Chicken Salad Recipe
December 17th, 2008
Being someone that cooks for a small household (there are only 2 of us), I know how uninspiring leftovers can be. Not to mention, I can’t stand the thought of eating the same thing two meals in a row. Okay, I’ll admit there are exceptions to that rule, but very few.
Having been raised by a frugal mother, I have always been very resourceful with what I have at hand. And in this economy I find myself even more conscious of using each and every ingredient to the fullest and not wasting anything.This chicken salad recipe was created after viewing an episode of Paula’s Home Cooking on the Food Network. I did not grow up with chicken salad, we were more of a tuna salad kind of family; and leftover chicken, well, there was rarely anything but a carcass leftover. Perhaps it was my lack of exposure to chicken salad that caused me to be so easily impressed. Most importantly, I was inspired to get in the kitchen and create a chicken salad of my own. And what better way to dress up leftover store bought rotisserie chicken! Better yet, go out and buy one just for this purpose :)
Chicken Salad Recipe
4 cups rotisserie chicken (or beer butt chicken), diced
1 green onion, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
1 red pepper, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
½-¾ cup mayonnaise (homemade tarragon mayonnaise is the perfect compliment)
½-1 lemon, juiced and zested
1/8 cup chiffonade basil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
- Place chicken, onion, peppers and celery in a medium-sized bowl. Add mayonnaise little by little, mixing well until desired moisture is achieved.
- Add juice and zest of ½ lemon. Feel free to add more for more tanginess.
- Mix in basil and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on a roll with desired condiments. I personally opt for lettuce, tomato and provolone or swiss cheese.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
We didn’t eat chicken salad growing up either. I started eating it after my husband made it for me, just like this! No grapes or nuts, just nice complementary savory ingredients.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
@Katie – Nuts? Grapes? I am not sure if I can do that. Maybe grapes on the side. Maybe I need to give it a try before I DQ the idea so quick.
December 19th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
You make me hungry again. (Sigh)
December 21st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Tarragon mayonnaise sounds great! I usually make a chicken curry salad, but am a bit bored with it, I’ll give yours a try!
December 21st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
@Heidi Do you add raisin to your curry chicken salad?
December 21st, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Hi Fumi!
Very interesting recipe to try…why not nuts? Always match well!
The Tarragon mayonnaise can goes perfect and…I want to add the golf sauce too!
Gera .:. sweetsfoods
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:41 am
Looks soooo good. Haven’t had a decent croissant sandwich in a long time.
December 24th, 2008 at 11:29 am
@Jude Thanks, I too like how the the photos came out. represents the recipe :) The croissant was the only decent looking bread they had at the grocery store at the time. Do you have a good recipe for croissant?
@Gera I am very particular with nuts in my food. I guess I can say that is one of the few thing that I am picky about with my food.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
December 29th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Sounds easy enough and it looks really, really good!
By the way, I’ve an award for you over at my site. Hop over when you’ve the time.