Diet Smucker'S Chicken Salad With Wild Rice
A light and flavorful chicken salad with wild rice, grapes, pecans, and citrus dressing, perfect for a nutritious lunch or a refreshing dinner option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat chicken breasts over medium-high heat until hot, cooking each side for about 2 minutes or until browned.
- Place the cooked chicken in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish and bake at 450°F for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Cool the chicken and cut into 1/4-inch strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken, cooked rice, chopped green onions, green grapes, and pecans. Toss well.
- In a small bowl, mix orange rind, raspberry vinegar, orange marmalade, pepper, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your chicken salad, consider marinating the chicken in a little raspberry vinegar before cooking. For a nut-free version, you can substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture. This salad can also serve as a filling for sandwiches, making it a versatile choice for lunch.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is best served chilled, making it a perfect dish for warm weather. Pair it with a light green salad or whole-grain crackers for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a bowl of soup, such as a refreshing gazpacho. You can also try it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or serve it cold straight from the fridge. If the salad has been refrigerated for a while, consider adding a splash of raspberry vinegar to refresh the flavors before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diet Smucker'S Chicken Salad With Wild Rice contains roughly 11 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as directed. This is a fantastic way to utilize leftover chicken from dishes like Soup-Er Chicken Casserole.
What type of rice should I use?
Wild rice is recommended for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, but you can substitute it with brown rice or quinoa for a different taste and texture. Both options are nutritious and will complement the other ingredients well.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken salad is perfect for meal prep! It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat for optimal freshness.
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).