Name: Salpicão de Frango
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken (cooked and coarsely shredded); 1 tablespoon oil; 8 oz yellow corn (canned, drained); 1 cup green olives (pitted, chopped); ¾ cup raisins; 2 carrots (grated); ¼ green apple (finely chopped); 5 tablespoons mayonnaise (or to taste); salt (to taste); black pepper (freshly ground, to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 2 lettuce leaves; 4 sprigs watercress; 2 cups potato sticks (or regular potato chips)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

When I first tasted Salpicão de Frango, I was instantly transported to the colorful streets of Brazil, where vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients come together in a beautiful dance. This Brazilian chicken salad captures the essence of summer, even when enjoyed on a chilly evening. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations, where laughter and joy fill the air. I remember preparing Salpicão de Frango for a picnic with friends, and it was gone in seconds! Each bite was a delightful combination of textures – from the crispy potato sticks to the tender, shredded chicken, perfectly complemented by the sweet touch of raisins and a hint of tanginess from olives.

This recipe is not just about the taste; it’s about bringing people together and sharing a meal that warms the heart. As you prepare Salpicão de Frango, you’ll find that it requires minimal effort, yet the result is a show-stopping dish that’ll leave everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will become a staple in your kitchen. The balance of flavors is simply irresistible, and I can’t wait for you to experience it!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
20 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Grater, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan

Why You’ll Love This Salpicão de Frango

It’s Refreshingly Unique

One of the things I love about Salpicão de Frango is how it breaks away from traditional salads. Instead of the usual greens, you have a harmonious blend of unexpected ingredients that create a colorful and inviting dish. The combination of chicken, raisins, and olives might sound unusual, but they work together beautifully.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This salad isn’t just for summer picnics; it’s perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a casual lunch, a fancy dinner, or a holiday feast, Salpicão de Frango fits right in. I’ve served it at barbecues and even at more formal gatherings, and it always impresses.

Easy to Prepare

What’s more, preparing Salpicão de Frango is a breeze! With just a few steps, you can have this delightful dish ready to go. The simplicity of the recipe makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.

Great for Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Salpicão de Frango, you’re in for a treat! The flavors deepen and blend even more as it sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just make sure to store it properly!

Customizable to Your Taste

This recipe can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. Want more crunch? Add some nuts or seeds! Prefer it creamier? Adjust the amount of mayonnaise. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make Salpicão de Frango your own.

A Taste of Brazil

Finally, Salpicão de Frango offers a taste of Brazil right in your own home. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, showcasing the vibrant culinary culture of this beautiful country. It’s a dish that truly brings people together, and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

Ingredients Overview for Salpicão de Frango

The ingredients for Salpicão de Frango are a joyful mix of flavors and textures that truly stand out on their own. Each plays a vital role in creating a deliciously balanced salad that celebrates freshness and taste. You’ll find that every ingredient contributes something unique, from the sweetness of raisins to the savory kick of olives.

1 pound chicken, cooked and coarsely shredded: This is the star of the show, providing protein and a hearty texture.
1 tablespoon oil: Used for grilling, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
8 oz yellow corn, canned, drained: This brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
1 cup pitted green olives, chopped: These add a briny flavor that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of other ingredients.
¾ cup raisins: The sweetness of these dried fruits is key to balancing the flavors.
2 carrots, grated: They provide a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
¼ green apple, finely chopped: This addition brings a refreshing tartness to the salad.
5 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste: The creamy element that ties all the ingredients together.
salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste: Adds a hint of spice.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A bright finishing touch that brings freshness.
2 lettuce leaves: Used for serving, providing a crunchy base.
4 sprigs watercress: Adds a peppery flavor and is perfect for presentation.
2 cups potato sticks or regular potato chips: For that satisfying crunch on top!

Putting Together Salpicão de Frango

Creating Salpicão de Frango is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful salad in no time!

Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral vegetable oil in a medium pan over low heat. This will help to keep the chicken moist while grilling. Look for the oil to shimmer slightly; this indicates it’s ready.
Grill the chicken breast for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the outside to get a nice golden color, while the inside remains juicy. Once done, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly before shredding.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green olives, yellow corn, grated carrots, raisins, and green apple. As you mix, the vibrant colors will begin to blend beautifully.
Add the mayonnaise to the bowl, and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. The creamy texture should envelop each ingredient, creating a cohesive salad.
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed; you want the flavors to pop without overwhelming the dish.
Fold in the chopped fresh parsley, which adds a fresh herbaceous note. It should be mixed lightly to keep the salad fluffy.
Prepare a platter by arranging the watercress and lettuce leaves. These will act as a beautiful base for the salad.
Scoop the chicken salad mixture into the center of the platter. Take your time; presentation matters!
Finally, top the salad with the crispy potato sticks or potato chips. This adds a delightful crunch and a fun touch to the dish.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.

Things Worth Knowing

Texture is Key: Ensure you achieve a good balance between crunchy and creamy elements in your salad.
Temperature Matters: Serve Salpicão de Frango cold for the best flavor and texture.
Grilling Chicken: Low and slow grilling helps retain moisture in the chicken, making it tender.
Customizations: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients to make it your own.

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to add a personal twist to Salpicão de Frango, there are countless ways to switch it up! Here are some ideas:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within two to three days for optimal freshness.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad as it may alter the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables.
Pairing: Serve Salpicão de Frango with fresh bread or on a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Variations: Switch out the chicken for shredded cooked turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Serving Style: Consider serving it in lettuce cups for a fun and fresh appetizer option!

What to Serve Alongside Salpicão de Frango

Pairing dishes with Salpicão de Frango can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables complement the salad nicely, bringing additional flavor and texture.
Rice Salad: A light rice salad can act as a great side, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken salad.
Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy contrast, serve with some tortilla chips on the side, perfect for scooping!
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a sweet and vibrant touch, making for a delightful combination.
Cold Beverages: Pair with refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea, especially on hot days.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for picnics, brunches, or as a side during festive gatherings.

FAQ

Salpicão de Frango is a traditional Brazilian chicken salad that combines shredded chicken with sweet and savory ingredients like raisins, olives, and corn. It’s typically served cold, making it a refreshing dish perfect for warm weather or festive occasions.

Absolutely! In fact, Salpicão de Frango tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

The key ingredients for Salpicão de Frango include shredded chicken, green olives, raisins, corn, grated carrots, and mayonnaise. Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and texture, creating a well-balanced and delicious salad.

Yes! One of the great things about Salpicão de Frango is its versatility. You can add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Consider adding nuts for extra crunch or using different vegetables for variety!

Conclusion

In summary, Salpicão de Frango is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Brazil to your table. Its delightful mix of ingredients creates a unique salad that is both refreshing and satisfying. I encourage you to try making it yourself and share it with friends and family. You’ll find that it not only impresses but also sparks joy at any gathering.