Savory Chicken Salad

I put together this recipe one day after deciding I wanted something different from the chicken salad I normally make, which is sweet because it has fruit in it. I added herbs to this new salad to give it a savory tang. I love using herbs in my food as a way to bring a new twist to staple American dishes that are often a bit dull-tasting in their original form.

This recipe is easy to prepare, and can help you utilize leftover chicken. It is the perfect salad for a picnic, tea party, or lazy summer afternoon lunch. Enjoy!

• This chicken salad pairs well with bread, crackers, pita bread, or a green salad.
• This salad is also an excellent filler for finger sandwiches for a tea or garden party. If you make it for that purpose, I suggest finely chopping the chicken, celery, and nuts so that you will be able to apply the salad in a thin layer to the bread.
• If you do not have any leftover chicken, a plain rotisserie chicken purchased from the deli in your local grocery store is a great thing to use in this salad. I normally use the breast meat if I make the salad with a rotisserie chicken. A good-quality canned chicken also does the trick in a pinch.
• I have made this with both plain Dijon and honey Dijon mustard, and both types work well. If you only have plain Dijon mustard but want the taste of a honey Dijon in this recipe, simply add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing.