Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad is creamy, light, and bursting with citrus and herb flavors. The lemon adds brightness, while the tarragon provides a subtle licorice-like aroma that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prep, and versatile enough to serve as a sandwich filling, a wrap, or a low-carb lunch over greens. It’s also naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to different diets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for added creaminess and tang)
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Fresh tarragon (chopped)
• Celery (finely diced)
• Shallot or red onion (finely chopped, optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped tarragon, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
2. Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken, celery, and shallot or red onion. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve cold in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus optional 30 minutes for chilling.

Variations

• Add fruit: Mix in sliced grapes or diced apples for a sweet contrast.
• Nutty crunch: Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• Herb mix: Use parsley, chives, or dill in addition to or instead of tarragon.
• Spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
• Avocado base: Replace mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing may separate. This salad is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time.

What does tarragon taste like?

Tarragon has a mild anise or licorice flavor that’s slightly sweet and aromatic. It adds a unique herbal note.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the yogurt or sour cream and use more mayo or a dairy-free alternative.

How do I keep the chicken salad from being watery?

Use cooked chicken that’s well drained and avoid overmixing watery ingredients like celery. Chill before serving for best texture.

Can I use dried tarragon?

Fresh tarragon is best, but if using dried, use only about 1/3 the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

Poached, baked, or leftover grilled chicken all work well. The chicken should be moist but firm enough to dice or shred.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free bread or wraps if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better after chilling. Make up to a day in advance.

What can I serve this chicken salad with?

Serve in croissants, on toast, in wraps, with crackers, or over leafy greens for a low-carb option.

Can I freeze this salad?

No, freezing is not recommended due to the mayo/yogurt base separating when thawed.

Conclusion

Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that brings a gourmet twist to classic chicken salad. With its citrusy brightness, creamy texture, and herbal complexity, it’s both light and satisfying—perfect for lunches, brunches, and everything in between. Easy to make and even better when chilled, this salad is a refreshing addition to your recipe collection.

Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad

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Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad is a fresh and creamy dish combining shredded chicken with a zesty lemon and aromatic tarragon dressing. Light yet satisfying, it’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (+30 min chilling)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Salads
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tbsp shallot or red onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, lemon zest, tarragon, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
2. Add cooked chicken, celery, and shallot or onion. Mix gently until fully combined and coated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serve cold in croissants, lettuce cups, wraps, or over a bed of greens.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
• Fresh tarragon is preferred, but dried can be used in smaller quantity.
• Add fruit like grapes or apples for sweetness and crunch.
• Salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg