Chicken Salad – The Perfect Way To Use Up Leftover Roasted Chicken
Whether you roast your chicken yourself or purchase a spit-roasted whole chicken at the supermarket, there is usually some left over after the meal. There are so many ways to use the chicken that books have been written and probably websites devoted to this subject.
One way I like to use leftover roasted chicken is a simple chicken salad, especially when it’s hot in the summer. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a specific recipe because I need to know exactly how much chicken we are discussing.
It’s different each time I make it. I also like to use “what’s on hand” ingredients that my family and I enjoy most. You can do the same with your chicken salad.
I used pumpkin seeds in this recipe because I didn’t have any sesame seeds, but you can use any seeds or nuts you like. For example, you often see a chicken salad with walnuts, but why not try pistachios?
I used Craisins to use the seedless grapes past their prime. For those of you unfamiliar with Craisins, they are dried cranberries produced by Ocean Spray.
I’m not sure, but I think they have some added sweeteners added. No wonder my daughter loves them in her lunchbox. I could have used plain old raisins too. It’s more about what you like and what’s available.
The homemade mayonnaise is more flavorful than any commercial mayo you can buy and is so easy to make yourself. Also, the color is a pale yellow compared to the white mayo we are used to.
Of course, you can use your favorite commercial mayonnaise, but you will be hooked if you make it from scratch yourself.
Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- roasted chicken leftovers
- mayonnaise homemade if available
- 2 stalks celery
- Craisins
- pumpkin seeds
- fresh tarragon
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by picking through the leftover chicken and picking off pieces of chicken. Remove any small bones, cartilage, or fat from the chicken using a paring knife. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and reserve.
- Make your homemade mayonnaise.
- Finely dice the celery stalks and get the rest of your ingredients ready. Be sure to finely chop the fresh tarragon, which is much better than dried tarragon in this recipe. The flavor of this herb ready gives a power boost of flavor.
- Combine the chicken pieces with celery, Craisins, pumpkin seeds and fresh tarragon.
- Mix in some of the homemade mayonnaise a little at a time. You want a nice balance of mayo to chicken salad. Just like dressing a salad, you don't want to overpower the rest of the ingredients with mayo. It is easier to add more mayo than to remove it.
- Using a large spoon, turn the chicken salad over to combine all the ingredients. Don't overwork it.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
4 Responses
I love tarragon in chicken salad–makes it taste so fresh and spring-like:)
Great addition Jenni, thanks for the suggestion.
I love adding crasins to chicken salad!
As do I!