Shan Tung Salad
A colorful, flavorful chicken salad with grapes, water chestnuts, and rice, dressed with curry mayonnaise, perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests with a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can water chestnuts, chilled and sliced thin
- 1 pound seedless green grapes ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked white rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder ⓘ
- 1 small can pineapple chunks, drained ⓘ
- 1 can Chinese noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together mayonnaise, soy sauce, and curry powder.
- Combine all other ingredients except pineapple and noodles with the mayonnaise mixture.
- Spoon into nests of lettuce and garnish with pineapple chunks and Chinese noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can add chopped nuts for extra crunch, or substitute diced apples for grapes for a different flavor profile. If you want a little more heat, a dash of chili sauce can enhance the curry flavor. This salad can also be served as a filling for wraps, making it versatile for lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. It pairs well with a light vinaigrette dressing or can be enjoyed alongside Fried Rice - Grandpa Lim'S Recipe for a complete meal. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Shan Tung Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to have leftovers, keep the pineapple and Chinese noodles separate until serving to maintain their texture. Reheat the chicken and rice if desired, but the salad is also delicious served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shan Tung Salad contains roughly 1890 calories, with 39g protein, 213g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (251% of the Daily Value), iron (182% of the Daily Value), and protein (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken is a great way to save time and add flavor. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or cubed before mixing it into the salad.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost. Additionally, use vegan mayonnaise for the dressing to make it entirely plant-based. The other ingredients will still provide a delicious and satisfying salad.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the mayonnaise mixture. You could also include diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
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).