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Tarragon Chicken Salad With Asparagus

Tarragon Chicken Salad With Asparagus recipe image
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.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 816.0
Dietary: Gluten-free
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
  • 2 cup Mayonnaise or creamy salad
Directions
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced fresh tarragon, and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to create the dressing.
  2. 2
    Rub skinless, boneless chicken breast halves with vegetable oil and sprinkle with coarse ground black pepper.
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    Cut the grilled chicken into 1-inch chunks and place in a large bowl.
  5. 5
    Add 1 cup of the tarragon dressing to the chicken chunks and mix lightly to coat.
  6. 6
    Chill the chicken salad and the remaining dressing in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  7. 7
    In a large skillet, cook trimmed fresh asparagus in enough boiling water to cover for 7 minutes, or just until tender-crisp.
  8. 8
    Plunge the cooked asparagus spears into cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain well and chill.
  9. 9
    Line a large serving platter or individual plates with fresh trimmed spinach leaves.
  10. 10
    Mound the chilled chicken salad in the center of the platter or divide evenly among plates.
  11. 11
    Arrange the chilled asparagus spears evenly around the chicken salad.
  12. 12
    Slice a ripe pear thinly and brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
  13. 13
    Arrange the pear slices slightly overlapping on the platter or plates for an attractive presentation.
  14. 14
    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.

Keywords: chicken, tarragon, asparagus, salad, pear, spinach, grilled, lemon, healthy, lunch, spring, creamy, dressing, fresh
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/tarragon-chicken-salad-with-asparagus/