Barefoot Contessa’s Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Summer lunches call for a light, refreshing chicken salad with classic tarragon chicken salad that sings with herbal brightness.

Ina Garten’s beloved recipe captures the essence of elegant simplicity.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of tender chicken, crisp celery, and aromatic herbs.

The tangy mayonnaise base brings a creamy richness that complements the delicate tarragon perfectly.

Chopped green onions add a subtle kick of sharpness to the mix.

Serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or between slices of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

This recipe guarantees a quick and delicious lunch that will become a summer staple.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 374 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes into the Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Succulent shredded meat that serves as the hearty foundation of the salad, choose organic or free-range for superior flavor and texture.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruit that adds unexpected bursts of richness and subtle sweetness to complement the chicken.

• Red Onion, Celery: Crisp, fresh vegetables that provide delightful crunch and sharp, zesty undertones to elevate the chicken's mild profile.
• Tarragon, Parsley: Vibrant fresh herbs that infuse the salad with elegant, sophisticated flavor notes and beautiful green specks throughout.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy, smooth base that perfectly holds all ingredients together and creates luxurious mouthfeel.
• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements that enhance and balance the overall taste profile, bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient.

Tools to Prep Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad with Ease

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients comfortably.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping onions, celery, and herbs with ease.
• Sharp knife: Helps finely chop ingredients and shred chicken precisely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for gently mixing and tossing the salad ingredients.

How to Make the Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Ingredient Fusion

Gather all your fresh ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, combining succulent shredded chicken with crisp vegetables and aromatic herbs.

• Flavor Harmony

Gently blend mayonnaise, herbs, and seasonings into the chicken mixture, ensuring each morsel is perfectly coated with delicious flavors.

• Taste Refinement

Sample the salad and fine-tune the seasoning, adjusting to create a balanced and delightful culinary experience.

• Serving Versatility

Present the chicken salad in multiple ways – spread on artisan bread, nestled in a soft wrap, scattered over crisp greens, or enjoyed with crunchy crackers.

• Freshness Preservation

Refrigerate any remaining salad in a sealed container, keeping it delectable for several days and maintaining its vibrant taste and texture.

Pro Tips & Flavor Variations for Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apples to add unexpected sweetness and crunch.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled turkey for an easy protein variation that saves cooking time.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil to create unique flavor profiles that complement the classic tarragon base.
• Add toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch that elevates the salad's texture and nutritional value.
• Prepare the chicken salad a day in advance to allow flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious and robust taste experience.

Serving Up the Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad Right

• Spread on Artisan Bread: Layer the tarragon chicken salad on crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread for a gourmet lunch experience.
• Create Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the salad into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing meal option that's light and satisfying.
• Elevate Picnic Platter: Serve alongside crispy crackers, sliced cucumber, and fresh fruit for a colorful and delicious portable meal perfect for outdoor dining.
• Top Mixed Greens: Arrange the chicken salad over a bed of mixed spring greens, adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra crunch and texture.

How to Plan Ahead and Store Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep the chicken salad in a sealed container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Quickly: Best enjoyed within 3-5 days for optimal taste and texture, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Avoid Room Temperature: Never leave the chicken salad out for more than 2 hours to prevent potential foodborne illnesses and maintain quality.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, mayonnaise-based salads may separate and lose their creamy consistency, so fresh preparation is recommended for the best eating experience.

Elegant Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa tarragon chicken salad combines classic French ingredients with Ina Garten’s signature elegance. Roasted chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing create a delightful lunch you’ll crave all week.

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Ingredients

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• 450 g (16 oz) shredded chicken
• 80 g (2.8 oz) mayonnaise
• 40 g (1.4 oz) red onion, chopped
• 40 g (1.4 oz) raisins
• 30 g (1 oz) celery, chopped
• 10 g (0.35 oz) fresh tarragon, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 10 g (0.35 oz) parsley, roughly chopped
• 0.25 tsp sea salt (a pinch)
• 0.125 tsp ground pepper (a pinch)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Shred the cooked chicken into consistent, bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl, ensuring uniform texture and flavor distribution.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Finely dice red onion and celery, creating delicate cuts that provide crisp texture and balanced flavor throughout the salad.
3. Herb Integration: Chop fresh tarragon and parsley leaves, releasing aromatic oils and ensuring even herb dispersion across the mixture.
4. Binding and Flavor Enhancement: Combine mayonnaise with chicken and vegetables, creating a creamy base that unifies all ingredients and amplifies overall taste.
5. Sweet and Savory Balance: Incorporate raisins to introduce a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken and herbaceous notes.
6. Seasoning: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, carefully calibrating flavors to create a harmonious culinary profile.
7. Mixing and Incorporation: Gently fold all ingredients using a large spoon or spatula, ensuring thorough blending and even distribution of components.
8. Flavor Refinement: Conduct a taste assessment, adjusting seasonings by adding mayonnaise, salt, or pepper to achieve desired flavor intensity.
9. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the chicken salad for 30-60 minutes to allow herbs and spices to meld, then serve chilled on artisan bread, lettuce wraps, mixed greens, or crackers.
10. Storage: Transfer any remaining salad to an airtight container and refrigerate, maintaining freshness for 3-5 days.

Notes

• Herb Precision: Chop tarragon and parsley finely to release maximum flavor and ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the salad for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop and intensify.
• Texture Balance: Cut vegetables uniformly to provide consistent crunch and ensure each bite delivers a perfect mix of ingredients.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container and consume within 3-5 days for optimal freshness and taste quality.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 374
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 79 mg