Cokie'S Chicken And Fruit Salad
A refreshing chicken and fruit salad combining tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, grapes, and crunchy almonds, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken (4 to 5 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup toasted, slivered almonds ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless white grapes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2/3 tablespoon dried parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chicken, then cool and pick the meat from the bones.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and chopped onions.
- Gently fold the mayonnaise mixture into the cooked chicken.
- Add diced celery, mandarin oranges, grapes, toasted almonds, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and herb seasoning if using.
- Gently stir to combine, then add oranges last.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. You can substitute the mandarin oranges with canned peaches or pineapple for a different flavor. If you prefer a lighter dressing, consider Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For added crunch, try walnuts or pecans instead of almonds. Ensure to chop the vegetables finely for better texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken and fruit salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light soup, such as Hawkins Family Brunswick Stew. For a festive touch, garnish with additional fresh parsley or serve alongside a fruit platter to enhance the meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together over time, making it even tastier. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the chicken. This salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cokie'S Chicken And Fruit Salad contains roughly 425 calories, with 17g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1075mg per serving (47% 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the chicken mixture separate from the mandarin oranges until ready to serve to maintain the oranges' texture and flavor. This allows the flavors to develop while keeping the salad fresh.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, consider using Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette. These substitutes will change the flavor profile slightly but will still provide creaminess. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the taste.
Is there a vegetarian option for this salad?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version. Maintain the same dressing and add an assortment of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers for added crunch and nutrition.
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).