Virginia Chicken-Apple Salad
A refreshing chicken-apple salad with grapes, olives, almonds, and a creamy lemon dressing, perfect for light lunches or picnics, appealing to fruit and poultry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dip the apple cubes in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Combine the apples, cooked chicken, seedless grapes, sliced olives, celery, and slivered almonds in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, blend mayonnaise and whipped cream with 2 tablespoons lemon juice and salt.
- Toss the salad ingredients with the creamy dressing until evenly coated.
- Serve the salad cold, ideally with buttered croissants.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Virginia Chicken-Apple Salad, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the whipped cream. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey can also be added. This salad is reminiscent of American recipes that blend savory and sweet ingredients beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Virginia Chicken-Apple Salad is delightful on its own or served alongside buttered croissants for a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light soup like Turkey-Tomato Soup for a complete lunch. For a colorful presentation, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or with sliced cucumbers for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery due to the dressing, so give it a good stir before serving. If you want to reheat, consider serving it at room temperature instead of microwaving, as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia Chicken-Apple Salad contains roughly 384 calories, with 11g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% 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 rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor to the salad. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, you can use chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each substitute will add its unique flavor and texture to the salad, so choose one that you enjoy.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. The apple cubes should be tossed in lemon juice just before mixing to prevent browning.
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).