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Fresh Waldorf-Style Chicken Salad Recipe Easy Perfect for Summer Meals

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A fresh and light Waldorf-style chicken salad with grapes and homemade tarragon mayo, perfect for summer meals and quick lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toasted, optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering water for 15 minutes until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Rinse and halve the grapes, slice the celery thinly, and chop the parsley. Keep separate until ready to mix.
  5. In a medium mixing bowl, gently fold together the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, toasted walnuts, and parsley.
  6. Pour the tarragon mayo over the mixture and toss lightly until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to crush the grapes.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry.
  8. Serve chilled on butter lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crisp crackers.

Notes

Use fresh tarragon for best flavor; if unavailable, substitute with fresh dill and thyme or dried tarragon with lemon zest. Toast walnuts carefully to avoid burning. Fold gently to keep grapes intact. For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt. Store salad components separately if making ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Waldorf chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, tarragon mayo, summer salad, easy chicken salad, healthy lunch, quick chicken salad

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/fresh-waldorf-style-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-meals/