Somertime Chicken Salad Valencia
A refreshing chicken salad with orange juice and broccoli, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings, combining bright citrus flavors with hearty chicken and rice.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup undiluted frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked rice, chilled ⓘ
- 1 (12.5 oz.) can Valley Fresh white chicken in water, drained ⓘ
- 2 oranges, peeled and sectioned ⓘ
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend together orange juice, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and olive oil.
- Set aside the dressing.
- Combine cooked rice, drained chicken, orange sections, red onion, and thawed broccoli florets in a large bowl.
- Add the orange juice mixture to the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve chilled.
- Store leftovers refrigerated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. You can substitute the frozen broccoli with fresh if preferred, or even use other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch. If you want a sweeter touch, try adding some dried cranberries or sliced almonds. This salad also pairs well with Mediterranean flavors if you want to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad over a bed of fresh greens or alongside crusty bread for a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or can be enjoyed as part of a larger spread with dishes like Deluxe Turkey Salad. Add some sliced avocado or a sprinkle of nuts for extra nutrition and texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but be mindful that the rice and chicken may dry out. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a refreshing salad, as the flavors meld beautifully when chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Somertime Chicken Salad Valencia contains roughly 399 calories, with 13g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 867mg per serving (38% 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 fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked shredded or diced fresh chicken. Just ensure it's seasoned well to complement the flavors of the salad. Cook the chicken ahead of time and let it cool before adding it to the salad for the best texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein. You can also replace the honey with maple syrup in the dressing. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the vinegar, are vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with this chicken salad?
This chicken salad is versatile and can be served as a main dish or side. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced meal. It also goes well with homemade style done easy chicken noodle soup for a comforting dinner.
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).