also be customized with different nuts or seeds based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken salad ambrosia on a bed of fresh lettuce, which adds a nice crunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or crackers. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or some vegetable sticks for a light lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If needed, you can add a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving to refresh the texture. Avoid freezing the salad, as the ingredients may become watery once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Ambrosia contains roughly 891 calories, with 9g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1699mg 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 use other fruits in this chicken salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like diced apples, pineapple, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the balance of sweetness and acidity to maintain the overall taste of the salad.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken salad is excellent for meal prep! Prepare it in advance and store it in individual containers. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the salad's freshness.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld nicely, but be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
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).