Kayla'S Favorite Chicken Salad
A vibrant chicken salad combining tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy almonds, and chow mein noodles, perfect for light lunches or picnics. Fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chicken, celery, green onion, mandarin oranges, salt, and almonds in a large bowl.
- Fold in salad dressing, whipped topping, and chow mein noodles just before serving. Mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a few tablespoons of plain yogurt or sour cream to the dressing. If you prefer a crunchier salad, substitute the chow mein noodles with crispy fried onions. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience. For a tangy twist, try adding some diced apples or grapes.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner and pairs beautifully with Homemade Rice Pilaf or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it in a pita or on a croissant. You can also enjoy it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the noodles crispy, add them just before serving if you plan to store the salad. When ready to enjoy, give it a good stir, and if desired, add a touch more dressing to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kayla'S Favorite Chicken Salad contains roughly 941 calories, with 19g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1493mg per serving (65% 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 make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients except for the chow mein noodles and salad dressing. Store it in the refrigerator and add the dressing and noodles just before serving to maintain the crunch and freshness.
What can I substitute for the chow mein noodles?
If you can't find chow mein noodles, you can substitute them with crispy fried onions or even crushed tortilla chips for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you could use roasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is a great meal prep option. Just prepare the ingredients and store them separately to keep everything fresh. Combine them the night before you plan to eat, or pack individual servings for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
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).