Gourmet Chicken/Turkey Salad with Herbs and Walnuts
Elevate your lunch experience with this delightful Gourmet Chicken or Turkey Salad, inspired by Julia Child's classic recipe. This salad combines tender, skinless, and boneless chicken or turkey with a medley of fresh herbs, crunchy celery, and mild onion, all perfectly balanced with a tangy dressing. Optional walnuts add a delightful crunch, while hard-boiled eggs and colorful red pimentos create an eye-catching presentation. Perfect for picnics or a light lunch, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a favorite for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy it on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, and savor the freshness in every bite!
8
Servings
350
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken or turkey
6 cups (skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
salt
to taste
freshly ground white pepper
to taste
light olive oil
1 tablespoon
fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
tarragon leaves
1 teaspoon (finely cut or use 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon)
celery
1 cup (tender, diced)
scallions or mild onion
1/2 cup (minced)
walnuts
3/4 cup (chopped (optional))
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (preferably homemade)
romaine lettuce
1 head (washed and dried)
hard-boiled eggs
2
fresh parsley
for garnish
red pimentos
3-5 slices
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, season the cooked chicken or turkey pieces with salt, freshly ground white pepper, and light olive oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even coat.
2
Add the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, tarragon, diced celery, and minced scallions (or mild onion) to the bowl. If you are using walnuts, add them now. Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined.
3
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary.
4
Allow the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes, tossing several times to blend the flavors.
5
After marinating, drain any accumulated liquid from the salad to avoid sogginess.
6
Fold in just enough mayonnaise to coat the ingredients evenly without overpowering the dish.
7
For presentation, garnish the salad with slices of hard-boiled eggs, fresh parsley, and red pimentos just before serving.
8
This salad can be prepared the day before. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
10g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Chicken/Turkey Salad?
It is an elevated poultry salad inspired by Julia Child, combining cooked meat with fresh herbs, celery, onion, and a tangy dressing.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic culinary techniques of Julia Child.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of chicken or turkey should be used?
You should use cooked, skinless, and boneless chicken or turkey cut into bite-sized pieces.
How much cooked poultry is required?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of cooked chicken or turkey.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, specifically for tarragon, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh with 1/4 teaspoon of dried tarragon.
Why is light olive oil used in the recipe?
Light olive oil is used to coat the meat pieces initially to ensure even seasoning and moisture.
How long should the salad marinate?
The salad should marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend thoroughly.
Why must I drain the salad after marinating?
Draining the liquid prevents the final dish from becoming soggy once the mayonnaise is added.
What is the recommended way to serve this salad?
It is best served on a bed of washed and dried romaine lettuce.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before and keep it refrigerated until serving.
Are walnuts a mandatory ingredient?
No, walnuts are optional but recommended for added crunch.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There is 18.75g of protein per serving.
What are the garnishes for this dish?
The salad is garnished with hard-boiled egg slices, fresh parsley, and red pimentos.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it can be made ahead and stores well, it is excellent for meal prep.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using minced scallions or a mild onion.
What type of lettuce should I use?
A head of romaine lettuce is recommended for its crispness.
What kind of mayonnaise is best?
Preferably homemade mayonnaise is recommended for the best flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed for this gourmet salad.
What kind of pepper is used for seasoning?
Freshly ground white pepper is used for seasoning the poultry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
What can I substitute for pimentos?
If pimentos are unavailable, sliced roasted red peppers can provide a similar look and flavor.
Can I adjust the seasoning levels?
Yes, you should taste the mixture after combining and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
How much celery is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of tender, diced celery.
Is this salad appropriate for picnics?
Yes, it is described as perfect for picnics or light lunches.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered and kept in the refrigerator.