Merilee'S Chicken And Rice Salad
Merilee's Chicken and Rice Salad combines tender marinated chicken with fluffy rice, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, pineapple, and almonds, all coated in creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, it's a refreshing, flavorful dish that offers a delightful mix of textures and tropical flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and diced chicken ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons prepared orange juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 cups green grapes sliced in half ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup pineapple chunks sliced in half and drained ⓘ
- 1 small can mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 3/4 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Marinate the cooked and diced chicken in salad oil, prepared orange juice, vinegar, and salt for at least 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, mix together green grapes sliced in half, sliced celery (if using), pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, cooked rice, and mayonnaise.
- Add the marinated chicken mixture to the bowl and mix everything together well.
- Chill the salad for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version. If you want more crunch, try adding diced bell peppers or chopped nuts. For a sweeter twist, mix in diced apples. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially the dressing, to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing salad on a bed of leafy greens for added nutrition and color. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light soup, such as Cameo Ranch Soup, for a complete meal. For a picnic or potluck, this dish is convenient and crowd-pleasing, providing a balance of protein, carbs, and fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If needed, you can add a little more mayonnaise or salad oil to refresh the texture before serving. Avoid freezing, as the ingredients may become watery upon thawing. Serve cold for best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merilee'S Chicken And Rice Salad contains roughly 1418 calories, with 37g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2213mg per serving (96% 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 salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but be sure to add the slivered almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for green grapes?
If you don't have green grapes, try using diced apples or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. These alternatives can provide a similar sweetness and texture, making the salad just as delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost. Additionally, consider incorporating more vegetables like diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for added color and nutrition while keeping the other ingredients the same.
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).