Delicious Southern Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer Meals
In the sweltering southern heat, there are few things more refreshing than a peachy salad. And for all you chicken salad lovers out there, I have just the recipe to tantalize your taste buds. Marrying the flavors of succulent grilled chicken and juicy Georgia peaches with a zesty mustard dressing and fresh greens, this Peachy Southern Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Trust me, one bite of this southern-style salad and you’ll be feeling peachy keen all day long. So grab some fresh basil and marjoram leaves, slice up those nectarines, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, y’all. I’ve got something peachy keen to share with you today – my Peachy Southern Chicken Salad Recipe. Now, there are a lot of chicken salad recipes out there, but trust me when I say that this one is something special.
First of all, let’s talk about those fresh peaches. They add a sweetness and juiciness to this salad that is simply divine. And don’t forget the greens! The romaine lettuce provides a nice crunch while the fresh basil and marjoram leaves offer a hint of herbiness that balances the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the dressing. Made with dijon-style mustard, white wine vinegar, garlic cloves, honey, and butter – it’s rich and tangy with just the right amount of sweetness.
Now, let’s talk about the chicken. Whether you grill it yourself or opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken, it adds a delicious savory flavor to the mix. Plus, you can slice it up however you like to make sure every bite has plenty of chicken goodness.
And finally – this recipe is versatile. Don’t have peaches on hand? Try using nectarines instead. Want to switch things up? Add some goat cheese or even pickle relish for an unexpected twist.
So in conclusion, you’ll love this Peachy Southern Chicken Salad Recipe because it’s a southern style soul food dish that is perfect for summer days when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packs a flavor-punch. Trust me – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here is what you’ll need to make this peachy southern chicken salad recipe:
Chicken Salad:
- 4 cups of cooked, diced chicken (grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken)
- 2 peaches (peeled, pitted and cubed)
- 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion
- 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup of packed fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon of packed fresh marjoram leaves
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Salad Dressing:
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon-style mustard
- 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
Optional ingredients to add more flavor:
- Coleslaw mix
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Pickle relish
- Goat cheese
- Grated ginger
These fresh ingredients bring a sweet and savory blend that blends in beautifully in a captivating mixture that will give you the southern taste you’ve been craving!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the main event: making this Peachy Southern Chicken Salad!
Step 1: Prep your ingredients
– Cook chicken breast: Grill or pan-fry the chicken in butter for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool before slicing. Alternatively, you can use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
– Chop up the veggies: Cut the nectarines, red onion and tomato into thin slices. Chop the fresh basil, marjoram leaves, and garlic cloves finely.
Step 2: Make the salad dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, grated ginger, dijon-style mustard, white wine vinegar, and ground black pepper. Add in some sour cream to create a creamy dressing with a tangy zing.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
– On a large plate or serving platter, arrange sliced chicken breast, sliced peaches, greens (such as shredded romaine lettuce), chopped vegetables (red onion, diced tomato) and herbs (fresh basil, mint and marjoram leaves) neatly on top.
– Drizzle your prepared salad dressing on top of the dish.
Voila! You’ve got yourself one peachy keen chicken salad that’s perfect for any summertime gathering or whenever you’re feeling like indulging in some southern-style soul food.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this Peachy Southern Chicken Salad recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can make to cater to your preferences. If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with grilled shrimp or roasted turkey breast. And if you want to go vegetarian, try using smoked tofu or goat cheese in place of chicken.
In the same vein, if you don’t like nectarines, feel free to use fresh peaches or even canned peaches as a substitute. You could also mix things up by swapping some of the vegetables in the salad, such as substituting red onion with thinly sliced green onions for a milder taste.
For those looking for additional texture and flavor, adding coleslaw, hard-boiled eggs or pickle relish can provide an extra kick. You can also top off the salad with crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.
To make this recipe even more southern-style and soul food inspired, consider adding Chinese chicken or using fried chicken tenders instead of sliced chicken breast for the salad. Pairing this Peachy Southern Chicken Salad with sweet tea or sweet cornbread will surely give you summer-in-the-south vibes!
Whatever variations and substitutions you choose, make sure that it suits your taste buds and preference. Experimenting in the kitchen will help you discover new ways to enjoy your favorite dishes while satisfying your cravings!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Peachy Southern Chicken Salad is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! The best way to serve this fresh and flavorful salad is with a bed of crispy Romaine lettuce. Once you’ve arranged your chicken slice peaches and greens, sprinkle some mint, basil and marjoram leaves for an extra herbaceous kick.
To take this salad to the next level, I recommend making the peachy keen chicken dressing. Drizzle the dressing over each salad portion and let it soak in for few minutes before enjoying. This enhances the flavor of the dish and adds a tangy touch.
Pair this delicious salad with an iced tea for a refreshing summer southern-style meal. You can also add some grilled peaches or a tomato peach coleslaw as a side dish, these will complement your Peachy Southern Chicken Salad perfectly.
For those who like to experiment with flavors, you could also crumble some goat cheese or mix in some pickle relish into the salad for added textures and tastes.
Alternatively, use thin sliced chicken breast as an alternative to rotisserie chicken to give you tender meat that works perfectly for salads like these. Or pair it with hard boiled eggs on a bun for an egg salad sandwich with a soul food twist.
This versatile recipe can be served in endless ways making it perfect for any occasion – whether you are serving a family gathering or lunch with friends, Peachy Southern Chicken Salad will always be a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prep, convenience is key. That’s why I love this Peachy Southern Chicken Salad recipe; you can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and satisfying meal later on.
To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the grilled chicken and dressing, and chop all of your ingredients. You can also slice the peaches ahead of time and sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to serve, simply arrange the chicken slices, peaches, greens, and red onions on a platter or individual plates. Sprinkle some fresh basil, marjoram leaves, and mint on top for added flavors. Then drizzle the dressing over everything, and you’re done!
If you have leftovers from this delicious salad, no worries! Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating grilled chicken salad or chicken peach salad, it’s best to reheat them separately (chicken and peaches in one container and greens in another) to maintain their textures properly.
To reheat grilled chicken or peaches; you can use a microwave or skillet over medium heat with small amounts of butter, honey or ginger grated to keep them juicy. Note that the coleslaw may become soggy due to its sour cream-base dressing. You can add it last minute upon serving or skip altogether.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep lunches or easy dinners on busy nights. Speaking from experience as a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine; Peachy Southern Chicken Salad stays peachy keen even after being stored for days!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a southern-style chef, I’ve cooked up my fair share of chicken salads. But there are always ways you can improve your recipe, no matter how seasoned you are in the kitchen. Here are some tips for getting the most peachy keen chicken salad:
1. Use fresh ingredients: This may seem obvious, but using fresh peaches, lettuce, and herbs like basil and marjoram leaves will go a long way in enhancing the flavors of your dish. Don’t skimp on the freshness!
2. Cut it Right: If you’re slicing up chicken breast for this recipe, make sure to cut it against the grain to ensure that it remains tender and juicy. Along with cutting the onion thinly and tearing up the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, these little details can make all the difference.
3. Add Your Dressing Slowly: The recipe calls for a homemade dressing made with honey, dijon-style mustard, garlic cloves, white wine vinegar and sour cream. When adding this to your salad mix, take it slow – too much dressing can overwhelm the other flavors.
4. Serve Cold: This is a must-do step if you want cool refreshing peachy southern salad.. Allow enough time for your gorgeous mixture to chill in your fridge before serving.
5. Pairing and Serving Suggestions: Consider pairing this chicken salad with some crunchy coleslaw or a hard-boiled egg salad sandwich (southern-style, of course!). You can also experiment with different variations by adding some crumbled goat cheese or even some pickle relish for a tangy kick.
If you end up with too much chicken salad leftover, don’t fear! Store it in a sealed container in the fridge – it should keep fresh for 3-4 days max. And don’t be afraid to experiment with new variations – maybe try grilling your peach slices or changing up the type of greens you use. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this peachy southern chicken salad recipe is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting for more. From the succulent grilled chicken to the juicy peaches, crunchy greens, and the fresh basil, marjoram, and mint; every ingredient has a role to play in this masterpiece.
The versatility of this recipe allows it to be served as a light summer southern meal, soul food or as a hearty lunch. You can also customize it by substituting or adding different ingredients like coleslaw, hard-boiled eggs, goat cheese, or even Chinese chicken.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and try out this peachy keen chicken salad recipe today! Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones and let them experience the deliciousness of southern-style cuisine. Let’s make some 172410 southern peach salad recipe!
Peachy Southern Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 3 -4 tablespoons dijon-style mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 small romaine lettuce
- 4 slices thick-cut bread, toasted
- 2 -4 tablespoons honey
- 2 -4 tablespoons butter, mixture (blended with honey)
- 1 (2 -2 1/2 lb) deli rotisserie-cooked chicken
- 4 medium peaches or 4 medium nectarines, pitted & sliced
- 2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil or 2 tablespoons marjoram leaves
Instructions
- For dressing, in a small bowl whisk together sour cream, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- Remove a few outer leaves from romaine heads.
- Reserve removed leaves for another use. Halve romaine heads lengthwise.
- Spread each toast slice with honey-butter; place one slice on each of 4 serving plates.
- Slice white meat from chicken breast, about ¼ inch thick.
- Top bread with a half head of romaine. Arrange chicken slice and peaches on greens.
- Sprinkle with mint and basil or marjoram. Drizzle with dressing.