Strawberry Tarragon Chicken Salad

Discover a refreshing and flavorful meal with this combination of Strawberry Tarragon Chicken Salad and Strawberry Lemonade. The salad features tender chicken breast, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of tarragon, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Pair it with a sparkling strawberry lemonade that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors for a delightful dining experience. This duo is perfect for a light lunch or a warm-weather gathering. Photo by Taste of Home.

What You Need — For the Salad

2 and 1/2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken breast

2 cups quartered fresh strawberries

1/2 cup sliced sweet onion

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

2 stalks celery, sliced on a bias

1/4 cup crumbled goat, blue, or feta cheese

3 – 4 cups Torn mixed salad greens

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon

1/2 – 3/4 cups olive oil

What You Need — For the Strawberry Lemonade

2 cups water

1/4 cup honey (liquid honey is best)

3/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

4 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

3 – 4 cups sparkling water

What You Do — For the Salad

1. Make dressing by combining balsamic vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, and tarragon in small bowl. Whisk to combine and season with salt and pepper.

2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil from a spouted cup, whisking constantly to create nice thick dressing. The key is to do this SLOWLY to emulsify the oil and vinegar together.

3. Taste and re-season as necessary.

4. Combine all other salad ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss.

5. Alternatively, toss each salad item in dressing and create an arranged salad.

6. Leftover dressing can be kept in the fridge for about a week.

What You Do — For the Strawberry Lemonade

1. Combine water, strawberries, honey, and lemon juice in blender.

2. Pulse to combine and then strain mixture through a fine sieve.

3. Stir in sparkling water to taste. You may want more or less depending how concentrated you like things.

4. Serve over ice.