Apricot almond chicken salad is a creamy, all white meat chicken salad with sweet apricots, crunchy almonds, and tangy fresh tarragon. You’re going to love it!
Here are five important things that I’ve learned:
1. When you find something you’re passionate about, it’s all you can think about.
2. Doing something you love is easy and fun.
3. Starting something new at 50 is exciting.
4. Finding your passion is something you have to figure out all by yourself, no one can find it for you.
5. Sometimes your passion was always there, but you were just running so fast, you didn’t realize it was right beside you the whole time, trying to keep up with you, waiting for you to slow down.
I’ve learned these things and more about myself in the 6 weeks since I started writing this blog.
Which brings me to my passion for chicken salad.
I decided to make 2 kinds of chicken salad yesterday. Since I was going to ‘blog’ them, I had to write down quantities and really focus on the process of cooking.
At one point during the process, it seemed as though I was moving in slow motion (a good thing for me). I was focusing on my chopping, watching my own hand move, and feeling very peaceful and calm. I felt very present and in the “moment”. Was I meditating?
I don’t know, but I realized that I really love to cook. It transports me, it relaxes me, and it calms me down. Well, most of the time anyway.
OK, this was a pretty heavy post. Maybe I should have named it “Passion Chicken Salad”. Then again, it’s better to call it what it is. If you like chicken salad, you might like Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad or Coronation Chicken Salad.
Apricot almond chicken salad with tarragon.
- 3 cups of diced cooked white meat chicken
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2/3 chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon chopped
- 1 tsp. Coleman's dried mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste ( like to use a little white pepper, it has a more subtle flavor)
-
Mix everything together and chill. Adjust seasonings.
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!