Chicken salad with with apricots, almonds, and tarragon is a delicious luncheon or brunch salad, perfect as a sandwich filling or for delicate tea sandwiches.
I can’t believe it’s been nearly 8 years since I first published this Chicken Salad with Apricots, Almonds and Tarragon. It was one of the first posts I published when I first started my site on May 31st, 2011. (This post was originally published on July 11th, 2011, and has been updated to contain nutritional information. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)
I seriously love chicken salad, especially when the weather starts to warm up. It’s a great way to use of leftover chicken or turkey. While my family tends to prefer chicken thighs for grilling or frying, because they’re juicier, I think a good chicken salad is best with white meat. But feel free to use whatever you prefer. This is chicken salad with apricots, almonds and tarragon is copycat version of one that I had many years ago in a local Pasadena restaurant. Trader Joe’s made a version for a while and then stopped. I loved it so much, that I had to make my own version.
The slightly sweet apricots, tangy thyme and crunchy almonds are a delicious combination. Chicken salads are great for potlucks, baby or bridal showers, especially when served on a bed of field greens. All of my chicken salads have some sort of combination of fruit, nuts and herbs like this Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Chicken salad with cranberries, walnuts, tart apples and rosemary.
The filling makes a delicious tea sandwich filling
This Chicken Salad with Bacon and Green Onions is another take on a classic chicken salad.
Some of the items used in this post are available at my Amazon Affiliate Store.
Apricot Almond Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 cups dried apricots chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds coarsely chopped
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons fresh tarragon chopped
- 1 teaspoon Coleman's dried mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients everything together and chill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Michael says
What a wonderful blog, Cynthia! I’m hooked. Food porn… makes me smile. 🙂
Cynthia says
Thanks Michael! Glad to have you visit!
Christina says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a pretty chicken salad! I totally understand your feelings with cooking being your passion…I feel the same way. It’s not always zen, but the feeling after creating something out of many different ingredients is so satisfying and uplifting. I just can’t understand when people say they don’t like to cook or bake…I just can’t relate!
Cynthia says
Hey Christina, I just saw this comment! We are cooking soul mates!
Debi @ Life Currents says
I’ve always thought that cooking was like meditation for me. It’s a peaceful place where I can go and create. Thanks for sharing your zen thoughts. I especially like #5 for some reason it resonates with me.
My mom loves chicken salad, I’ll have to make this for her. Thanks for sharing your recipe on Foodie Parties. I’ve pinned and stumbled it.
Cynthia says
Debi, I haven’t read that one for a long time…but #5 is my favorite too! I’m always in “A” mode, when I finally slowed down listened to my soul, it was whispering.
Cathy | She Paused 4 Thought says
I am making this for the Hollywood Bowl picnic next Friday. It sure looks great.
Cynthia says
Thanks Cathy! It’s one of my favorites!
Steph @ Steph in Thyme says
Ha, love the name of this recipe! I find my zen zone in the kitchen as well, it’s where time is my own and it moves at a much different pace then life.
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
This looks so simple and delicious! Perfect for a weekday lunch 🙂
Megan Keno {Country Cleaver} says
This looks awesome!
Catherine says
Dear Cynthia, the bits of sweet apricots in this salad is a wonderful and delicious idea. I must try that next time! xo, Catherine
Cynthia says
Thank you Catherine!
Marye says
This chicken salad looks delicious! This is what I want for lunch!
Cynthia says
Thank you Marye!
Taylor Kiser says
This looks like a wonderful lunch idea! Your chicken salad sounds and looks amazing!
Cynthia says
Thank you Taylor!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
This looks so good! I love chicken salad and I really love that it can be a great use of rotisserie chicken leftovers! Yum!
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah says
I totally hear you on how relaxing cooking can be! And even better if you have some tasty chicken salad like this by the time you’re through 😀 Would make a perfect lunch!
Cynthia says
I agree! I know it’s not relaxing for everyone, but it certainly is for me!
mimi rippee says
Ah yes, what we did when we first blogged, so many bad photos on my part… ugh. I love your salad, although I’ve never been a huge fan of tarragon!
Jeff the Chef says
What a yum fest! I always like a mustard-mayo combo. I messed around with a million variations of chicken salad as part of my take-to-work lunch a while back, and apricots and almonds rose quickly to the top of the list. Plus, anything with tarragon always seems so elegant. Nice recipe!
Renee D Kohley says
This was the perfect lunch today – I had everything on hand! Thanks!
Cynthia says
how great is that? Thank you!
Jean says
Mmmmm I love chicken salad, and what an amazing idea to add apricots! I’ll have to try this.
Cynthia says
I love any kind of chicken salad too…Thanks Jean!
Megan Stevens says
Fresh tarragon is my favorite herb. This salad sounds amazing with the apricots too. Pinning to make!
Cynthia says
Thank you Megan! Tarragon is an under used herb!
Kelly says
I’ve totally forgotten about the apricot! What a great use for it in this salad. Nice tang!
Cynthia says
I always keep a bag on hand for a sweet snack!
Paleoglutenfreeguy says
Love the addition of Coleman’s. Adding a little heat is such a great idea!
Cynthia says
I love adding coleman’s to all my mayo based salads!
chihyu says
I love this recipe. So easy to make and delicious! I can have this every day!
Cynthia says
for sure! thank you!
Katie Beck says
This sounds lovely! Very bright and light…this is perfect for the summer 🙂
Cynthia says
yes! Perfect for the summer or spring!
Anne Lawton says
I love all of the ingredients in this chicken salad especially the apricots
Cynthia says
Thank you! The sweet and crunchy make a nice twist!
Hope says
I’m loving the sound of apricots, almonds and tarragon in this salad. I don’t think I have tried that combination before – I need to!
Cynthia says
Thank you! It’s really just a twist on a traditional chicken salad! Trader Joe’s made it a long time ago! So good!
Bodyhacking says
Great recipe, will try it out 🙂