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–+ servings
Wild Rice Chicken Salad from Vi Johnson
Wild Rice Chicken Salad is a vibrant, texture-rich dish that balances savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. Popular at potlucks and luncheons during the mid-20th century, this dish features cooked wild rice, tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and a creamy curry-spiced dressing. Grapes and cashews are added just before serving, offering bursts of sweetness and crunch. It's hearty enough to serve as a main course and light enough for a refreshing summer salad, making it a timeless crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 496 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups wild rice (cooked, about 3/4 cup uncooked)
  • 3 cups cooked chicken (diced )
  • 1 cup water chestnuts (chopped )
  • ½ cup celery
  • ¼ cup onion
  • 2 cups Miracle Whip
  • ¼ tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 dah dill weed
  • 2 cups seedless grapes (halved, added just before serving)
  • 1 cup cashews (added just before serving)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Base

  • Cook wild rice and chicken if not already done. Let cool.
  • Chop water chestnuts, celery, and onion.

Step 2: Mix Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine wild rice, chicken, water chestnuts, celery, and onion.

Step 3: Make Dressing

  • In a small bowl, blend Miracle Whip, curry powder, seasoned salt, and dill weed until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

  • Pour dressing over the salad mixture and stir until evenly coated. Chill if desired.
  • Step 5: Add Final Ingredients
  • Just before serving, fold in grapes and cashews.

Tips

  • Substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Add toasted slivered almonds for extra crunch.
  • Use red seedless grapes for a sweeter contrast.
  • Replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Chill at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
  • Serve over butter lettuce or watercress for a composed salad plate.
  • Dice ingredients evenly for a more elegant texture.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 496kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 848mgPotassium: 664mgFiber: 7gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 4mg
Keyword cold salad, grapes and chicken, heritage recipe, luncheon dish, make-ahead, vintage salad, wild rice
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