Orange, Grape And Chicken Salad
A vibrant chicken salad combining citrus, grapes, and almonds for a refreshing, flavorful main course perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked, diced chicken ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salad oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon orange juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 3/4 cup green grapes, halved ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup drained mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the cooked, diced chicken with salad oil, orange juice, vinegar, and salt. Let stand while preparing the rest.
- Combine cooked white rice, halved green grapes, diced celery, drained pineapple tidbits, drained mandarin oranges, and toasted almonds in a large bowl.
- Add mayonnaise to the mixture, adjusting the amount between 3/4 to 1 cup to taste. Mix well.
- Chill the salad for one hour or more before serving.
- Serve on lettuce as a main course.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor. If you prefer more sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey to the dressing. This salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, similar to how ingredients come together in Chicken Casserole(Simple).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an appealing presentation. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal. For a delightful summer picnic, consider serving it alongside Tarra'S Favorite Chicken Noodle Soup for a light and refreshing menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes too dry, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of orange juice before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the ingredients will not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange, Grape And Chicken Salad contains roughly 443 calories, with 8g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1091mg per serving (47% 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 leftover roast chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken works perfectly in this recipe, adding extra flavor. Just make sure it's diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. This will still provide protein and texture, making it a satisfying dish without meat.
How can I make this salad more colorful?
Adding bell peppers or diced carrots can enhance the color and crunch of the salad. You might also consider including a variety of grapes, such as red and black, to create a more vibrant dish.
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).