Chicken Salad Croissants
A delightful chicken salad in flaky croissants with pineapple, nuts, and a creamy citrus dressing, perfect for a light lunch or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss together the diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, and drained crushed pineapple tidbits.
- Blend the mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion flakes, seasoned salt, and lemon pepper to create the dressing.
- Stir the dressing into the chicken mixture along with the chopped cashews or walnuts.
- Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto split croissants and top with alfalfa sprouts.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier twist. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding diced apples or grapes. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. To enhance the dish, season with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a vibrant taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken salad croissants with a light side salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with soups like Joan'S Vegetable Soup for a more filling option. Consider adding a side of chips or pickles for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the croissants' texture, keep the chicken salad separate until ready to serve. Reheat the salad gently in the microwave if desired, but it's best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Croissants contains roughly 809 calories, with 19g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to assemble the croissants just before serving to keep them fresh and flaky.
What are some good substitutions for nuts?
If you have nut allergies, you can omit the cashews or walnuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy element without the allergens.
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can be used as a convenient alternative. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding to the salad to remove excess sodium and enhance the flavor.
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).