Are you craving a light yet satisfying meal that's both quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavor? Look no further! This chicken salad recipe with tarragon is the perfect answer for a healthy lunch, a delightful dinner, or a sophisticated appetizer. It's one of those easy recipes that's surprisingly elegant, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive gatherings. Forget bland, boring chicken salad; this recipe is a game-changer!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1 large breast)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, your preference)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, cook a chicken breast until fully cooked through. You can bake, grill, or boil it – whichever method suits you best. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This homemade cooking method ensures maximum flavor control!
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, tarragon, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If using, add the nuts at this stage.
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Mix well: Gently mix all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
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Chill (optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious chicken salad on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce cups, or as a filling for sandwiches. Get creative!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your chicken salad will be significantly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients. This simple step makes a big difference in the final delicious dish!
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in a mushy chicken salad. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard to your liking.
- Add some crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch to this chicken salad. Sunflower seeds or chopped apples are also great additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Substitute curry powder for the tarragon and add a tablespoon of raisins for a unique flavor profile.
- Greek Chicken Salad: Omit the tarragon and add crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This chicken salad recipe with tarragon is a fantastic example of a quick dinner idea or a healthy meal option that's both easy and impressive. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!