Tarragon Chicken Salad With Asparagus
Description
This elegant Tarragon Chicken Salad is a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. The dish features tender grilled chicken breast chunks tossed in a creamy, fresh tarragon dressing that adds a sophisticated herbal note. It is served atop a bed of fresh spinach leaves and accompanied by bright green asparagus spears that have been blanched to retain their crisp-tender bite. Thin slices of ripe pear add a touch of natural sweetness and a refreshing crunch, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice ties everything together with a bright acidity. Ideal for a light lunch, a picnic centerpiece, or a healthy dinner option, this recipe brings a fresh, garden-to-table vibe to your table without requiring complex techniques.Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced fresh tarragon, and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to create the dressing.
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Rub skinless, boneless chicken breast halves with vegetable oil and sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper.
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Place chicken on a grill over medium coals (about 6 inches away) and grill for 6 to 7 minutes, turning once, until tender and cooked through.
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Cut the grilled chicken into 1-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
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Add 1 cup of the tarragon dressing to the chicken chunks and mix lightly to coat.
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Chill the chicken salad and the remaining dressing in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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In a large skillet, cook trimmed fresh asparagus in enough boiling water to cover for 7 minutes, or just until tender-crisp.
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Plunge the cooked asparagus spears into cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain well and chill.
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Line a large serving platter or individual plates with fresh trimmed spinach leaves.
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Mound the chilled chicken salad in the center of the platter or divide evenly among plates.
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Arrange the chilled asparagus spears evenly around the chicken salad.
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Slice a ripe pear thinly and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
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Arrange the pear slices slightly overlapping on the platter or plates for an attractive presentation.
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Place the remaining tarragon dressing in a small bowl to pass at the table (thin with a little milk if desired).
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 816.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 90.0g139%
- Saturated Fat 13.2g66%
- Cholesterol 16.8mg6%
- Sodium 480.0mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.7g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.1g
- Protein 1.3g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chicken Preparation: If you do not have access to a grill, the chicken can be poached, broiled, or pan-sautéed until cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165ðF (74ðC).
Storage: Store leftover chicken salad and asparagus separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The spinach and pear should be added just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Substitutions: Fresh tarragon can be substituted with 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon, though the flavor will be less vibrant. If pears are out of season, apples or grapes make suitable alternatives.
Dressing Tip: If the remaining dressing is too thick for passing, thin it with a small amount of milk or additional lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
