Tropical Pear Chicken Salad
A vibrant and refreshing chicken salad featuring sweet pears, pineapple, and crunchy almonds, perfect for a light lunch or entertaining guests with tropical flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and chill pear halves, reserving 1/4 cup of syrup.
- Combine diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, chopped green onions, toasted almond slices, and drained pineapple tidbits in a bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise with the reserved pear syrup, minced parsley, salt, and ginger until well blended.
- Gently toss the mayonnaise mixture with the chicken and fruit mixture.
- Chill the salad until ready to serve.
- Arrange the pear halves on each of 4 lettuce-lined salad plates.
- Spoon the chicken salad over the pear halves and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use walnuts instead of almonds for a different texture. If fresh fruits are available, try adding diced mango or orange segments for added sweetness. Make sure to chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld well.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing appetizer at a summer gathering. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup, like Pumpkin Soup With Cheddar And Parmesan(Great For The Holidays), for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a crisp green salad for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be served cold straight from the fridge, but if you prefer a fresher taste, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Pear Chicken Salad contains roughly 542 calories, with 21g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (189% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1975mg per serving (86% 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 pears instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pears; just ensure they are ripe and sliced. You may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more sugar or honey to the dressing if the fresh pears are tart.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or a homemade dressing made from blended cashews and lemon juice. Ensure all other ingredients, like the chicken and nuts, are also dairy-free.
What type of lettuce is best for serving?
Butter lettuce or romaine works best for serving this salad as they provide a nice base and hold the chicken salad well. You can also use mixed greens for a colorful presentation.
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).