Chicken salad

Enjoy the perfect balance of rich flavors and healthy ingredients with this Chicken Salad recipe. Featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with aromatic bay leaves, and combined with a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice, this salad is elevated with tarragon, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and a hint of onion. Ideal for a gourmet lunch or a light dinner, this dish brings a touch of elegance to your table.

02 Mar 2025
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 12 min

Ingredients:

23.99 oz chicken breasts
2 cups chicken soup
1 tsp bay leaf
1/4 cup mayonnaise salad dressing
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp tarragon (estragon)
1 tbsp onion
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup pecans
Chicken salad

Chicken Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, a flavorful dressing, and an appealing mix of dried cranberries and pecans. It's perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, offering a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that will impress your taste buds.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a medium-sized pot.
- Pour the chicken soup over the chicken breasts and add the bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Cook until the chicken is completely cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow the chicken to cool in the broth. This helps keep the chicken moist.
2. Shred the Chicken:
- Once cooled, remove the chicken breasts from the broth. Discard the bay leaf.
- Use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise salad dressing, mustard, lemon juice, and tarragon.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the finely chopped onion, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Gently fold the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Enjoy your Chicken Salad!

Tips:

- Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly before incorporating them into the salad.

- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.

- If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add more dried cranberries according to your taste.

- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to substitute the mayonnaise salad dressing with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the dish.

Your Chicken Salad is now ready to enjoy! This versatile dish can be served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or simply on its own. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy dressing, and the crunch of pecans and cranberries makes for a delicious and memorable meal.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 230kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 0.67g
Sugar 3.21g
Fat 10g

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