If you’re searching for a fresh and vibrant twist on classic chicken salad, the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe is a knockout. Bursting with bright citrus notes, fragrant tarragon, and crisp veggies, this dish is perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or impressive gatherings. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs makes every bite feel special, yet it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a delicious and effortless go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each item contributes to the perfect blend of flavors and textures, balancing creaminess, herbaceousness, crunch, and just the right amount of tang.
- Chicken breast (2 lbs.): Cooked and diced, this juicy protein forms the hearty base of the salad.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds a creamy, rich texture that binds all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Fresh lemons (3, zested and juiced): Bring a bright, citrus zing that lifts the whole dish.
- Stone ground mustard (2 tbsp.): Offers subtle heat and a touch of rustic texture to the dressing.
- Celery stalks (2, diced): Provide a refreshing crunch and a fresh flavor contrast.
- Green onions (4, chopped): Add a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- Fresh tarragon (¼ cup, chopped): This signature herb delivers a unique, slightly sweet anise flavor that defines the salad.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp., chopped): Lends fresh, earthy notes and brightens the taste palette.
- Salt (½ tsp.): Enhances all the flavors in perfect harmony.
- Pepper (½ tsp.): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spiciness.
How to Make Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Dice the Chicken
Start by dicing your cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every forkful includes chicken evenly throughout the salad, making for a satisfying texture and consistent flavor in each mouthful.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken with the mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, and stone ground mustard. These ingredients create the luscious, tangy base that brings all the flavors to life.
Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Fold in the diced celery, chopped green onions, fresh tarragon, and parsley. These vibrant components add crunch, freshness, and that unmistakable herbal aroma — giving the salad its signature zest and personality.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Season
Give everything a thorough stir so the dressing coats every piece of chicken and the veggies intertwine perfectly. Taste your masterpiece and season with salt and pepper to balance and enhance the flavors before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh tarragon or parsley on top makes the salad pop visually and deepens the herbal experience. Slices of lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add extra citrus brightness to their liking.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy artisan breads, delicate crackers, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or light soup to round out the menu.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe stuffed into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing appetizer, or pile it high on toasted croissants for an elevated sandwich. You can even spoon it atop avocado halves for a stunning, nutrient-packed meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh since freezing can affect the texture of mayonnaise and fresh herbs. It is not recommended to freeze the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Because this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Simply give any chilled leftovers a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken other than breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and perfect for this salad, cooked thighs or rotisserie chicken can add extra juiciness and flavor if you prefer.
Is fresh tarragon essential or can I substitute it?
Fresh tarragon is key to unlocking the unique flavor of this recipe, but if unavailable, dried tarragon can work in a pinch, just use a smaller amount since it’s more potent.
How long does it take to prepare this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe?
You’ll be surprised how quick it is—the entire recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy days when you want something flavorful in a flash.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
With a few swaps like using vegan mayonnaise and chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken, you can easily adapt the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe to suit vegan or vegetarian diets.
What can I do to make the salad less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter texture, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for tanginess without heaviness.
Final Thoughts
Whip up this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe the next time you want something fresh, easy, and packed with personality. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors that feels like sunshine on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your go-to quick meals that never disappoints!
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Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This vibrant Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad features tender cooked chicken breast combined with a zesty lemon-mustard mayonnaise dressing, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for quick lunches, sandwiches, or served over greens, it’s a refreshing and flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes.
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
- Dice the Chicken: Cut the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and easy mixing throughout the salad.
- Mix the Salad Base: 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. These ingredients create the flavorful base of the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and the herbs and vegetables are uniformly distributed.
- Season and Serve: Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You may chill the salad before serving or enjoy it immediately as a sandwich filling, atop a bed of greens, or on its own.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken that is grilled, roasted, or poached to enhance flavor and texture.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together for a tastier experience.
- This salad can be paired with whole grain bread, wraps, or served over leafy greens for a complete meal.
- Fresh tarragon is key to authentic flavor; substitute with fresh dill or basil if unavailable, though the taste will differ.
