Fruit And Chicken Salad
A vibrant and refreshing chicken salad combining sweet fruits, crunchy vegetables, and savory flavors, perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests who enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise and honey mustard in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pineapple, mandarin oranges, diced celery, green pepper, black olives, and diced onion.
- Add the mayo and mustard dressing to the mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve the salad on a leaf of lettuce and top with chow mein noodles for added crunch.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If you prefer a spicier flavor, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and pairs beautifully with Traditional Cornbread Dressing. Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a light iced tea or lemonade to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch of the chow mein noodles, keep them separate and add them just before serving. If reheating is necessary, do so gently in the microwave, but it's best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Chicken Salad contains roughly 2187 calories, with 42g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (84% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh fruit instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple and oranges instead of canned. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized chunks to maintain the texture of the salad. Fresh fruit will give a brighter flavor and added nutritional benefits.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try using plain Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. This will give a similar creaminess while reducing the calorie count. You can also experiment with avocado for a unique twist.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the chow mein noodles separate until you're ready to serve to ensure they stay crunchy.
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).