Fruited Chicken Salad
Fruited Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish combining tender cooked chicken with sweet pineapple, mandarin oranges, crunchy celery, ripe olives, and bell peppers. Tossed with creamy mayo and mustard, then topped with toasted pecans, it offers a delightful mix of textures and refreshing flavors, perfect for light lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain pineapple and oranges; chop ingredients as desired.
- Mix mayo and mustard together, then combine with the chopped ingredients.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lighter version. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped apples or grapes. To enhance the taste, try incorporating a bit of lemon juice or herbs like dill, which pairs beautifully with this fruity chicken salad.
Serving Suggestions
This fruited chicken salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or as a filling in a sandwich or wrap. It pairs well with crunchy crackers or a side of Rice Almondine for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or lemonade.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruited chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding nuts until serving. If you need to reheat, be mindful that the salad is best enjoyed cold, so consider serving it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Chicken Salad contains roughly 744 calories, with 12g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 67g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (247% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 790mg per serving (34% 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 fruits in this chicken salad?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different fruits like diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries to suit your taste. Just ensure that the fruits complement the overall flavor without overpowering the chicken.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This fruited chicken salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to choose gluten-free mayonnaise or salad dressing to maintain the gluten-free quality of the dish.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruited chicken salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the day of serving.
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).