Artisan Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich

Discover a refreshing twist on a classic with this incredibly easy and exceptionally flavorful Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich. Swapping traditional mayonnaise for creamy Greek yogurt, this recipe delivers a healthier, lighter, and protein-packed meal without sacrificing an ounce of taste. The vibrant burst of fresh cherries paired with the delicate, anise-like notes of tarragon elevates this everyday sandwich to an extraordinary culinary experience.

The Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad

Chicken salad stands out as a versatile staple for anyone seeking effortless meal prep and delicious, nutritious eating throughout the week. It’s not just a fantastic way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken; it’s an opportunity to transform simple ingredients into a healthy, satisfying, and refreshingly vibrant dish. This particular rendition offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, making it an instant favorite.

Why This Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad Shines

What truly sets this chicken salad apart is its unique flavor profile and health-conscious approach. By replacing traditional mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, we introduce a protein boost and a delightful tanginess that complements the other ingredients beautifully, resulting in a lighter yet incredibly creamy texture. The star combination of sweet, juicy cherries and the subtle, sophisticated flavor of fresh tarragon creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate. This isn’t just another chicken salad; it’s a gourmet experience designed for everyday enjoyment.

Mastering the Ingredients

The success of any great recipe lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. For this Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad, each component plays a vital role:

• Fresh Cherries: Available primarily from June through August, fresh sweet cherries offer an unparalleled burst of natural sweetness and a beautiful ruby color. If fresh cherries are out of season, don’t fret! Simply thaw frozen cherries under cold running water, pit them if necessary, and they’ll work perfectly, ensuring you can enjoy this salad year-round. Cherries are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, adding a healthy boost.
• Fresh Tarragon: This herb is the secret weapon, providing a distinctive flavor often described as a subtle hint of anise or licorice, with underlying notes of vanilla and mint. It pairs exceptionally well with poultry and fruit, adding a sophisticated aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. While dried tarragon can be used in a pinch, fresh tarragon is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma.
• Greek Yogurt: Our healthy hero! Plain Greek yogurt provides the creamy base for the dressing, contributing tang, richness, and a significant amount of protein, all while keeping the fat content lower than traditional mayonnaise-based salads. Opt for a full-fat or low-fat plain variety for the best texture and flavor.
• Dijon Mustard & Honey: These two work in harmony to add depth and balance to the dressing. Dijon brings a sharp, savory note, while a touch of honey perfectly offsets the tartness of the yogurt and complements the sweetness of the cherries.
• Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon brightens the entire dressing, adding a zesty kick and cutting through the richness. Don’t skip the zest – it holds much of the lemon’s essential oils and intense flavor.
• Green Onions: A mild onion flavor and a touch of color, green onions add a fresh, subtle crunch without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, along with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. They provide a wonderful textural contrast to the tender chicken and soft cherries.
• Celery: Classic in chicken salad for a reason, celery offers a refreshing crispness and a mild, earthy flavor that rounds out the texture profile.

Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious chicken salad is a breeze with these straightforward instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined.
2. Infuse with Herbs and Seasoning: Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh tarragon, chopped green onions, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a vibrant and aromatic dressing.
3. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken, crunchy chopped walnuts, pitted and chopped fresh cherries, and diced celery.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared Greek yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss and stir until all the chicken and other ingredients are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for a perfect bite every time.
5. Chill to Perfection: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and place the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a refreshingly cold salad.
6. Serve Your Way: Whether you prefer it on toasted bread, a croissant, or in a lettuce wrap, follow the serving suggestions below to assemble your ultimate chicken salad experience.

Perfectly Preparing Your Chicken

The foundation of any great chicken salad is, of course, the chicken. While leftover rotisserie chicken is a go-to for its convenience and tender, flavorful meat, there are several easy ways to prepare chicken breasts specifically for this recipe:

• Rotisserie Chicken: Effortless and delicious, simply remove the chicken from the bone and shred it using two forks or your hands. This saves significant prep time.
• Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot Method: This method ensures incredibly tender, shreddable chicken.
  1. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
  2. Add enough liquid (water or chicken broth) to just cover the chicken.
  3. Pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.
  4. Allow for a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  5. Remove the chicken and shred it.
• Stovetop Method: A quick and reliable way to cook chicken breasts.
  1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken breasts and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  3. Pour in about 3/4 cup of water or chicken broth, then cover the skillet.
  4. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred.
• Baking Method: A hands-off approach for perfectly cooked chicken.
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish. Place chicken breasts in the dish.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
  4. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Shredding Your Chicken: For uniformly shredded chicken, use two forks on a cutting board to pull the meat apart. For an even quicker method, especially with larger batches, a stand mixer or electric hand mixer can shred cooked chicken in seconds.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Chicken Salad

The beauty of chicken salad lies in its adaptability. This Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad is delicious no matter how you serve it. Here are some of our favorite creative and classic ways:

• Open-faced on Toasted Sourdough: A rustic and elegant choice. Lightly toast thick slices of sourdough bread, spread with a layer of fresh spinach leaves, then generously top with chicken salad. The tang of sourdough perfectly complements the salad.
• Fluffy Butter Croissant: For a touch of French indulgence, serve the chicken salad nestled within a soft, buttery croissant. The rich, flaky texture is a delightful contrast to the creamy salad.
• Light Lettuce Wraps or Endive Spears: An excellent low-carb option. Use large, crisp lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) or elegant endive spears as edible cups for your chicken salad.
• Whole Wheat Tortilla Wrap: For a portable and satisfying lunch, spoon the chicken salad onto a whole wheat tortilla, add some fresh greens, and roll it up tightly.
• Warm Pita Bread: Slice open a pita pocket and stuff it with the chicken salad for a hearty and flavorful handheld meal.
• Toasted Ciabatta Roll: The crusty exterior and chewy interior of a ciabatta roll make a superb base for a substantial chicken salad sandwich.
• Stuffed Avocados: Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill the hollow with a generous scoop of chicken salad for a nutrient-dense and satisfying meal.
• On Cucumber Slices: For an extra light and refreshing appetizer or snack, serve small dollops of chicken salad on crisp cucumber slices.

Delightful Side Dishes

Pairing your Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich with the right side dish can turn a simple meal into a delightful feast. Whether you’re packing a lunch or enjoying a leisurely meal at home, here are some perfect accompaniments:

• For Packed Lunches:
  • Potato Chips: A classic for a reason – the salty crunch provides a satisfying contrast.
  • Fresh Fruit: Apple slices, grapes, or berries add a natural sweetness and refreshing element.
  • Fresh Veggies with Hummus: Carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices with a side of hummus offer a healthy and crunchy option.
• For Home Meals (with a little extra time):
  • Kale Apple Slaw: A vibrant and healthy slaw offering crunch and a slightly sweet-tart flavor that complements the chicken salad beautifully.
  • Pasta Salad: A hearty and flavorful pasta salad can turn your sandwich into a more substantial meal, perfect for gatherings.
  • Quinoa Corn Salad: Light, fresh, and protein-packed, this salad offers a wonderful texture and a burst of summer flavors.
  • Simple Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a refreshing choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about this delicious chicken salad:

• Should chicken salad be served cold? Absolutely! This chicken salad is specifically designed to be enjoyed cold. The chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and meld, and the cold temperature makes it incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day. We recommend refrigerating it for at least 10-15 minutes after preparation before serving for optimal taste and texture.
• How many calories are in this chicken salad? The chicken salad itself, per serving, contains approximately 198 calories. The total calorie count for your meal will vary depending on how you choose to serve it. For context: a butter croissant adds about 231 calories, a slice of sourdough bread approximately 185 calories, a large flour tortilla around 218 calories, and a large lettuce leaf a mere 4 calories. This allows for great flexibility to fit various dietary needs.
• Can you enjoy this salad on a low-carb diet? Yes, this chicken salad is a fantastic option for those following a low-carb diet. The chicken salad itself contains only about 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. To keep it truly low-carb, simply serve it in crisp lettuce leaves, which contribute less than 1 gram of carbs per leaf. You can also use cucumber slices or bell pepper halves as excellent low-carb “scoops.”
• How long will chicken salad stay good? When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this chicken salad will maintain its freshness and quality for 3-5 days. It makes for excellent meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and healthy lunch or snack throughout the week. Always use your best judgment regarding food safety.

Explore More Chicken Salad Creations

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and deliciousness of chicken salad, there’s a whole world of variations to explore! Here are some other fan-favorite chicken salad recipes that offer unique flavor profiles and serving ideas:

• Coronation Chicken Salad: A regal, Indian-spiced chicken salad often served at celebratory events.
• Mexican Chicken Salad Tacos: A vibrant and zesty chicken salad perfect for taco night.
• BBQ Chicken Salad Sliders: Sweet and smoky BBQ-infused chicken salad served on miniature buns.
• Greek Chicken Salad Pita Wraps: Mediterranean-inspired flavors with olives, feta, and fresh herbs in a pita.
• Buffalo Chicken Salad Sliders: For those who love a kick, a spicy buffalo chicken salad that packs a punch.
• Apricot Chicken Salad: A delightful blend of sweet and savory with dried apricots.

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Cherry Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwich

Fresh cherries and tarragon add delicious flavor to this easy Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe! It’s made with Greek yogurt for a healthy spin on a classic!

Servings:
4 sandwiches

Prep Time:
20 mins

Total Time:
20 mins

Author:
Whitney Bond

Course:
Main Course, Salad, Sandwich

Cuisine:
American

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
• ½ cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
• ¼ cup celery, chopped

Serving Options

• 4 slices bread (gluten-free, sourdough, or ciabatta recommended)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 4 butter croissants
• 4 lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. Combine the Greek yogurt, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice and zest, tarragon, green onions, and black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
3. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, walnuts, cherries, and celery.
4. Add the prepared dressing to the chicken salad mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
5. Place the chicken salad in the refrigerator to chill for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. To serve on bread: Lightly toast your chosen bread. Place 5-6 leaves of fresh spinach on top of each slice, then generously add the chilled chicken salad and serve open-faced or as a closed sandwich.
7. To serve on a croissant: Slice the croissant lengthwise through the middle. If desired, place spinach on the bottom half, then fill with chicken salad and top with the other half of the croissant.
8. To serve on lettuce leaves: Simply spoon the chicken salad directly into large, crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing, low-carb option.

Notes

• The nutrition information provided is for the chicken salad only and does not include serving options like bread or croissants.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served on gluten-free bread or in lettuce wraps.
• If fresh cherries are not in season, frozen cherries can be used. Thaw them under cold running water before pitting and chopping.
• Leftover rotisserie chicken is ideal for its convenience. Alternatively, you can cook chicken breasts using a pressure cooker, Instant Pot, stovetop, or baking method as described in the “Perfectly Preparing Your Chicken” section above.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 198kcal (10%)
Carbohydrates 7g (2%)
Protein 20g (40%)
Fat 9g (14%)
Saturated Fat 1g (5%)
Cholesterol 53mg (18%)
Sodium 107mg (4%)
Potassium 284mg (8%)
Fiber 1g (4%)
Sugar 4g (4%)
Vitamin A 105mg (2%)
Vitamin C 5.5mg (7%)
Calcium 42mg (4%)
Iron 1.3mg (7%)

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