Fruit Chicken Salad
A refreshing fruit chicken salad combining tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, pineapple, and pecans, all coated in creamy mayonnaise—perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the chicken, celery, green grapes, pineapple tidbits, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- Add mayonnaise and chopped apples to the mixture and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can add a splash of lemon juice for extra freshness. If you want to incorporate more protein, try adding some diced cooked shrimp or crab, which pairs beautifully with this fruit chicken salad. Chopped walnuts can be substituted for pecans if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fruit chicken salad on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing meal. It pairs well with whole grain crackers or toasted bread for a light lunch. You might also enjoy it alongside a bowl of soup or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for picnics or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad's freshness, avoid mixing in the apples until just before serving. This will help prevent browning. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, but serve the salad cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Chicken Salad contains roughly 680 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 65g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to your salad. Just make sure to remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Yes, you can lighten up the salad by using less mayonnaise or substituting it with a yogurt-based dressing. Adding more crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers can also enhance the volume without adding too many calories.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time! Just mix all the ingredients except for the apples and store it in the refrigerator. Add the apples right before serving to keep them crisp and fresh. This salad holds up well for a day or two.
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).