Bright, zesty, and irresistibly fresh, this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe has become my ultimate go-to for picnics, quick lunches, or easy weeknight dinners. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and the aromatic charm of fresh tarragon—all held together with a creamy dressing that balances richness and lightness in each bite. With a crisp crunch from celery and a gentle bite from red onion, this dish truly celebrates bold flavors and wholesome textures, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their classic chicken salad. If you want a meal that bursts with freshness no matter the season, you simply cannot go wrong with this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with simple, thoughtful ingredients—each one adding depth and personality. Every staple here plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, tang, and crunch, making the salad as vibrant to look at as it is to eat.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The star of the salad, bringing a lean, satisfying protein that’s equally delicious whether you use leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Delivers luscious creaminess that ties everything together—try half Greek yogurt for a lighter twist!
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle kick and a subtle tang for extra flavor depth.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dressing with lively acidity that wakes up the chicken and herbs.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Gives you another punch of citrus, infusing each mouthful with freshness.
- Chopped fresh tarragon (1 tablespoon, or 1 teaspoon dried): Provides unmistakable aromatic notes—earthy, slightly licorice-like, and utterly delightful.
- Finely diced celery (1/4 cup): Lends signature crunch and a pop of green for inviting color.
- Finely chopped red onion (2 tablespoons): Adds gentle sharpness and a splash of pretty purple in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t skip these! They pull the whole dish together by balancing all the bright and savory flavors.
- Optional garnish: sliced almonds or mixed greens: For a lovely contrast of flavor and extra textural interest, these are perfect finishing touches.
How to Make Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Lemon Tarragon Dressing
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, and your chopped tarragon. Take a moment to inhale the uplifting citrus and herbal aroma—it’s practically summer in a bowl! This base is what makes every spoonful of the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe burst with flavor.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Toss in your shredded or chopped chicken, followed by the celery and red onion. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken gets coated with that luscious, zingy dressing. The celery and onion not only add crunch and color but help balance the creaminess for the ultimate texture experience.
Step 3: Season and Taste
Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste, then give your salad one final gentle mix. Pause for a quick taste test—a squeeze more lemon or a dash of extra pepper can make it uniquely yours. This is where you fine-tune the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe to your personal perfect balance.
Step 4: Chill to Meld Flavors
Cover the bowl and stash your masterpiece in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little break lets all the vibrant flavors soak in, bringing about a harmony you can really taste. Trust me, the difference chilling makes is worth every minute!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, give the salad a gentle stir and decide how you’d like to enjoy it—as a top-notch main, a festive sandwich, or a beautiful platter on your buffet table. No matter how you present it, your fresh Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe is sure to steal the show.
How to Serve Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A classic final touch is to scatter a handful of sliced almonds on top for crunch or heap the salad onto a bed of mixed greens for color and freshness. Sprigs of extra tarragon, a lemon slice, or a dusting of zest make your Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe look irresistible and add tiny but mighty hits of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken salad with a simple side like crisp cucumber slices, seasonal fruit, or a light green salad. For more heft, crostini, whole grain crackers, or a soft brioche roll all make perfect partners, soaking up every drop of that delicious dressing. It’s an ideal picnic or lunch plate!
Creative Ways to Present
There are so many ways to enjoy your Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe in style: pile it onto toasted sourdough, tuck it into a wrap with crunchy lettuce, or serve it in halved avocados for a showstopper starter. It’s also wonderful scooped into mini phyllo cups as a pretty appetizer for brunches and baby showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’re making it ahead, hold off on adding delicate garnishes until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad that loves the freezer. The creamy dressing can separate and become watery once thawed, and the veggies can lose their crunch. For best flavor and texture, keep your Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe in the fridge and enjoy within a couple of days.
Reheating
No reheating necessary—this salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled from the refrigerator. If the salad has firmed up a bit, simply give it a good stir and let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving to revive its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, as it’s already seasoned and super tender. Just remove the skin, shred or chop the meat, and follow the recipe as written for a quick, flavorful Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh tarragon?
No problem at all. You can swap in dried tarragon using a third of the amount called for fresh. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but it will still give your Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe that signature herbal lift.
How can I make the salad lighter?
For a lighter spin, substitute half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. This gives you the same great creaminess but with fewer calories and extra protein. It’s a lovely way to refresh the Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe for warmer weather.
Are there other add-ins I can try?
Definitely! Halved grapes or chopped apples add a juicy, sweet contrast, or you could toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. This Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, and it actually gets better if you do! Make your Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe a day ahead and chill it overnight—the flavors will meld and intensify for an even tastier result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience a chicken salad like no other, give this Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe a try. It’s colorful, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—the sort of dish you’ll want to share at every gathering (if it lasts that long). Happy cooking and enjoy every vibrant bite!
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Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tangy lemon, aromatic tarragon, and tender chicken creates a delicious salad that can be enjoyed on its own or in a sandwich or wrap.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced almonds or mixed greens
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and tarragon until smooth.
- Add the chicken, celery, and red onion, and stir until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled over lettuce, on toast, in wraps, or with crackers.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt.
- Add sliced grapes or chopped apples for a sweet contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
