Chicken Salad(Orient Express)
A flavorful chicken salad with crisp apples, toasted almonds, and fresh parsley, served on crisp lettuce with a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring chicken stock to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts, reduce heat, and poach until cooked about 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken from broth and let cool. Discard skin and bones, then cut meat into 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with mayonnaise, sour cream, diced apples, diced celery, toasted slivered almonds, plumped raisins, chopped parsley, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and ground pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Arrange lettuce leaves and sliced tomato on a serving platter.
- Top with the chicken salad and sprinkle with vinaigrette before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots. Toast the almonds for enhanced flavor. When poaching chicken, ensure it’s fully submerged in broth for even cooking. This chicken salad pairs beautifully with Mom'S Chicken Dressing for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of butter lettuce for an elegant presentation. It pairs well with crusty bread or whole grain crackers. You can also add fresh fruit or a light vinaigrette on the side for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Winter Squash, Apple And Walnut Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes too thick, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad(Orient Express) contains roughly 642 calories, with 24g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2508mg per serving (109% 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 leftover chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works great. Just ensure it's shredded or diced to match the texture of poached chicken. This is a perfect way to use up leftover chicken recipes and minimize waste.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. You can also add additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or cubed cucumber for extra crunch and flavor while keeping the creamy dressing.
What kind of apples are best for this salad?
For the best flavor and texture, use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. Their sweetness balances well with the savory ingredients in the salad. You can experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combination.
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).