Tarragon chicken salad with asparagus

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2cupsMayonnaise or creamy salad dressing
cupMinced fresh tarragon
¼cupFresh lemon juice, divided
4Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
(1 1/2 pounds)
1tablespoonVegetable oil
2teaspoonsCoarse ground black pepper
1poundsFresh asparagus, trimmed
½poundsFresh spinach leaves, trimmed
1largeRipe pear
In a small bowl, whsk together mayonnaise, tarragon, and
3tablespoonsOf the lemon juice.

Directions

Rub chicken breasts with the oil; sprinkle with pepper.

Place chicken on grill about 6 inches from medium coals.

Grill, turning once, for 6 to 7 minutes or until tender. (Note: Chicken can also be poached, broiled, or pan sauteed, if you wish.) Cut into 1-inch chunks; place in bowl. Add 1 cup of the tarragon dressing; mix lightly to coat. Chill salad and remaining dressing.

In a large skillet, cook asparagus, uncovered, with enough boiling water to cover, 7 minutes or just until tender. Plunge spears into cold water to stop cooking; drain well and chill.

Line a large serving platter with spinach leaves. Mound the chicken salad in the center. Arrange asparagus, dividing evenly on platter.

OR: Arrange ingredients evenly on 4 large dinner plates.

Slice pear thinly and brush with remaining 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice. Arrange slices, slightly overlapping, attractively on platter or plates. Place remaining tarragon dressing in a small bowl (thin with a little milk if necessary) and pass at table.

Makes 4 servings.

[ 1001 HOME IDEAS MAGAZINE; April 1990 ]