Combining small pieces of chicken with mayonnaise, celery, salt and pepper creates a simple and quick chicken salad. While this combination is light and tasty, there is a multitude of variations that bring
forth different flavors. Splashing a dash of lemon juice into the mix can brighten the dish while diced onion adds zest and bite. The taste of the finished salad can be altered greatly with a sprinkling of spices. Using other binding
agents such as creamy salad dressing or vinaigrette in place of plain mayonnaise makes a fresh change to an old-time favorite.
Some home cooks incorporate fruits and vegetables into their chicken salad to increase flavor and add to the nutritional value. The first chicken salad to be served to the general public was in Wakefield, Rhode Island in 1863, when leftover chicken was
combined with mayonnaise, grapes and tarragon. The simple dish caught on so well that the meat market responsible was soon turned into a delicatessen that specialized in the salad. Over the years, other fruits like raisins and pineapple have been used
in place of grapes, and bell peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes have become common embellishments in many recipes. Whether served on bread or a roll, over a bed of lettuce, or on top of a fresh garden salad, the delicious taste of chicken salad is sure to
be a hit at any luncheon or dinner. |
