Farmer'S Chicken Salad
A vibrant and fruity chicken salad blending tender chicken, fresh grapes, pineapple, oranges, and crunchy almonds, perfect for light lunches or picnics with a sweet-savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 5 cups chicken, cut in chunks ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons orange juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice, cooked in chicken broth or canned broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups green grapes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup drained pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 1 cup drained oranges or fresh oranges ⓘ
- 1 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Add the chicken, salad oil, orange juice, and vinegar to a bowl and gently toss to combine.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Add the tossed chicken mixture to the fruit and rice mixture, then refrigerate several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the salad oil, orange juice, and vinegar for an hour before cooking. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can work well as a substitute. You can also swap out the grapes for dried cranberries or use walnuts instead of almonds for a different texture. This salad is versatile, so feel free to adjust ingredients based on what you have at home.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Farmer's Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a filling in wraps. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a side of Cream Of Asparagus Soup(Makes 6 Cups Of Soup) or a light fruit salad. This dish is ideal for potlucks and picnics.
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 note that the salad is best served cold. If you prefer, enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmer'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 991 calories, with 26g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (52% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 493mg per serving (21% 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 other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This salad works well with shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just ensure the protein is cooked and seasoned to your liking. Adjust the dressing as needed to complement the different flavors.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To lighten this recipe, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, which will reduce calories while adding protein. You can also increase the amount of veggies, like adding bell peppers or carrots, to boost nutrition and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Prepare it a day ahead and store it in individual portions. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain 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).