Chicken Salad Continental

Chicken Salad Continental Recipe - Made with Rice, Green Peas, and Celery

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken Salad Continental is a classic dish that combines tender chicken, rice, and vegetables in a creamy gelatin dressing. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for a summer picnic or potluck.

History

The origins of Chicken Salad Continental are unclear, but it is believed to have been popularized in the mid-20th century as a way to showcase the flavors of chicken and vegetables in a unique and elegant presentation. This dish has since become a staple in many households and is often served at special occasions and gatherings.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked rice
2 cups of cooked chicken cubes
1 cup of cooked green peas
1 cup of chopped celery
0.5 cup of thinly sliced green onions
0.25 cup of chopped pimientos
2 envelopes (2 tbsp) of unflavored gelatin
0.5 cup of double-strength chicken broth (cold)
0.67 cup of mayonnaise
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of seasoned pepper
0.75 tsp of salt
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

Combine rice, chicken, peas, celery, onions, and pimientos in a large bowl.
Soften gelatin in broth; heat in a small saucepan until dissolved. Combine with mayonnaise, lemon juice, pepper, and salt. Add to the rice mixture and mix thoroughly. Spoon into a 1.5 qt (473 ml) mold or individual molds. Chill until set. Unmold onto lettuce leaves.

Variations

You can add nuts, dried fruits, or cooked bacon to the salad for added texture and flavor.
For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice and chicken thoroughly before adding them to the salad mixture.

- For a more flavorful dish, you can add herbs and spices such as parsley, thyme, or garlic powder to the salad dressing.

- To speed up the chilling process, you can place the salad in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Salad Continental can be served as a main dish with a side of fresh fruit or as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Chicken Salad Continental is to cook the rice and chicken until they are tender and fully cooked. Be sure to follow the instructions for preparing the gelatin dressing to ensure that it sets properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pimientos, you can use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes as a substitute. You can also use leftover cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad mixture and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the dish.

Presentation Ideas

To make a beautiful presentation, unmold the salad onto a platter lined with lettuce leaves and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Salad Continental pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Salad Continental can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chicken Salad Continental contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chicken Salad Continental contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chicken Salad Continental contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chicken Salad Continental contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Salad Continental is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (mayonnaise) and gelatin, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Salad Continental is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Salad Continental is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender chicken, rice, and vegetables in a creamy gelatin dressing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret for lunch. She had prepared a beautifully plated dish of Chicken Salad Continental, and I was immediately drawn to it. The vibrant colors of the vegetables mixed with the tender chunks of chicken were simply irresistible.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. The crunch of the celery, the creaminess of the mayonnaise, and the tanginess of the lemon juice all came together in perfect harmony. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Margaret graciously shared her recipe with me, and I carefully wrote it down in my trusty recipe book. But I knew that simply following the instructions wouldn't be enough. I needed to understand the history behind the dish, the stories and memories that made it truly special.

So I set out on a culinary adventure, seeking out different variations of Chicken Salad Continental from friends, family, and even strangers. Each recipe had its own unique twist, its own secret ingredient that made it stand out. I learned that some people preferred to add grapes or apples for a sweet contrast, while others stuck to the classic combination of chicken, celery, and onions.

But no matter the variation, one thing remained constant - the love and care that went into preparing the dish. I learned that Chicken Salad Continental wasn't just a recipe, it was a labor of love that connected people across generations and cultures.

One of the most memorable recipes I came across was from my own grandmother, who had learned how to make Chicken Salad Continental from her own mother. She told me stories of how they would spend hours in the kitchen together, chopping vegetables and shredding chicken, all the while sharing secrets and dreams.

I remember the first time I made my grandmother's recipe for Chicken Salad Continental. I carefully followed each step, chopping the vegetables with precision and seasoning the chicken with care. As the dish came together, I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through the process, her laughter filling the kitchen with warmth.

When I finally took a bite of the finished dish, I felt a sense of pride and connection that I had never experienced before. I realized that this recipe wasn't just a collection of ingredients and instructions, it was a piece of my family's history, a link to the past that would be passed down to future generations.

And so, whenever I make Chicken Salad Continental now, I do so with a sense of reverence and gratitude. I think of all the people who have shared their recipes and stories with me, all the memories that have been woven into the fabric of this dish.

Chicken Salad Continental will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And I take comfort in knowing that as long as I continue to cook and share this dish, the tradition will live on, connecting me to my past and guiding me towards the future.