If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of bright citrus, fresh herbs, and tender chicken all in one bowl, you’re going to adore this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s an absolute delight that feels effortlessly elegant but takes just minutes to bring together. Imagine juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces mingling with the zing of lemon, the subtle kick of mustard, and the wonderfully distinctive aroma of fresh tarragon—each bite is a burst of fresh flavors that will make your taste buds cheer. Whether you’re packing a lunch, prepping for a picnic, or craving a satisfying yet light dinner, this salad has you covered with its impressive taste and inviting texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays an important role: the chicken provides heartiness, the lemons add a bright zing, and the herbs bring an aromatic freshness that elevates every spoonful. Let’s walk through what you’ll gather before making this delicious dish.
- 2 lbs. chicken breast, cooked: The protein-packed base, perfectly tender and ready to soak up the flavors.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 3 lemons, zested and juiced: Offers essential citrus brightness and a fresh, tangy kick.
- 2 tbsp. stone ground mustard: Gives a gentle, textured heat and depth to the dressing.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens the texture.
- 4 green onions, chopped: Brings a mild onion flavor that complements the herbs without overpowering.
- ¼ cup fresh tarragon, chopped: The star herb here, offering a subtle anise-like aroma and unique flavor punch.
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, grassy note and vibrant green color.
- ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the savory flavors in the salad.
- ½ tsp. pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and balance to the overall taste.
How to Make Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Dice the Chicken
The magic starts with properly dicing your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This step is more than chopping; it ensures every forkful has an even amount of chicken and that the flavors will be well distributed. Think of it as setting the stage for the salad’s beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and bring the ingredients together. Combine the diced chicken with mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, stone ground mustard, diced celery, chopped green onions, tarragon, and parsley. This mixture forms the flavorful base that makes this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe so irresistibly fresh and flavorful. Each ingredient contributes its own character, from creamy and tangy to crisp and aromatic.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients Thoroughly
Stir everything together gently yet thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing, and the herbs and vegetables are well incorporated. Take your time here—the perfect blend means each bite is equally delicious and perfectly balanced, so no one flavor stands too strong or too subtle.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finally, give your salad a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This seasoning step is crucial to bring all the flavors forward. You can enjoy it immediately for a fresh and lively meal or chill it in the fridge to let the flavors meld even deeper before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add texture, sprinkle a few fresh tarragon leaves or a little extra lemon zest on top. A scatter of finely chopped parsley brightens the look beautifully and adds a fresh pop of color that invites you to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or a light green salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon. For a heartier touch, crusty bread, crackers, or even warm pita can turn it into a complete meal that’s satisfying any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or elevate a casual lunch? Spoon the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe into avocado halves or crunchy endive leaves for bite-sized, elegant appetizers. You can also serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or stuffed inside a wrap for a fresh spin on sandwich lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
Since this salad contains mayonnaise and fresh herbs, freezing isn’t ideal as it can alter the texture and taste once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a warm meal, enjoy the salad as a cold topping alongside warm bread or roasted veggies instead.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe and is a fantastic shortcut that saves prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Is there a substitute for tarragon if I can’t find fresh?
Fresh tarragon really makes this recipe sing with its unique flavor, but if you’re out, try a mix of fresh basil and a hint of fennel fronds as a close alternative.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
You could swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegan mayo to keep that creamy texture. The lemon and herbs will still provide that bright, fresh flavor you love.
What type of mustard is best for this recipe?
The stone ground mustard adds a lovely texture and mild tang, but Dijon mustard can work fine if that’s what you have on hand—it just won’t have the little mustard seed pops.
How long before serving should I add the salt and pepper?
It’s best to season lightly before mixing and then taste again just before serving, adjusting salt and pepper to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe that makes it a must-have in your recipe rotation. It’s fresh, vibrant, and supremely easy to whip up, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting it. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how quickly it becomes a new favorite for lunches, dinners, or anytime you want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss.
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Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad made with tender cooked chicken breast, zesty lemon, fresh tarragon, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a light meal, this salad combines fresh herbs and citrus for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad.
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 in 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. This builds the base flavors of the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: 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
- Use cooked chicken breast that is chilled for easier dicing and mixing.
- The salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for more or less tang.
- Serve on fresh bread, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens for a light meal.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
