If you’re on the lookout for a bright, fresh, and incredibly flavorful dish to elevate your lunch or light dinner, the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad perfectly balances the zesty brightness of lemon with the unique, slightly sweet aroma of tarragon, all wrapped around tender chicken breast pieces. It’s refreshingly creamy thanks to the mayonnaise and perfectly complemented by crunchy celery and crisp green onions. Whether you love making quick meals or are serving guests who crave something vibrant and satisfying, this recipe will soon become a beloved staple in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s a certain simple elegance to the ingredients in this recipe that makes it so delicious and approachable. Each component is essential to building the perfect taste, texture, and color combination, giving the salad its signature bright and fresh profile.
- 2 lbs. chicken breast, cooked: The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all the lovely dressing flavors.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness, binding the salad together beautifully.
- 3 lemons, zested and juiced: Provides an irresistible tangy freshness that lifts the entire salad.
- 2 tbsp. stone ground mustard: Gives a subtle kick and depth, complementing the lemon’s brightness.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Introduces a crisp crunch and a hint of mild earthiness.
- 4 green onions, chopped: Offers a gentle onion bite with lovely green color.
- ¼ cup fresh tarragon, chopped: The signature herb here, with its distinctive anise-like flavor that brings interest and complexity.
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a bright herbal note.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- ½ tsp. pepper: A gentle heat to balance the salad’s zingy elements.
How to Make Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial—not only does it make every forkful delightful and easy to eat, but it also ensures each chunk is perfectly coated with the dressing later on. Uniform pieces guarantee a balanced bite every time.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the diced chicken with mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, stone ground mustard, diced celery, chopped green onions, tarragon, and parsley. This is where the magic begins—mixing these ingredients allows their flavors to meld, creating a vibrant salad base that’s both tangy and herbaceous.
Step 3: Blend Everything Thoroughly
Give the mixture a good stir until every bit of chicken is generously coated in that luscious, lemony dressing. Distribute the crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs evenly so you get a harmonious taste and texture in every bite. Take a moment to absorb the wonderful aroma wafting from the bowl!
Step 4: Season and Serve
Before serving, taste your creation and add salt and pepper as needed to perfectly round out the flavors. You can enjoy your Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad immediately or chill it for a while to let those delicious flavors develop even further. It’s incredibly versatile—whether piled onto a sandwich, spooned over crisp greens, or served solo for a light meal.
How to Serve Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your salad can take its presentation and taste to another level. Try thin lemon slices or extra fresh tarragon sprigs to enhance the visual appeal and reinforce the bright herbaceous flavors. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green as well.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think crunchy artisan bread or buttery croissants to soak up the dressing, a crisp green salad for added freshness, or even simple roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The possibilities are endless, making it both a flexible and satisfying choice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the salad in hollowed-out avocados or as a colorful filling inside bell pepper halves. Another fun idea is to use it as a topping on crispy toasted baguette slices for an easy, elegant appetizer. These creative presentations add a playful touch to the classic Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, the flavors stay fresh and the texture remains crisp without becoming soggy. It’s perfect for next-day lunches or quick snacks.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the mayonnaise and fresh herbs, which don’t thaw well and can change texture. For best results, prepare fresh batches or plan to enjoy leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
This chicken salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If preferred, let it sit out for a bit before serving rather than reheating, as warming will alter its fresh, crisp nature.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, adding extra flavor that complements the lemon and tarragon beautifully.
Is stone ground mustard necessary?
While stone ground mustard offers a lovely texture and depth, you can substitute with Dijon mustard if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful that Dijon is smoother and sometimes a bit sharper.
Can I substitute tarragon with another herb?
Tarragon is key to the distinctive flavor of this salad, but if you can’t find it, fresh basil or dill make decent alternatives, though the salad will have a slightly different flavor profile.
How long does the salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the texture and flavors may start to decline.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s a great choice for meal prep thanks to its balance of protein and fresh ingredients, making it perfect for easy lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe enough if you crave something bright, quick, and simply delicious. Its harmony of flavors and textures is truly delightful, whether you are packing it for a picnic, serving at a family gathering, or just treating yourself during a busy week. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to recipes—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast mixed with a zesty lemon-mustard dressing, fresh herbs, and crisp celery and green onions. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a light meal, this salad combines creamy mayonnaise with the aromatic notes of tarragon and parsley for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken breast, cooked
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 lemons, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp. stone ground mustard
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh tarragon, chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and easy mixing in the salad.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, stone ground mustard, diced celery, chopped green onions, tarragon, and parsley. This builds the base flavors of the salad.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and the herbs and vegetables are distributed throughout.
- Season and serve: Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Chill if desired, or serve immediately as a sandwich filling, over greens, or on its own.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or poach chicken breasts fresh to make this salad.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice according to your taste preference for acidity.
- This salad is great as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or served over mixed greens.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
