Description
This Tarragon Chicken Salad is a delightful and creamy dish featuring tender cooked chicken combined with a flavorful dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh tarragon. Enhanced with crunchy celery and toasted slivered almonds, this versatile salad can be served in lettuce cups, on croissants, or over mixed greens, making it perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded, rotisserie, poached breasts, or roasted thighs)
Dressing
- ¾ cup good-quality mayonnaise
- ¾ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Add-ins
- 2 ribs celery, petite diced
- ½ cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- 6 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, finely chopped
For Serving (Optional)
- Lettuce cups
- Croissants
- Whole wheat bread
- Crackers
- Mixed greens
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Dice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and finely chop to ensure an even texture.
- Make the creamy dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, full-fat Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add texture and flavor: Stir in the petite diced celery, lightly toasted slivered almonds, and finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves to incorporate crunch and herbal notes.
- Fold in the chicken: Add the prepared chicken to the bowl and gently fold the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and add-ins. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Chill for best flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together beautifully. The salad can be eaten immediately if desired, but chilling enhances the taste.
- Serve: Spoon the tarragon chicken salad into lettuce cups, spread it on croissants or whole wheat bread for sandwiches, serve with crackers, or enjoy over a bed of mixed greens as a refreshing meal.
Notes
- For the best texture and flavor, lightly toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to substitute fresh tarragon with dried, but fresh is recommended for optimal flavor.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reduce calories, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, though it will alter the creaminess slightly.
- Adding a pinch of sugar or honey can balance the tanginess if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
