salad

RizzieFarms Chicken Salad

A rich but bright smoked chicken salad combining tender smoked chicken with crisp celery, red onion, red bell pepper, green onion, sweet red grapes, and toasted Georgia pecans. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon, honey, and white wine vinegar balances the smoky chicken with fresh, tangy flavor.

Servings: 6 servings
Total Time: 80 min

Ingredients

Chicken Salad
  • 4 cups smoked chicken, cooled and coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 cup celery, thinly sliced or finely diced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onion
  • 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup toasted Georgia pecans, coarsely chopped
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Herbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, optional
RF Chicken Salad

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Place the smoked chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add the celery, red onion, red bell pepper, green onion, grapes, toasted pecans, parsley, and tarragon if using.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
  4. If the salad seems dry, add a small amount of additional mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, or black pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Smoking the chicken gives this salad considerably more flavor than using plain roasted chicken.
  • The grapes add sweetness while the white wine vinegar, lemon, and Dijon keep the dressing from becoming too heavy.
  • Toast the pecans before chopping for the best flavor.
  • Serve chilled over mixed greens, on a buttery croissant, as a sandwich, or with toasted bread and fresh fruit.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be substituted when smoked chicken is not available.

Tags

chicken smoked chicken salad pecans grapes Georgia make-ahead sandwich