Description
This Peach Basil Chicken Salad is a delightful summer dish combining tender shredded chicken with juicy peaches and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy basil and tarragon dressing. Perfect served chilled on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich roll, this salad offers a refreshing and flavorful meal for warm days or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dressing:
- 1 ripe peach, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar (Tarragon vinegar used)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and cubed
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 2 cups)
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet red bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Shred the cooked chicken breasts and combine them in a large bowl with the peeled and cubed peaches, chopped celery, green onion, and sweet red bell pepper. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or with a hand blender, combine the dressing ingredients: peeled peach quarters, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil, tarragon vinegar, salt, celery seed, sugar, coarse ground pepper, and mayonnaise. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all flavors are well incorporated.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the peach basil chicken salad on fresh rolls or on a bed of leafy lettuce as a refreshing and delicious meal.
Notes
- Peel the peaches to avoid any texture issues and to enhance the smoothness of the dressing and salad.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing according to your preference for sweetness.
- Overnight chilling helps develop deeper flavors and improves the texture of the salad.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead, making it great for meal prep or entertaining.
- Wild or tarragon vinegar adds a unique herbal note but can be substituted with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
