Key West Chicken Salad
A vibrant chicken salad with grapes, green onions, and crunchy water chestnuts, served in pita halves and garnished with lettuce—perfect for a light, flavorful lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped green onions with tops
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. cut up cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 c. seedless grapes (red or green)
- 1 c. Dijonnaise dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped/sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- lettuce leaves ⓘ
- pita bread halves ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except lettuce and pita bread; cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Spoon chicken mixture into pita halves.
- Garnish with lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of Dijonnaise dressing for a lighter option. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the flavor profile, making it a refreshing take on classic chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Serve the chicken salad spooned into pita bread halves with a side of fresh fruit or a light green salad. It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Barbara Bass Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Key West Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispness, keep the salad separate from the pita bread. When ready to enjoy, you can serve it cold directly from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Key West Chicken Salad contains roughly 72 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% 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 types of fruit in this chicken salad?
Absolutely! While grapes add sweetness and texture, you can substitute them with diced apples or diced pineapple for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruit you choose complements the other ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken salad is great for meal prep. Just prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in individual containers. It will keep well in the fridge, making it easy to grab for lunch throughout the week.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or a plant-based protein like tofu. You can also add more vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers to enhance the dish without losing texture.
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).