Experience a truly exceptional twist on a classic! This Chicken Salad with Peppadews and Olives boasts an irresistible tang and a burst of savory-sweet flavor that will redefine your appreciation for this beloved dish. Perfect for elevating your everyday lunch or impressing guests, it’s incredibly versatile for sandwiches, elegant lettuce cups, or simply enjoyed straight from the bowl.
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Let me share a little secret about myself, one that many of you might relate to:
I am, by nature, quite resistant to change. When it comes to my routines, my habits, and especially my tried-and-true recipes, I tend to stick to what I know and love. While I’m always game to *taste* new culinary creations, actually veering away from a beloved, reliable recipe to try something completely new takes a significant push.
For years, I’ve had my go-to homemade chicken salad recipe. It’s been the undisputed star of countless “girls’ weekends” I’ve hosted, a dish my friends always rave about and expect. This classic preparation features tender white meat chicken, finely diced onion and celery for crunch, a hint of creamy mayonnaise, and the distinctive aroma of fresh tarragon. It’s elegantly simple, yet utterly delicious – the kind of recipe that feels like a warm, culinary hug.
It’s the recipe that graces my table for casual gatherings, potlucks, and even just a quick, satisfying weekday lunch. Its comforting familiarity has made it an indispensable part of my kitchen repertoire, a dish that requires no thought, just pure enjoyment. The balanced flavors and textures have always hit the spot, making me question why I would ever consider deviating from such perfection.
Discovering a New Favorite: Teri Turner’s Peppadew and Olive Chicken Salad
Then, a delightful package arrived: a copy of Teri Turner’s much-anticipated new cookbook, no crumbs left: Recipes for Everyday Food Made Marvelous. As I eagerly flipped through its pages, a particular recipe caught my eye – “Teri’s Favorite Chicken Salad.” Given my strong preference for my own classic version, to say I was merely “intrigued” would be an understatement. There was a sense of cautious optimism, a whisper of curiosity that perhaps, just perhaps, this could be the one to challenge my culinary steadfastness.
The ingredient list alone was enough to pique my interest and send my imagination into overdrive. It promised a symphony of flavors: succulent white meat chicken, vibrant peppadews (a personal favorite of mine), briny olives, crisp celery, sharp onion, and fresh chives. But what truly set it apart was the dressing – a unique blend of mayonnaise combined with the tangy brine from the peppadews. This innovative approach promised a flavor profile that was distinctly different from my usual, yet undeniably appealing.
The Magic of Peppadews and Olives in Every Bite
From the first glance at the recipe, I could practically taste it. The inclusion of peppadews, with their distinctive sweet-and-sour kick and slight heat, paired with the robust, salty notes of Cerignola olives, suggested a salad bursting with Mediterranean-inspired zest. This wasn’t just another chicken salad; it was a flavor adventure waiting to happen. The combination immediately conjured images of sun-drenched coastal meals and vibrant, unforgettable dishes.
Teri herself hails the special sauce as the “magic elixir,” and I couldn’t agree more. Blending whole peppadew peppers with some of their tangy brine directly into the mayonnaise creates a dressing that is far more complex and exciting than a simple mayo-based sauce. It’s a stroke of genius that infuses every shred of chicken and every chopped vegetable with an unparalleled depth of flavor. This innovative dressing is precisely what elevates this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering a delightful surprise with every forkful.
This vibrant chicken salad is incredibly versatile. It’s magnificent piled high on a slice of rustic bread for a hearty sandwich, served elegantly in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, gluten-free option, or simply enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling and flavorful meal. The balance of textures – from the creamy dressing and tender chicken to the crunchy celery and juicy peppadews – ensures a satisfying experience no matter how you choose to serve it. It’s truly a testament to how a few bold ingredients can transform a classic into something truly special.
Meet Teri Turner: The Inspiration Behind “No Crumbs Left”
For those unfamiliar with Teri Turner, it’s high time you got acquainted! She is the brilliant mind behind the beloved food and lifestyle blog, No Crumbs Left. Teri’s passion for cooking is absolutely infectious, radiating through every recipe and story she shares. What’s more, her recipes are often crafted with a mindful approach, with many being gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 Compliant, making delicious food accessible to a wide audience without sacrificing flavor. Her philosophy is all about making everyday food marvelous, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes that nourish both body and soul.
Her approach to cooking is both inspiring and practical. She demystifies healthy eating, proving that wholesome, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This chicken salad is a perfect example of her culinary ethos: taking familiar components and giving them an exciting, fresh perspective that feels both gourmet and approachable. It’s a culinary journey that encourages home cooks to experiment, to embrace new flavors, and to discover the joy in every bite.
This experience truly affirmed for me that change, especially in the kitchen, can indeed be a wonderful thing! Embracing new recipes and stepping outside your culinary comfort zone can lead to delightful discoveries and new favorite dishes. I encourage you to explore Teri’s work and try this amazing recipe. Enjoy the delicious journey!
Essential Cook’s Notes for Your Perfect Chicken Salad
To ensure the best flavor and texture for your Chicken Salad with Peppadews and Olives, here are a few key tips:
- Choosing Your Mayonnaise: The quality of your mayonnaise truly makes a difference in this recipe. Opt for a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. If you’re following a Whole30 diet or prefer a healthier option, be sure to use a compliant Whole30 mayonnaise. The base of this sauce is critical for that “magic elixir” texture and taste.
- Sourcing Peppadews: Peppadew peppers, known for their unique sweet and tangy profile with a mild heat, are readily available. You can typically find them jarred in the international aisle of most grocery stores, or often at the olive or salad bar section of specialty markets. When purchasing from a salad bar, remember to ask for some of the brine – it’s a crucial component for the sauce! If you buy jarred peppadews, you’ll already have the brine included.
- Perfecting the Chicken: While the recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for maximum flavor during roasting, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation. If using a rotisserie chicken, ensure it’s unseasoned or lightly seasoned to allow the peppadew and olive flavors to shine. Aim for approximately 3 cups of cooked, shredded or chopped chicken.
- Optimal Chicken Texture: The method of dividing the cooked chicken into “moist” and “drier” pieces and pulsing the drier ones in a food processor is a genius move from Teri! This ensures a fantastic texture, offering a mix of tender chunks and finely shredded bits that absorb the dressing beautifully, creating a more cohesive and enjoyable salad. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
- Customizing Your Olives: Cerignola olives are fantastic for their firm texture and mild, buttery flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other briny olives like Castelvetrano or even Kalamata if you prefer a stronger, fruitier note. Just ensure they are pitted and roughly chopped.
- Make-Ahead & Storage: This chicken salad is even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It’s a fantastic meal prep option for lunches throughout the week!
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond sandwiches and lettuce cups, consider serving this chicken salad with sturdy crackers, pita bread, cucumber slices, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. It’s also surprisingly good as a dip with tortilla chips for a unique appetizer.
These notes are designed to help you achieve the most delicious and satisfying version of this incredible chicken salad. Enjoy the process and the fantastic results!
Chicken Salad with Peppadews and Olives
This Chicken Salad with Peppadews and Olives is tangy and flavorful! Delicious for sandwiches, in lettuce cups or on its own!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise, high quality, or Whole 30 Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup whole peppadews, plus 1/4 cup brine
To Assemble Salad
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Cerignola olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup peppadew peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. granulated garlic
- bread for sandwiches, crackers, tortilla chips, lettuce cups for serving, if desired
Instructions
Chicken
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Coat chicken with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and baste with accumulated juices. Return to oven and continue to bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (internal temperature reaches 165 F / 74 C) and the skin is beautifully browned and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before handling.
Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, whole peppadews, and their brine. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the “magic elixir” sauce. Set this vibrant sauce aside.
Assembling the Salad
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle comfortably, carefully remove the crispy skin and set it aside. Pull the meat off the bones, discarding any red pieces, cartilage, or other imperfections. Roughly chop the crispiest bits of reserved skin and keep them separate to use as crunchy croutons for topping the salad. Measure out 3 cups of the cooked chicken; any remaining chicken can be saved for another recipe.
- Divide the 3 cups of chicken into two distinct groups: perfectly moist and tender pieces in one bowl, and any slightly drier or less uniform pieces in another. Roughly chop the perfect pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the drier pieces to a food processor and pulse briefly for about 5 seconds to finely shred them. Add this pulsed chicken to the chopped chicken in the large bowl. This technique ensures a delightful blend of textures in your salad.
- To the bowl with the chicken, add the finely chopped celery, pitted and chopped Cerignola olives, additional finely chopped peppadew peppers, yellow onion, fresh chives, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and granulated garlic. Toss all the ingredients gently to ensure they are well combined. Pour in about 3/4 of the prepared peppadew sauce and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Taste and add more sauce if you prefer a creamier consistency. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crispy chicken skin pieces over the top of the salad for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
- Serve this exquisite chicken salad immediately with your choice of bread for sandwiches, crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option, your favorite crackers, or even tortilla chips for a delightful scoopable treat.