Rosemary Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2packed cups rotisserie chicken
finely diced
- ½ cpecans
finely diced, see note 1
- ⅓ cdried cranberries
- ½ cthinly sliced celery
- ⅓ cgreen onions
thinly sliced, optional
- 1lemon
- ⅓ cmayo
i love best foods
- 3 tbspsour cream
- 1 tbsphoney
- 1 tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1 tspdijon-style mustard
- 1 tspfresh rosemary
finely minced
- salt and pepper
- serving suggestions
see note 2
Directions
- 1
Optional: Toast pecans—see note 1.
- 2
Juice lemon to get 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. Whisk lemon juice with all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Season to taste (I add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper).
- 3
Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Scrape every bit of dressing on top and toss well. Taste and adjust to personal preference.
- 4
Enjoy! Serve as sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, with crackers, etc.
Rosemary Chicken Salad
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of the same old chicken salad? This Rosemary Chicken Salad offers a sophisticated and incredibly fresh twist on a beloved classic, perfect when you're seeking vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in a convenient meal.
What sets this recipe apart is its thoughtful balance of flavors and textures, ensuring every spoonful is a delight. It smartly leverages finely diced rotisserie chicken for quick preparation, while a cast of complementary ingredients transforms it into something truly special. The magic is in the homemade dressing, a creamy blend of mayo and sour cream, brightened by fresh lemon, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard. But the real game-changer is the finely minced fresh rosemary, which infuses the entire salad with its fragrant, earthy essence, tying together the sweetness of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pecans.
You can anticipate a delightful sensory experience with every bite. The tender, finely diced chicken provides a comforting base, generously coated in a rich yet lively dressing that’s both creamy and bright. You'll discover satisfying textural contrasts from the finely diced pecans and crisp, thinly sliced celery. Pockets of sweet-tart dried cranberries burst with flavor, perfectly complementing the savory chicken and aromatic rosemary. The overall profile is fresh, herbaceous, and subtly sweet, making this salad feel both comforting and wonderfully elevated. With 499 calories per serving, it’s a substantial yet refreshing choice for any meal.
This Rosemary Chicken Salad is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While pecans provide a distinct crunch, you could easily substitute them with toasted walnuts or slivered almonds. If you prefer a less sweet profile, reduce the amount of dried cranberries or swap them for chopped green olives for a briny kick. For an extra layer of allium flavor, feel free to be generous with the thinly sliced green onions. You could also experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon if rosemary isn’t on hand, though the rosemary truly makes this dish unique.
This flavorful chicken salad is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a quick lunch, an elegant dinner, or as part of a picnic spread. Enjoy it simply scooped into crisp lettuce cups, piled high on toasted sourdough, or tucked into warm pita bread for a truly satisfying meal.