BrazilianEasy · Cold
Salpicão Brazilian Chicken and Apple Salad
Sweet apple and tender shredded chicken come together in a creamy, mayo-bound embrace, with carrot ribbons and sweet corn stretching every forkful into something festive. This is the salad Minas families bring to the table when there is celebrating to do — generous, no-fuss, and always gone before you expect. Cool, crunchy, and just a little sweet, it disappears from the bowl the way good things do.
Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Rest
30 min
Total
1h 10m
Method
Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
1
Core and dice apples into small cubes. Do not peel unless preferred.
2
Peel carrots and grate them on the large holes of a box grater.
3
Wash and dice celery stalks into small pieces.
Make the Lime Dressing
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lime juice from both limes. Add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
A
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -1
Calories
744
per serving
Source of protein · 26gLow sugar · 12g
Protein
26g
Carbs
28g
Fat
61g
Sat. fat
8g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
12g
Sodium
1296mg
Gluten FreeDairy FreeHeart HealthyDiabetic FriendlyHigh ProteinBalancedLow Sodium
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
C
Environmental impact
Moderate impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
1.1
per serving
CCarbonAEU all-round· carbon sets the grade
Water
1.2m³
Land
63Pt
Runoff
0.2g P
Chicken Breast drives 80% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
6
Umami
4
Sweet
5
Salty
5
Sour
1
Bitter
2
Spicy
Textures
CrispyTenderCreamyNutty
Aromas
CitrusNuttyFreshGarlicky
Kitchen Equipment
Techniques
Safety & Storage
Allergen Warning
This salad contains eggs (mayonnaise), celery, and tree nuts (cashews). Clearly label these allergens when serving at gatherings. Some guests may not realize celery is in the dish if it's diced small.
Cooking Temperature
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) during poaching. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness before shredding.
Storage
Keep the salad refrigerated below 40°F (4°C). The mayonnaise-based dressing makes this perishable. Serve within 2 hours if left out, or keep on ice for outdoor gatherings.
Cross Contamination
If serving to guests with nut allergies, prepare a portion without cashews first, then add cashews to the remainder. Use separate serving utensils.
High Risk Population
This dish is not recommended for infants under 12 months due to honey-adjacent concerns in similar recipes. For elderly or immunocompromised guests, ensure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored.
Handling
Cool cooked chicken quickly after poaching—do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Shred while still slightly warm for better texture integration with the dressing.
Pro Tips
Technique
Poach your chicken gently — never boil hard, or the meat will turn rubbery and dry. I learned fromMãe that a few whole garlic cloves simmering with the chicken give it life from the inside out.
Flavor Boost
The lime is not optional! It lifts everything in this salad — squeeze generously and taste again before serving. A bright Brazil happens when lime meets creamy mayonnaise.
Substitution
No cashews in the pantry? Roasted peanuts or almonds work beautifully — whatever you have, add the crunch. Minas kitchens never let a small missing ingredient stop a good dish.
From the chef
Salpicão is the salad that makes a gathering feel complete — shredded chicken tossed with crisp apple, grated carrot, and celery in a creamy lime-bright mayo dressing, scattered with whole cashews that add a buttery crunch to every forkful. The lime is essential here; it cuts the richness and lifts everything at once. Make it and let it chill for thirty minutes before serving — the flavors settle into each other, and when you set it out, people reach for it before anything else on the table.
TagsBrazilianChicken SaladApplesLimeCashewsGluten FreeLightEasySummerPotluck
AllergensEggsCeleryTree Nut
Source: generated · May 30, 2026