Shredded Chicken Salad with Tarragon, Apples & Grapes

It’s no secret that I love to host parties. As a frequent hostess, I’ve learned that preparation is the key to an enjoyable experience where you can actually talk to your guests and enjoy your own party. I often impart a “no oven” rule when I host. The last thing I want to be doing when my house is full of guests is messing with cook timers and oven mitts. I put out trays of seasonal vegetables, fruits and cheeses along with cold salads that everyone can help themselves to. By far, the most requested of all the cold salads I serve is this Shredded Chicken Salad with Tarragon, Apples and Grapes.

What’s in this Shredded Chicken Salad with Tarragon, Apples and Grapes

The ingredients are simple and the prep is easy. We start with lean white meat chicken breast. Make it easy on yourself and buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it up with a fork. Alternately, you can poach chicken breasts in chicken broth and allow them to cool before shredding. Then, we’ve got lots of celery, green apples and red grapes. The most exotic ingredient on the list is the tarragon, which can almost always be found at your local market. In the summer, I can just pluck it from my garden. It’s very easy to grow.

What does tarragon taste like?

If you aren’t familiar with tarragon, it falls into the anise family of flavors along with fennel and black licorice. But tarragon is much milder, so don’t be scared off if you’re not an anise fan. In fact, it’s the tarragon that makes this Shredded Chicken Salad with Tarragon, Apples and Grapes so special. I like to layer the flavors of fresh tarragon with some tarragon vinegar, and even then it’s still not an overpowering flavor. It turns out to be a really a unique taste that plays so well with the tart apples, crunchy celery and sweet grapes. You’ll keep coming back for more. And so will your guests – I promise!

You can assemble this salad completely ahead of time. This dish is perfect for a brunch, luncheon or barbecue. It travels well and stores for several days in the fridge.

Happy party-prepping and hosting! Enjoy!

Shredded Chicken Salad with Tarragon, Apples and Grapes

Creamy and tangy with fresh herbs, sweet tart fruits and crunchy vegetables

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Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 25 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 10

Ingredients

  

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• 8 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
• 3 ribs celery finely chopped
• 1 Granny Smith apple cut into small cubes
• 1 cup red grapes cut in half
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp. tarragon vinegar
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 cup shallots finely minced
• 1/2 cup fresh tarragon
• 3 tbsp. fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, lemon juice and shallots. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the chicken, celery, apples and grapes and combine. Fold in the fresh tarragon and parsley.

Keyword chicken, gluten free, healthy

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