Nectarine Chicken Salad With Tarragon
A refreshing chicken salad with juicy nectarines, crisp celery, and aromatic tarragon, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings, offering a balance of creamy and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 nectarines, diced ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- red leaf lettuce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, tarragon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add diced cooked chicken, nectarines, and chopped celery; toss gently to combine.
- Line a platter with red leaf lettuce.
- Arrange the chicken salad on the lettuce.
- Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado. If nectarines are out of season, peaches make a great alternative. Fresh tarragon is preferred for its flavor, but dried tarragon can be used in a pinch. Ensure your chicken is well-cooked and seasoned for the best taste, and try using Chicken Cutlets for a quicker preparation.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad is perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Serve it alongside whole grain crackers or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. You can also pair it with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of Pauline'S Potato Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, improving the taste. If you need to reheat the chicken separately, do so gently in the microwave to prevent drying it out. Serve it cold for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nectarine Chicken Salad With Tarragon contains roughly 671 calories, with 41g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (116% of the Daily Value), and potassium (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1985mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. However, it's best to add the toasted almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I use instead of chicken?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or white beans for protein. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a different texture.
How do I make this salad more filling?
To make this salad heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice. You could also serve it on a bed of grains, which will add texture and make it more filling, perfect for a complete meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).