Chicken Salad Supreme
Chicken Salad Supreme is a vibrant and hearty dish combining tender cooked chicken with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing. Its sweet and savory flavors make it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch option that appeals to a variety of palates.
Ingredients
- 2 large roasting chickens, cooked and cubed
- 4 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. vinegar
- 4 Tbsp. orange juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 3 cups mandarin orange sections
- 3 cups pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 3 cups white seedless grapes ⓘ
- 3 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 2 cups slivered almonds, toasted
- 1 quart mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix salad oil, vinegar, orange juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Add cooked, cubed chicken to the marinade and refrigerate overnight.
- Combine the marinated chicken with cooked rice, mandarin orange sections, pineapple tidbits, grapes, diced celery, and toasted slivered almonds in a large bowl.
- Add mayonnaise and mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of roasting your own. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous for a different texture. Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Salad Supreme pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or on a bed of lettuce. It also works well as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a side of crusty bread. Consider serving with a chilled glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat as it can dry out the chicken. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Supreme contains roughly 336 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 770mg per serving (33% 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, this chicken salad can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
What can I substitute for the mandarin oranges?
If you don't have mandarin oranges, you can use fresh orange segments or canned peaches for a similar sweetness. Diced apples or grapes can also work well for a crunchy texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or a combination of diced tofu and your favorite vegetables. Use plant-based mayonnaise and consider adding nuts for extra texture.
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).