Description
Peach Basil Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for warm weather. Combining juicy ripe peaches, tender shredded chicken, and a vibrant homemade peach basil dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal as a make-ahead lunch or light dinner, it can be served on rolls or over a bed of lettuce, making it versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 ripe peach, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 1/2 Tablespoons vinegar (Tarragon vinegar recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or less to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet red bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or using a hand blender, combine the peeled peach quarters, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh basil, Tarragon vinegar, salt, celery seed, sugar, coarse ground pepper, and mayonnaise. Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Set the dressing aside to incorporate the flavors while you prepare the salad.
- Prepare the Salad: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, peeled and cubed peaches, chopped celery ribs, chopped green onions, and chopped sweet red bell pepper. Pour the prepared dressing over this mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight; this resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Peach Basil Chicken Salad chilled on fresh rolls for sandwiches or over a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter option. If serving on rolls, keep the salad and rolls separate until just before eating to avoid soggy bread.
Notes
- Peach Basil Chicken Salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to blend, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Avoid freezing this salad because the fresh peaches and mayonnaise-based dressing do not freeze well.
- If preparing sandwiches, assemble them right before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
