Tangerine And Chicken Salad
A refreshing chicken salad with sweet tangerines, crunchy pecans, and fragrant rosemary, perfect for light lunches or elegant dinners with vibrant citrus flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the shredded chicken, tangerine segments, chopped pecans, raisins, and scallions in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, and minced rosemary to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. If tangerines are not available, oranges can be a great alternative. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil could also work well instead of rosemary. Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette or can be served alongside a bowl of Chicken Noodle Or Rice Soup for a comforting meal. For a heartier option, serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of mixed greens. Consider garnishing with additional tangerine slices for a vibrant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice to keep it moist. It's best enjoyed cold, so consider serving it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangerine And Chicken Salad contains roughly 726 calories, with 10g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value) and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 raw chicken for this salad?
While it's best to use cooked chicken, you can poach or grill raw chicken breast for this recipe. Ensure it's fully cooked and cooled before shredding it for the salad. This will provide a fresh taste and texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, you can add cooked quinoa or farro. These grains not only add substance but also enhance the nutritional value. Additionally, incorporating avocado or chickpeas can provide healthy fats and protein.
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).