Savory Celebration Tuna & Chicken Salad Medley
This delightful Tuna & Chicken Salad Medley is a crowd-pleasing dish that has become a staple at bridal and baby showers alike. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this salad combines tender tuna or succulent chicken with an array of fresh vegetables, crunchy water chestnuts, and a hint of sweetness from the dressing. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this refreshing dish is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Serve it on a platter lined with crisp lettuce for an elegant presentation that complements your special occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna (flaked) or Chicken (cubed)
3 cans or 2 cups (flaked or cubed, depending on choice)
Cooked rice
1.5 cups (cooked)
Celery
1.5 cups (chopped)
Carrots
1.5 cups (shredded)
Green onion
3/4 cup (chopped)
Red pepper
1 (diced)
Mushrooms
8 (sliced)
Water chestnuts
1 can (sliced and drained)
Bamboo shoots
1 can (drained)
Oil-based French dressing
1/2 cup (mixed with other dressings)
Sweet and sour salad dressing
1/2 cup (Henri's preferred)
Soy sauce
3 tablespoons (added to marinade)
Lettuce leaves
As needed (for garnishing)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the oil-based French dressing, sweet and sour salad dressing, and soy sauce. Add the flaked tuna or cubed chicken along with the cooked rice, ensuring that the proteins are well-coated in the marinade.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3
About an hour before serving, add in the chopped celery, shredded carrots, green onion, diced red pepper, sliced mushrooms, water chestnuts, and bamboo shoots. Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
4
Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if necessary. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash more of the dressing.
5
To serve, place fresh lettuce leaves on a large serving platter and scoop the salad mixture over the top. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Celebration Tuna & Chicken Salad Medley?
It is a crowd-pleasing dish combining either tuna or chicken with rice, fresh vegetables, and a sweet dressing, often served at showers.
What proteins can I use for this recipe?
You can use either three cans of flaked tuna or two cups of cubed chicken.
How much cooked rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of cooked rice.
What types of salad dressing are used?
It uses 1/2 cup of oil-based French dressing and 1/2 cup of sweet and sour salad dressing.
Is there a specific brand of dressing recommended?
The recipe notes that Henri's is the preferred brand for the sweet and sour dressing.
Does the recipe include soy sauce?
Yes, it includes 3 tablespoons of soy sauce in the marinade.
How long should the protein and rice marinate?
They should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When should the fresh vegetables be added?
The fresh vegetables should be added about an hour before serving.
How much celery is in the salad?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chopped celery.
How are the carrots prepared?
You should use 1.5 cups of shredded carrots.
What kind of onions are used in this medley?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped green onions.
Is red pepper included in the salad?
Yes, one diced red pepper is added to the mixture.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 sliced mushrooms.
Are water chestnuts used in this recipe?
Yes, one can of sliced and drained water chestnuts is included.
Does this salad contain bamboo shoots?
Yes, one can of drained bamboo shoots is mixed into the salad.
How is the salad served?
It is scooped onto a large serving platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves.
What should I do if the salad mixture is too dry?
If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash more of the dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for a bridal shower?
Yes, it is described as a staple dish for both bridal and baby showers.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients listed in total.
Is the lettuce mixed into the salad?
No, the lettuce is used as a garnish to line the serving platter.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be easy to prepare ahead of time by marinating the base.
Is the rice added to the marinade or the final mix?
The cooked rice is added to the initial marinade along with the protein.
What provides the sweetness in the dressing?
The sweetness comes from the combination of the French and the sweet and sour dressings.
What is the preparation for the tuna?
The tuna should be flaked before being added to the bowl.
What is the preparation for the chicken?
The chicken should be cubed if you choose it as your protein.
How do I ensure the flavors are well-mixed?
Gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed after adding the vegetables.
Is this a hot or cold dish?
This is a refreshing cold salad served after refrigeration.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, you should taste the salad and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.
What kind of texture does the salad have?
It has a balance of textures, including tender rice and protein with crunchy water chestnuts and celery.
What should the vegetables be mixed with?
The vegetables are folded into the marinated protein and rice mixture.