Chicken Salad On Melon
A refreshing chicken salad served on melon cups, featuring sweet, tangy dressing with strawberries and walnuts, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- dash of salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. salad oil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cubed chicken or turkey
- 1/4 medium cantaloupe ⓘ
- 1/4 honeydew melon ⓘ
- 2 bibb lettuce or Boston lettuce cups
- 1 c. strawberries, quartered ⓘ
- 1/2 c. walnut halves (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a blender, combine sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, and salt for the dressing.
- Cover and blend for 5 seconds.
- Slowly add salad oil in a thin stream through the opening in the lid while blending.
- Stop the blender and scrape down the sides.
- Cover and blend for 1 to 2 minutes more or until the dressing is slightly thickened.
- Stir in poppy seed.
- Prepare melon cups by scooping out the centers of cantaloupe and honeydew melon.
- Fill melon cups with cubed chicken, quartered strawberries, and optional walnut halves.
- Serve on lettuce cups for a colorful presentation.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for cubed chicken or turkey. Feel free to use any fresh fruit you have on hand; blueberries or raspberries would complement the dish well. Additionally, if you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding some chopped celery or apples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken salad in the melon cups on a bed of lettuce for an attractive presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with a light white wine or iced tea. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of garlic bread or a fresh vegetable platter. You can also browse more American recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may separate, so give it a good stir before serving again. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the chicken and fruits will change. To refresh the dish, simply serve it over fresh lettuce again for a crisp bite.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad On Melon contains roughly 63 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1909mg per serving (83% 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 the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as the ingredients may separate. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your chicken salad.
What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
You can use a variety of fruits based on your preference or what's in season. Apples, peaches, or even grapes can add a delightful sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness of the dressing if you use very sweet fruits to maintain balance in the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the chicken salad can be prepared in advance for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness. Store the salad in meal prep containers, and it can be a quick and healthy lunch option throughout the week.
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).