Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Bring a wave of fresh flavors to your taste buds with this Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad recipe. This dish marries the tangy zest of lemon with the earthy notes of tarragon and dill, delivering a unique and irresistible taste. The addition of crisp fruits and veggies adds a refreshing crunch that complements the tender, grilled chicken perfectly. It's not only a feast for the palate but also a nutritious meal packed with protein and fiber.

Photos of Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

This recipe uses some ingredients that may not be staples in every kitchen. Tarragon, for instance, is a delicate herb with a sweet, slightly anise-like flavor. It can be found in the fresh herbs section of most supermarkets. Similarly, dill, another herb in this recipe, offers a grassy and slightly fennel-like taste. Both these herbs play a pivotal role in lending this salad its unique flavor profile. Do not replace or skip these!

Ingredients for Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

Lemon juice: This is used to marinate the chicken and also in the dressing, providing a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Olive oil: This is used for marinating the chicken, it helps to tenderize the chicken, and adds a mild, fruity flavor.

Garlic cloves: These add a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens when cooked.

Red pepper flakes: These add a spicy kick to the dish.

Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, they're marinated and grilled to perfection.

Sour cream: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the dressing.

Mayonnaise: This also contributes to the creaminess of the salad dressing.

Rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to the dressing.

Red grapes: These add a sweet and slightly tart flavor, and a juicy texture.

Granny Smith apple: The tart and crisp apple balances the creaminess of the dressing and the richness of the chicken.

Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.

Onion: Provides a bit of sharpness and bite.

Fresh tarragon: This herb adds a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor.

Fresh dill: Adds a grassy and slightly fennel-like taste.

Salt and pepper: Used to season the dish.

One reader, Halie Schulz says:

This tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant, and the combination of tarragon and dill is simply divine. The grilled chicken adds a smoky touch, and the dressing ties everything together perfectly. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a light and flavorful salad!

Halie Schulz

Techniques Required for Making Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

How to marinate the chicken: Mix ½ cup of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl. Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface, and cut from one side through the middle of the breasts to within ½-inch of the other side. Open the two sides and spread them out flat like an open book. Place in a shallow dish, and pour the olive oil mixture over the chicken, turning once to coat evenly with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

How to make the mayonnaise dressing: Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and ¼ cup of lemon juice together in a bowl, and blend thoroughly. Set aside.

How to grill the chicken: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate, and place about 4 inches from the heat source. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and discard the marinade. Cook chicken on preheated grill, turning once, for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until meat is firm and juices run clear. Remove chicken from grill, and cool.

How to assemble the salad: Finely chop the grilled chicken and place it in a large bowl. Add the grapes, apples, celery, tarragon, and dill to the bowl with the chicken. Stir in the mayonnaise dressing and toss until evenly coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How To Make Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

With a wonderful fusion of smoky, tangy, and fruity flavors, enjoy this irresistible grilled chicken salad as it is or stuff in your favorite sandwich!

Preparation: 35 minutes

Cooking: 12 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour 17 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cuplemon juice
¼cupolive oil
4garlic cloves,minced
1tbspred pepper flakes,crushed, or to taste
3chicken breasts,(6 oz), skinless boneless
½cupsour cream
½cupmayonnaise,reduced fat
¼cuprice vinegar,or cider vinegar
1cupred grapes,seedless, halved
1large granny smith apple,cored and chopped
½cupcelery,diced
½onion,finely chopped
½cupfresh tarragon,finely chopped
2tspfresh dill,finely chopped
salt and pepper,to taste

Instructions

Mix ½ cup of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface, and cut from one side through the middle of the breasts to within ½-inch of the other side. Open the two sides and spread them out flat like an open book.
Place in a shallow dish, and pour the olive oil mixture over the chicken, turning once to coat evenly with marinade.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, and ¼ cup of lemon juice together in a bowl, and blend thoroughly. Set aside.
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate, and place about 4 inches from the heat source. Remove the chicken from the marinade, and discard the marinade.
Cook chicken on preheated grill, turning once, for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until meat is firm and juices run clear. Remove chicken from grill, and cool.
Finely chop the chicken, and place in a large bowl. Add the grapes, apples, celery, tarragon, and dill to the bowl with the chicken. Stir in the mayonnaise dressing, and toss until evenly coated.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Or refrigerate overnight to let flavors blend further.

Nutrition

Calories: 466.73kcal
Fat: 36.15g
Saturated Fat: 8.09g
Trans Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.61g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.88g
Carbohydrates: 16.22g
Fiber: 2.19g
Sugar: 9.25g
Protein: 20.16g
Cholesterol: 73.15mg
Sodium: 603.98mg
Calcium: 88.75mg
Potassium: 503.25mg
Iron: 2.15mg
Vitamin A: 71.49µg
Vitamin C: 16.28mg

Technique Tip for Perfectly Grilling Chicken for This Salad Recipe

When grilling the chicken, it's important to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed across the grill. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, preventing any parts from being undercooked or overcooked. Also, remember to oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on it. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill, making it easier to turn and ensuring a nice, even sear. Finally, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling before chopping it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chicken salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the marinade and dressing the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut ingredients: Opt for pre-cut fruits and vegetables to minimize prep time and effort.

Grill in batches: Cook the chicken in batches to speed up the grilling process and ensure even cooking.

Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the dressing and chop the fruits and vegetables to maximize efficiency.

Invest in a grill pan: If an outdoor grill is not available, invest in a grill pan for convenient indoor grilling.

Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and utensils organized and within reach to streamline the cooking process.

Utilize kitchen gadgets: Use kitchen gadgets like a garlic press and lemon squeezer to expedite the prep work.

Substitute Ingredients For Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

tarragon - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy and slightly sweet flavor, which can be a good alternative to tarragon in this recipe.
dill - Substitute with chervil: Chervil has a delicate, slightly anise-like flavor that can complement the dish similarly to dill.

Best Way to Present Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

Elevate the plating: When presenting the tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a large, white, and clean plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the salad.
Incorporate artistic elements: Arrange the chopped chicken salad in a circular mold to create a neat and structured base. Then, carefully remove the mold to reveal the beautifully layered salad.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle tarragon and dill leaves over the salad to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. This will enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a delightful aroma.
Create a balanced composition: Place a few red grapes and thin slices of granny smith apple around the salad to add a contrasting color and a hint of sweetness. This will create a visually appealing balance on the plate.
Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a small amount of a lemon vinaigrette around the edge of the plate. This not only adds a touch of acidity but also creates an artistic and professional finish to the dish.
Use negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by allowing some negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the vibrant colors and textures of the salad, making it visually striking.

Essential Tools for Making This Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Grill: A cooking appliance used to cook food over an open flame or heat source.
Shallow dish: A flat-bottomed container used for marinating or coating food.
Outdoor grill: A grill designed for outdoor use, typically fueled by charcoal, gas, or wood.
Grill grate: The metal surface on a grill where food is placed for cooking.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
Knife: A sharp tool used for slicing and chopping ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients.
Spatula: A flat tool used for flipping and lifting food.
Lemon squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from lemons.
Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
Grater: A tool used to grate or shred ingredients such as cheese or vegetables.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
Large bowl: A spacious container used for mixing and tossing ingredients.
Plates: Flat, round dishes used for serving food.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover Grilled Chicken Salad

To store the tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to do so without the mayonnaise dressing. Freeze the grilled chicken, grapes, apples, and celery in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw the ingredients in the refrigerator overnight and then mix in the freshly prepared dressing, along with the tarragon and dill.
To maintain the best texture of the apples and grapes, you can also choose to add them fresh after thawing the frozen chicken and celery mixture.
If you have leftover salad that has already been mixed with the dressing, you can still freeze it, but the texture of the vegetables and fruits may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, place the salad in an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
When storing or freezing the salad, make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of when it was prepared.

How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Chicken Salad

Reheat the chicken salad in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and easy, but may cause the mayonnaise dressing to separate slightly.
For a better texture, reheat the chicken salad in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even heating. This method will help maintain the consistency of the dressing and keep the vegetables crisp.
If you prefer a cold chicken salad, remove it from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This will enhance the flavors and make the salad more enjoyable to eat.
To refresh the flavors of leftover tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper before serving.
If the chicken salad appears dry after storing in the refrigerator, stir in a tablespoon or two of additional mayonnaise or sour cream to restore its creamy texture.
For a tasty twist, serve the leftover chicken salad in a hollowed-out tomato, avocado, or bell pepper. This adds a fresh, crisp element to the dish and makes for an attractive presentation.

Random Fact About Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

The combination of tarragon and dill in this recipe not only adds a unique flavor but also provides various health benefits. Tarragon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while dill is a good source of vitamin C and can aid in digestion.

Is Making Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad Economical for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your location. Lemon juice, olive oil, and chicken breasts are commonly found and relatively affordable. However, fresh tarragon and dill might be pricier. The addition of red grapes, granny smith apple, and sour cream could increase the overall cost. Considering the variety of ingredients, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people could range from $25 to $35. The overall verdict rating for cost-effectiveness would be 7/10.

Is This Grilled Chicken Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:

Lean protein from the chicken breasts
Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables like grapes, apples, and celery
Fresh herbs like tarragon and dill, which provide flavor without added calories

However, there are some concerns:

The marinade contains a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories
The dressing uses a combination of sour cream and mayonnaise, both of which are high in fat and calories
The recipe lacks a significant source of complex carbohydrates or whole grains

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of olive oil in the marinade or replace some of it with a lower-calorie alternative like chicken broth or lemon juice
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing to reduce fat and increase protein
Replace half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a healthier fat source
Add a serving of quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain bread to provide complex carbohydrates and fiber
Increase the variety of vegetables in the salad, such as adding spinach, bell peppers, or cucumbers for added nutrients and fiber

By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still maintaining its delicious flavors. The inclusion of more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will provide a better balance of nutrients and make it a more well-rounded meal.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Grilled Chicken Salad

The tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty and aromatic essence, while the creamy dressing adds a luscious tang. The addition of red grapes and granny smith apples provides a refreshing sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory chicken. The tarragon and dill contribute a fresh and herbaceous note, elevating the overall dish. This recipe offers a harmonious balance of ingredients, resulting in a vibrant and satisfying salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Enhance Your Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the tangy tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, a refreshing side to complement the flavors of the grilled chicken salad.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before threading them onto skewers and grilling until tender and slightly charred.

Lemon-Garlic Roasted Chicken: Rub a whole chicken with a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then roast in the oven until golden brown and cooked through for a flavorful and juicy main dish.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro with lime juice for a refreshing and colorful salsa that pairs well with grilled fish or as a topping for tacos.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add tomatoes, vegetable broth, and fresh basil. Simmer until the flavors meld together, then blend until smooth for a comforting and creamy soup.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are the perfect appetizer to kick off any meal. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, they are sure to impress your guests.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters are a delightful way to start your meal. The combination of shredded zucchini, herbs, and a hint of parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and creamy texture of the mousse will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious and creamy strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful culinary experience, featuring tarragon and dill to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors. The combination of lemon juice and rice vinegar adds a zesty tang, while the red grapes and granny smith apple provide a refreshing sweetness. The meticulous selection of ingredients, including fresh tarragon and fresh dill, ensures a vibrant and wholesome dish. With a balanced blend of sour cream and mayonnaise in the dressing, this recipe promises a harmonious fusion of textures and tastes. Trust in this recipe for a sensational grilled chicken salad that will elevate your dining experience.

Share your thoughts on this Tarragon-Dill Grilled Chicken Salad recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance the flavors!

FAQ:

What is the best way to grill the chicken for this salad?

The best way to grill the chicken for this salad is to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the meat is firm and the juices run clear.

Can I make any substitutions for the tarragon and dill?

Yes, if you don't have tarragon or dill, you can substitute them with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. These herbs will also add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the salad.

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

It is best to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat. However, if you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours for even more flavor.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance by grilling the chicken and making the dressing ahead of time. Keep the components separate and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the ingredients.

What can I serve with this tarragon-dill grilled chicken salad?

This salad pairs well with a variety of sides such as crusty bread, grilled vegetables, or a light soup. It also makes a delicious filling for sandwiches or wraps.