Flying Farmer Chicken Salad
A vibrant, flavorful chicken salad with tropical fruits, crunchy almonds, and fragrant rice, perfect for light lunches or picnics, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, hearty dishes.
Ingredients
- 5 c. cooked chicken in chunks ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. orange juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 c. toasted sliver almonds ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. small green grapes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, salad oil, orange juice, vinegar, and salt. Let stand while preparing remaining ingredients or refrigerate overnight.
- Gently toss together all ingredients, including the chicken mixture, celery, pineapple, mandarins, almonds, cooked rice, and grapes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the dressing mixture for a few hours or overnight. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or use cashew cream for a vegan alternative. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans work well too. This salad is a delightful twist on traditional chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Flying Farmer Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette or can be enjoyed in a wrap. For sides, consider serving with a fruit salad or crusty bread. This dish is perfect for potlucks or picnics, making it a versatile option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken salad gently in the microwave, but it's best served cold. If the rice becomes dry, adding a splash of orange juice can help restore moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Flying Farmer Chicken Salad contains roughly 769 calories, with 22g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1194mg per serving (52% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just chop it into chunks and mix it with the dressing as directed. This can make your preparation quick and easy, especially when you're in a hurry.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken salad is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in individual containers. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the salad's freshness and texture.
What variations can I try with this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like diced apples for sweetness, bell peppers for crunch, or even raisins for a hint of tartness. Additionally, experimenting with different nuts or seeds can give it a unique texture. Feel free to make it your own!
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).