This “Party Plate” recipe is a charming retro-style light meal, ideal for luncheons, showers, or summer gatherings. It combines a refreshing assortment of fruits, vegetables, and protein into one plate for a balanced presentation. Featuring a round tomato sandwich, sweet melon slices, and a savory chicken salad (or chicken), it’s a mix-and-match platter that brings together contrasting flavors and textures. The simplicity of preparation and the elegance of the arrangement made it a popular choice in mid-20th century American entertaining.
Ingredients
- 4 round tomato sandwiches (see note below)
- 4 slices cantaloupe
- 4 balls honeydew melon (scooped with melon baller)
- 2 cups chicken salad (or 2 cups cooked chicken, chilled)
- 4 lettuce leaves (for serving)
Note:
- A round tomato sandwich typically consists of white or wheat bread, sliced fresh tomato, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper, cut into rounds with a cookie cutter for presentation.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Tomato Sandwiches
- Make sandwiches with sliced tomatoes, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper between bread slices. Cut into neat rounds with a cutter or small glass.
Step 2: Prepare Fruit
- Cut cantaloupe into slices.
- Use a melon baller to scoop honeydew melon into round balls.
Step 3: Prepare Protein
- Spoon chicken salad onto crisp lettuce leaves.
- Alternatively, place chilled, cooked chicken pieces on lettuce.
Step 4: Assemble Plate
- On each plate, place one tomato sandwich, a slice of cantaloupe, a ball of honeydew melon, and chicken salad (or chicken) on lettuce.
- Arrange neatly for presentation.
Tips
- Use whole-grain bread for added fiber and nutrients in the tomato sandwich.
- Add a slice of cheese or bacon to the tomato sandwich for a heartier plate.
- Substitute creamed chicken for chicken salad as noted on the card for a warmer option.
- Add cucumber or radish slices for extra crunch without much extra prep.
- Use flavored mayonnaise (herb, lemon, or garlic) to change the sandwich profile.
- Turn fruit components into mixed melon balls for a colorful presentation.
- Make mini tomato sandwiches for a finger-food party tray.
- Replace chicken salad with tuna salad or egg salad for variation.
- Chill the plate and serve cold for hot-weather luncheons.
- Add crackers alongside the chicken salad for additional texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 440mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1850IUVitamin C: 38mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
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