We hope you are as excited for Christmas as we are! Today, we are sharing a recipe that is a must-have for your holiday feast: Brazilian-Style Chicken Salad (Salpicão). Simple, easy, and incredibly delicious, this dish is sure to win everyone over. If you are looking for holiday inspiration, check out our other festive recipes on the blog. Without further ado, let’s uncover the secrets to this irresistible, creamy, and crunchy Salpicão.
Ingredients for the Perfect Holiday Salpicão:
- 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) chicken breast
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 3 tablespoons chopped green olives
- 1 can (approx. 15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- Raisins to taste
- 2 small apples, preferably Granny Smith
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 tablespoons mayonnaise (add more for extra creaminess)
- Shoestring potato sticks (batata palha) for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken breast in a pressure cooker with salt for about 20 minutes. Shred finely and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, grated carrot, olives, corn, raisins, and diced apples. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the mayonnaise and stir well until everything is thoroughly coated and creamy.
- Transfer to a serving dish. Top generously with the shoestring potato sticks right before serving to maintain the crunch.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs for a festive touch.
Pro Tip:
Salpicão is excellent served with toasted baguette slices, making them elegant appetizers for your guests. The iconic crunch of the shoestring potatoes makes all the difference, making the experience even more addictive.
Prep Time:
Convenience is key! In just 30 minutes, you will have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish ready to go.
Yield:
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings, perfect for a family celebration.
Fun Fact:
Salpicão is incredibly versatile. If you want to get creative, try adding chopped walnuts, hearts of palm, or even diced smoked turkey. The most important thing is to make it your own and surprise your guests.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, full of love, joy, and—of course—good food. See you in the next recipe!