Salpicao de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Salad) Recipe

Chicken Salad with Corn, Olives, and Raisins

This delicious chicken salad is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It's an easy-to-make dish thats great for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound coarsely shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (8 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 cup pitted green olives, chopped
• cup golden raisins
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• green apple, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch white sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, or to taste
• For garnish (optional):
• 2 large lettuce leaves
• 4 sprigs watercress
• 2 cups shoestring potato sticks

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained corn, chopped olives, raisins, grated carrots, chopped celery, and finely chopped apple. Mix everything well.
2. In a small cup, stir together the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Season the mixture with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Then, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
5. For the garnish, arrange the lettuce leaves and watercress on a large platter or serving dish. Spoon the chicken salad mixture in the center.
6. Top the salad with shoestring potato sticks, pressing them lightly into the salad for added crunch and texture.
7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Its best served cold!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

Calories	355
Total Fat	19g (24% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	6g (28% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	55mg (18% Daily Value)
Sodium	427mg (19% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates	31g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	3g (10% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	12g
Protein	17g (33% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	5mg (6% Daily Value)
Calcium	46mg (4% Daily Value)
Iron	2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium	530mg (11% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History of Salpicao de Frango

Salpicao de Frango, or Brazilian Chicken Salad, is a vibrant dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures, reflecting Brazil's diverse culinary heritage. While the exact origins of this dish are not entirely clear, it is thought to have been influenced by both European and indigenous Brazilian cooking traditions. The salad itself is a fusion of ingredients brought to Brazil through European colonization, such as mustard, olives, and cream, with local produce like corn and carrots. The dish likely became popular as a way to use leftover chicken, making it a practical and flavorful option for Brazilian families.

Regional Variations of Salpicao de Frango

Salpicao de Frango is widely enjoyed throughout Brazil, but there are subtle regional variations in the way it is prepared. In some areas, people prefer to add fruits like apples or pineapples for a sweet contrast to the savory elements. In the south of Brazil, where the climate is cooler, you might find variations that incorporate heavier ingredients like smoked meats or more robust dressings. The dish is also versatile when it comes to garnishwhile shoestring potato sticks are traditional, in some regions, people use crispy fried plantains or even cheese crisps for added texture and flavor.

How Salpicao de Frango Differs from Similar Dishes

Salpicao de Frango is often compared to other creamy chicken salads found around the world, but it stands out due to its distinct combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. Unlike classic Western-style chicken salads, which often rely on mayonnaise or plain yogurt as a base, Salpicao de Frango uses a mixture of heavy cream and Dijon mustard for its dressing, giving it a tangy richness. The addition of ingredients like raisins, green olives, and shoestring potato sticks gives the dish an unmistakable texture and flavor profile that sets it apart from typical American or European chicken salads. The use of corn and grated carrots also adds a unique freshness to the dish.

Where Salpicao de Frango is Typically Served

Salpicao de Frango is a versatile dish, often served at family gatherings, parties, or during festive holidays in Brazil. It is a popular choice for picnics and barbecues, where it serves as a refreshing side dish. The dish is also commonly featured at Brazilian buffets, especially during celebrations such as Christmas or New Year's Eve. While it is generally served chilled, some people prefer to eat it at room temperature, especially when paired with a variety of other Brazilian dishes, such as rice and beans or grilled meats. Salpicao de Frango can also be enjoyed as a light main course, making it an ideal option for a casual lunch or dinner.

Fun Facts About Salpicao de Frango

• Although Salpicao de Frango is traditionally made with chicken, you can also find variations made with other proteins like tuna or even shrimp in coastal regions of Brazil.
• The dish's name, "salpicao," comes from the Portuguese word "salpicar," meaning "to sprinkle." It refers to the way the ingredients are gently mixed together and served with a sprinkle of crispy potato sticks on top.
• Salpicao de Frango is often enjoyed with a refreshing glass of Brazil's national drink, caipirinha, a cocktail made with lime, sugar, and cachaa.
• In some regions, people add a dash of vinegar or lemon juice to the salad, adding an extra tangy kick to the dish.
• The salad has become so popular in Brazil that it is considered a classic dish at holiday buffets and can even be found in ready-to-eat deli sections in Brazilian supermarkets.

FAQ about Salpicao de Frango (Brazilian Chicken Salad) Recipe

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