Discover the Arlington chicken salad recipe with Mangoes and Palm Trees! This easy, healthy dish combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a versatile meal perfect for picnics, lunches, or dinners. Ready in 5 simple steps, it’s a flavorful classic with a tropical twist.
Introduction to Arlington Chicken Salad
The Arlington chicken salad recipe is a nutritious, satisfying dish blending lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. Ideal for quick meals, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with our Chicken Salad Recipes.
Origins of the Recipe
Originating in early 20th-century Arlington, Virginia, this salad was crafted using leftover chicken and garden vegetables, evolving into a beloved, easy-to-make classic.
Why It’s a Healthy Choice
High in protein from chicken, rich in vitamins from vegetables, and low in fat with yogurt-based dressing, it supports muscle health, digestion, and a balanced diet.
Ingredients Needed
Fresh Produce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lettuce (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 1 cup |
| Cucumbers (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Red onions (thinly sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Celery (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Bell peppers (sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1/2 cup |
Protein Options
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (grilled, diced) | 2 cups |
| Hard-boiled eggs (chopped, optional) | 2 eggs |
Dressing Components
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Greek yogurt | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Preparation Steps
Cooking the Chicken
Season 2 chicken breasts with salt and pepper, grill in olive oil over medium heat for 7 minutes per side until 165°F (74°C), cool, and dice.
Chopping Vegetables
Chop celery, red onion, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces; slice cucumbers and dice tomatoes for freshness.
Making the Dressing
Combining Ingredients
In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. See Bon Appétit for dressing tips.
Achieving the Right Consistency
Stir until smooth; add water (1 tsp at a time) if too thick, aiming for a creamy, spoon-coating texture.
Assembling the Salad
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grilled chicken (diced) | 2 cups |
| Lettuce (chopped) | 2 cups |
| Tomatoes (diced) | 1 cup |
| Cucumbers (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Red onions (sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Celery (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Bell peppers (sliced) | 1/2 cup |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1/2 cup |
| Grapes or apples (diced, optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Almonds or walnuts (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Greek yogurt | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Instructions
- In a large bowl, layer 2 cups chopped lettuce as the base.
- Add 2 cups diced grilled chicken, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup sliced cucumbers, 1/2 cup sliced red onions, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
- Optionally, mix in 1/2 cup diced grapes or apples and 1/4 cup almonds for sweetness and crunch.
- Pour dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat evenly, and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro.
- Serve on a bun, croissant, lettuce wrap, or with crackers, garnished with a tropical mango-yogurt drizzle.
Layering Ingredients
Start with lettuce, add chicken, then layer vegetables evenly for color and texture; include optional fruits or nuts.
Mixing Everything Together
Toss gently with dressing, adding herbs and nuts for flavor and crunch, ensuring even coating.
Serving Suggestions
Ideal Pairings
Pair with crackers, fresh fruits (grapes, berries), vegetable sticks, or mixed greens for balance.
Presentation Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Colorful Bowl | Use a vibrant bowl to highlight ingredients |
| Herb Garnish | Add parsley or dill for color |
| Individual Cups | Serve in small cups for elegance |
| Layered Look | Showcase greens and toppings visually |
Health Benefits of Arlington Chicken Salad
Nutritional Value
High in protein (chicken), vitamins (vegetables), and healthy fats (olive oil), supporting immunity and heart health.
Low-Calorie Content
At ~300-400 kcal per serving, it’s filling yet light, ideal for weight management.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Options
Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, adding bell peppers or cucumbers for crunch.
Spicy Versions
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, spicy mustard, or red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store in an airtight container in the fridge’s coldest part; avoid leaving out for over 2 hours.
Shelf Life
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight) | Up to 3 days |
| Room Temperature | Not recommended |
Common Mistakes
Overcooking Chicken
Cook to 165°F (74°C), let rest 5 minutes to retain juices. See Serious Eats for cooking tips.
Improper Dressing Balance
Add dressing gradually, balancing sweet, salty, and tangy flavors to avoid sogginess.
Expert Tips
Ingredient Substitutions
Use rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, cucumbers, apples, or pecans for variety.
Time-Saving Techniques
Pre-cook chicken, use pre-cut veggies, batch-prepare, or multitask during prep.
Dietary Considerations
Gluten-Free Options
Use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps, checking labels for gluten-free mayo.
Dairy-Free Adjustments
Opt for dairy-free mayo, skip cheese, and verify chicken for dairy additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Ingredients Are in Arlington Chicken Salad?
Chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, onions, grapes, mayo, yogurt, spices.
How Do You Prepare Arlington Chicken Salad?
Grill and dice chicken, chop vegetables, mix with dressing, and toss.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for the Salad?
Yes, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
What Type of Chicken Is Best?
Grilled or roasted chicken for optimal flavor.
Can I Make Arlington Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, chill for a few hours to enhance flavors.
How Long Does Arlington Chicken Salad Last?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Is Arlington Chicken Salad Healthy?
High in protein, low in calories with yogurt-based dressing.
Can I Add Nuts to the Salad?
Yes, almonds or walnuts add crunch.
Is This Salad Good for a Picnic?
Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or casual meals.
What Can I Serve with Arlington Chicken Salad?
Crackers, lettuce wraps, buns, or croissants.
Conclusion
The Arlington chicken salad recipe is a healthy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Its tropical mango-yogurt drizzle adds a unique twist, making it a family favorite. Enjoy this easy, versatile salad today!
