Chicken Salad

I’m standing in front of my refrigerator with the door open analyzing the contents. Thinking to myself, what can I make with what’s in here? Not because I’m hungry, but because I have this overwhelming sense to make something out of nothing. It’s a blessing and a curse all at the same time. There’s so many things that can be done with leftover chicken breast…

I see the 2 breasts leftover from when I made the Simple Roast Chicken and decided to turn it into chicken salad. I think that chicken salad should always be made with white meat. This will make a great lunch box food for Lindsey.

I prefer to shred it instead of chop it. I love finely chopped celery and green onions in my chicken salad. It is so versatile and can be made into a simple sandwich or dressed up with grapes and toasted nuts. I also love it stuffed in avocado, papaya or cantaloupe and drizzled with tropics dressing. Occasionally I dress up my chicken salad, but mostly, I’m a purest.

This recipe isn’t really a recipe as much as a feel. Everyone has a personal taste and this recipe allows you to get creative with your leftovers and feel what makes sense to your pallet.

BASIC RECIPE
2 cooked chicken breast, shredded or chunked
3 stalks celery, chopped small, (I love the crunch that this gives)
3 sprigs green onions, chopped fine
(for me a sprig is the root and whatever is sprouting out of it)
To taste kosher salt, pinch what you think you would enjoy then let it sit so the salt can meld in, taste it, and adjust.
To taste black pepper, this is the finishing touch for any dish, don’t be shy…
To taste Mayonnaise, amount depends on how you feel about it…
To taste Milk, to thin it out and make it less sticky

ADD IN’S…
• Red seedless grapes, sliced in half add a wonderful balance, this adds a sweet flavor.
• Toasted almonds or walnuts also add a layer of flavor, this adds a salty savory flavor as well as a nice crunch.
• Fresh herbs such as basil, thyme, oregano or (and) fresh parsley)
• Curry powder, for the chicken divine twist

Mix what sounds good to you together and get creative. Always make the basic recipe before add in’s to make sure the base is right then go for the add in’s as you your pallet desires.