Savory Chicken Salad

I come from a family that likes to be creative in the kitchen. I enjoy dreaming up new recipes, as well as putting a spin on old favorites.

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!

Cook Time

Ingredients

• 2 cups pre-cooked chicken, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/3 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Photo Guide

Step 1.1

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Instructions

1. Measure the mayonnaise and honey Dijon mustard into a small bowl. Add the herbs and pepper to the bowl containing the mayonnaise and mustard. Stir well.
2. Put the chopped chicken, celery, and nuts into a medium-sized bowl.
3. Pour the herb dressing over the chicken/celery/nut mixture and combine well. Serve immediately or chill in a covered bowl for later use.

Tips

• 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.

© 2012 Rhosynwen