If you love a practical, delicious, and flavor-packed recipe, this Brazilian Chicken Salad (Salpicão) is perfect for you! This refreshing salad is ideal for family gatherings, especially on hot days or special occasions. Made with simple ingredients and a special touch of seasoning, it perfectly combines the tenderness of chicken with crunchy vegetables and a sweet-and-savory fruity contrast. This irresistible combination is sure to win over even the most demanding palates!
Ingredients for the Brazilian Chicken Salad:
- 2.2 lbs (1 kg) cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large carrot, grated (or 2 small)
- 1 can (approx. 15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sliced green olives
- 2 apples, diced and tossed in lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (100 g) raisins (optional)
- 1 carton (7 oz / 200 g) table cream or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (400 g) mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) diced deli turkey breast
- Vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, oregano, and fresh cilantro or parsley to taste
- Shoestring potato sticks (for topping)
How to Make Brazilian Chicken Salad:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the chopped onion until lightly golden. Add the garlic and bell pepper, sautéing for a few more minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken (previously cooked with seasonings like salt and paprika) to the skillet and sauté well. Adjust seasoning with black pepper, oregano, and chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the grated carrot and mix with the warm chicken. This helps slightly soften the carrots.
- Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the corn, olives, apples, raisins, table cream, and mayonnaise. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Finally, gently fold in the mozzarella cheese and diced turkey.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish, top with shoestring potato sticks, garnish as desired, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips for an Even Better Chicken Salad:
- Sautéing the chicken: Don’t skip this step, as it enhances the depth of flavor. Season to your preference, but be mindful of cilantro as it has a strong flavor.
- Substitutions: If you aren’t a fan of raisins or apples, swap them for diced pineapple or simply omit them.
- Creamier texture: For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or Greek yogurt into the dressing.
- Shoestring potatoes: Add them only right before serving so they don’t lose their crunch.
- Storage: Because this recipe contains mayonnaise, always keep it refrigerated and consume within two days.
Prep time:
Approximately 40 minutes.
Servings:
Serves approximately 8.
Fun Facts:
Salpicão is a versatile recipe that varies greatly depending on the region or country. In Brazil, it is a holiday staple, often featuring raisins, fresh fruits, and even nuts for a festive touch. The sweet-and-savory combo is the star of the dish, though it’s a point of debate among food lovers!
Interestingly, the term “salpicão” originates from the Spanish salpicón, which refers to a mixture of shredded meats and vegetables. In Brazil, it gained unique adaptations and became a true national favorite.
Also, it is an excellent way to repurpose leftover chicken or turkey after big dinners, helping to reduce food waste. Though often associated with holiday feasts, it’s a quick and nutritious option for everyday meals as well.
Now that you know all the secrets to a perfect Brazilian Chicken Salad, why not whip it up for your next family meal? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!