Brazilian Chicken Salad (Salpicão)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, shredded 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 1 cup (150g) carrots, grated 1 cup (150g) carrots, grated
• 1 cup (150g) green apples, diced 1 cup (150g) green apples, diced
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins 1/2 cup (75g) raisins
• 1/2 cup (80g) corn kernels 1/2 cup (80g) corn kernels
• 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon mustard 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, grated carrots, diced green apples, raisins, and corn kernels.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. 4.
   Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
5. 5.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Before serving, garnish the salad with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breast — To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken breast or leftover roasted chicken. If cooking the chicken from scratch, poaching or grilling are recommended methods to retain tenderness.
• Green apples — Choose crisp and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Green Gala for a refreshing flavor contrast.
• Raisins — Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a handful of toasted nuts such as almonds or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as diced bell peppers or shredded cabbage.
• Serve the Brazilian Chicken Salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Serving advice

Brazilian Chicken Salad can be served as a main course for a light lunch or dinner. It is also a fantastic side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. Serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs well with crusty bread or toasted pita chips.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish it with additional apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve it with a wedge of lime on the side for a touch of freshness.