Sugar Mountain Chicken Salad
A vibrant chicken salad served in fresh cantaloupe rings, blending tender cooked chicken with crunchy celery, sliced water chestnuts, and toasted almonds. Flavored with curry powder, soy sauce, and lemon juice, it offers a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, perfect for light summer gatherings or elegant luncheons.
Ingredients
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 4 cups cooked chicken, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup toasted almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 pound green seedless grapes, halved ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- Pineapple chunks ⓘ
- Cantaloupe ⓘ
- Paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise and curry powder in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, chopped celery, sliced water chestnuts, toasted almonds, halved green seedless grapes, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Add enough of the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken mixture to moisten it thoroughly.
- Slice cantaloupe into 1/2-inch thick rings.
- Place each cantaloupe ring on a lettuce leaf on individual serving plates.
- Heap the chicken salad onto the cantaloupe rings.
- Garnish with chunks of pineapple and a sprinkle of paprika.
- Serve with hot bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier salad, adjust the mayonnaise to your preference, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if needed. If you want a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor. For an extra crunch, add diced apples or raisins. This chicken salad pairs beautifully with hot bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch, or on its own as a standout dish at a potluck. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or alongside a bowl of soup, such as Potatoes Cheese Broccoli Soup, for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider adding seasonal fruits like berries or mandarin oranges.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the salad from becoming too watery, keep the mayonnaise separate and mix it in just before serving. Reheat any leftover chicken gently in the microwave, but avoid reheating the salad itself, as it is best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Mountain Chicken Salad contains roughly 103 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% 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 the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients without the mayonnaise and store them in the refrigerator. Add the mayonnaise just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and a small amount of mustard for added flavor. This will give you a creamy texture while reducing calories.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is excellent for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers and keep the mayonnaise separate until ready to eat. It makes for a quick and nutritious lunch option throughout the week.
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).