This dish typically combines cooked chicken, dried cherries, and mayonnaise, often incorporating celery, pecans, and red onion for added flavor and texture. Variations may include grapes, apples, or other fruits, along with seasonings like curry powder or tarragon. A common preparation involves dicing the chicken and other ingredients, then combining them with the chosen dressing.
The combination of sweet cherries, savory chicken, and creamy mayonnaise offers a balanced flavor profile appealing to a wide range of palates. This salad’s versatility allows it to be served as a sandwich filling, a light lunch entre, or part of a larger buffet spread. Its popularity has led to numerous interpretations, with home cooks and food retailers alike offering unique versions. Though specific origins are unclear, the combination of chicken salad with fruit likely emerged as a refreshing summer dish.
Further exploration will cover specific ingredient lists, preparation techniques, nutritional information, and serving suggestions. Variations, including adaptations for specific dietary needs, will also be addressed.
Tips for an Exceptional Chicken Salad with Cherries
Achieving optimal flavor and texture requires attention to detail. The following tips offer guidance for creating a superior chicken salad experience.
Tip 1: Chicken Selection: Rotisserie chicken offers convenience, but poaching or grilling chicken breasts allows for greater control over seasoning and moisture content. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked but not overdone, as this can result in a dry salad.
Tip 2: Cherry Preparation: Dried cherries are recommended for their concentrated sweetness and chewy texture. If using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted and halved or quartered to prevent an overly juicy salad.
Tip 3: Mayonnaise Matters: High-quality mayonnaise contributes significantly to the overall flavor. Consider using a mayonnaise made with olive oil or avocado oil for a richer, healthier option.
Tip 4: Balancing Sweetness: The sweetness of the cherries can be balanced with a touch of acidity. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Tip 5: Textural Variety: Incorporating ingredients like toasted pecans or finely diced celery adds textural contrast to the creamy base and soft chicken. Blanching the celery briefly can further enhance its tenderness.
Tip 6: Seasoning Strategies: Fresh herbs like tarragon or chives complement the cherries and chicken. A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for enhancing the overall flavor.
Tip 7: Chilling Time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to marinate in the dressing. This enhances the overall taste experience.
By following these tips, one can elevate this simple salad to a truly memorable dish. Careful attention to ingredient selection, preparation, and seasoning yields a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
The following section will provide specific recipe variations and serving suggestions.
1. Chicken (cooked, diced)
Chicken serves as the foundational protein in a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. The cooking method and dicing technique significantly influence the final product’s texture and flavor. Overcooked chicken results in a dry salad, while undercooked chicken presents food safety risks. Dicing the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures even distribution throughout the salad and facilitates a pleasant eating experience. Poaching or grilling the chicken allows for greater control over seasoning and moisture retention compared to using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, although the latter offers convenience. The choice between white and dark meat also affects the flavor and richness of the salad. For example, using chicken breast yields a leaner, milder flavor, while using thigh meat contributes a richer, more savory taste.
The size of the dice impacts the salad’s overall texture and how the chicken interacts with other ingredients. A finer dice creates a smoother, more cohesive salad, whereas a larger dice provides more distinct chicken pieces within each bite. This choice also affects the salad’s ability to hold its shape; a finer dice creates a denser salad, while a larger dice may result in a looser consistency. Consider the other ingredients when determining the appropriate dice size. For instance, a smaller dice might be preferable if the salad includes finely chopped celery and pecans, while a larger dice could complement larger cherry halves or grape halves.
Proper handling and preparation of the cooked chicken are crucial for food safety. Cooling the chicken rapidly before incorporating it into the salad prevents bacterial growth. Maintaining appropriate refrigeration temperatures throughout the preparation and serving process is essential. Understanding the role of chicken, both in terms of its preparation and its impact on the final product, is paramount to crafting a successful Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. This attention to detail elevates the dish beyond a simple combination of ingredients to a carefully constructed culinary experience.
2. Dried Cherries
Dried cherries represent a crucial ingredient, contributing sweetness, tartness, and textural complexity. Their presence distinguishes this specific style of chicken salad, offering a unique flavor profile compared to traditional versions. Understanding their role and characteristics is essential for replicating the desired taste and texture.
- Sweetness and Tartness
Dried cherries offer a concentrated sweetness balanced by a subtle tartness. This counterpoint complements the savory chicken and creamy mayonnaise, creating a balanced flavor profile. The specific variety of cherry influences the intensity of sweetness and tartness. For instance, Montmorency cherries are known for their tart flavor, while Bing cherries are sweeter. The interplay of these flavors is crucial for achieving the characteristic taste of a Lunds-style salad.
- Texture and Moisture
The drying process concentrates the cherry’s sugars and intensifies its flavor while also changing its texture. Dried cherries provide a chewy texture that contrasts with the softer chicken and creamy mayonnaise. This textural element adds complexity and interest to each bite. Their moisture content is significantly lower than fresh cherries, preventing the salad from becoming watery and contributing to a more desirable consistency.
- Visual Appeal
The deep red color of dried cherries adds visual appeal to the salad, creating an attractive contrast against the lighter background of chicken and mayonnaise. This vibrant hue enhances the overall presentation, making the salad more appetizing. The visual element contributes to the sensory experience of enjoying the dish, further highlighting the role of dried cherries beyond flavor and texture.
- Nutritional Value
Dried cherries offer nutritional benefits, including antioxidants and potential anti-inflammatory properties. While they contain more sugar than fresh cherries due to the dehydration process, they still contribute fiber and other nutrients. This nutritional aspect adds value to the dish, aligning with consumer interest in healthier food choices.
The interplay of sweetness, tartness, texture, visual appeal, and nutritional value establishes dried cherries as a defining component. Careful selection of the cherry variety and attention to its quality ensure the desired flavor profile and contribute significantly to the overall success of the dish. By understanding the specific characteristics and role of dried cherries, one can appreciate their importance in this particular style of chicken salad and accurately replicate its distinctive qualities.
3. Mayonnaise (base)
Mayonnaise serves as the unifying element, binding the ingredients and contributing a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Its quality and type significantly influence the overall character of a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. Understanding the role of mayonnaise is essential for replicating the desired taste and consistency.
- Flavor Profile
Mayonnaise provides a creamy, tangy backdrop that complements the sweetness of the cherries and the savory notes of the chicken. The specific flavor profile of the mayonnaise, whether classic, olive oil-based, or flavored with herbs or spices, directly impacts the overall taste of the salad. For instance, a lemon-infused mayonnaise can enhance the brightness of the dish, while a Dijon mustard-based mayonnaise adds a subtle sharpness. The flavor of the mayonnaise should harmonize with, not overpower, the other ingredients.
- Texture and Consistency
Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy, smooth texture characteristic of this salad. Its emulsification properties bind the ingredients, preventing a watery or separated mixture. The thickness of the mayonnaise influences the salad’s overall consistency. A thicker mayonnaise creates a denser, more substantial salad, while a thinner mayonnaise yields a lighter, looser texture. The desired consistency depends on personal preference and intended use, such as a sandwich filling or a stand-alone salad.
- Quality and Ingredients
The quality of the mayonnaise directly impacts the overall flavor and richness of the salad. High-quality mayonnaise, often made with fresh eggs and quality oils, offers a superior taste compared to mass-produced versions. Ingredients such as egg yolks, oil type, and vinegar content influence the mayonnaises flavor, color, and texture. Choosing a mayonnaise made with natural ingredients and minimal additives can enhance the overall quality and flavor profile of the salad.
- Quantity and Balance
The amount of mayonnaise used affects the salad’s moisture content and overall flavor balance. Too much mayonnaise can result in an overly rich and heavy salad, while too little can lead to a dry and crumbly texture. Achieving the right balance is crucial. The ideal quantity depends on the other ingredients and their moisture content. For instance, if using particularly juicy cherries or other fruits, less mayonnaise might be needed. Careful consideration of the mayonnaise-to-other-ingredient ratio ensures a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Mayonnaise functions as more than a simple condiment; it acts as a critical component that influences the flavor, texture, and overall quality of a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. A thoughtful approach to mayonnaise selection, considering its flavor profile, consistency, quality, and quantity, elevates the dish from a basic mixture to a well-balanced and flavorful culinary creation. The interplay of mayonnaise with the other ingredients, particularly the sweetness of the cherries and the savory chicken, determines the final character of the salad.
4. Celery (optional)
Celery, while optional, contributes a distinct textural and flavor dimension to Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. Its presence offers a refreshing crunch and subtle vegetal notes that complement the other ingredients. Understanding celery’s role, even as an optional component, provides insight into the nuanced flavor profile and textural complexity achievable within this salad.
- Texture and Crunch
Celerys fibrous stalks offer a crisp, refreshing crunch that contrasts with the softer textures of chicken and mayonnaise. This textural contrast enhances the overall eating experience, adding a satisfying element to each bite. Finely dicing the celery ensures even distribution and prevents overwhelming the other ingredients. The crunch provides a counterpoint to the chewiness of the dried cherries, creating a balanced textural profile.
- Flavor Profile
Celerys subtle, slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness of the cherries and the savory chicken. This vegetal note adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile, preventing the salad from becoming overly sweet or rich. The mild flavor of celery does not overpower other ingredients but rather enhances their individual characteristics. This balance of flavors contributes to the characteristic taste of the salad.
- Moisture Content and Preparation
Celery contains a high water content, which can affect the salad’s overall moisture balance. To mitigate this, the celery can be briefly blanched or patted dry after dicing. This step helps maintain the desired consistency and prevents the salad from becoming watery. Proper preparation ensures that the celery contributes its desired texture and flavor without compromising the salad’s overall quality.
- Optional Inclusion and Personal Preference
The optional nature of celery allows for customization based on personal preferences. While some appreciate the added crunch and vegetal flavor, others may prefer a simpler composition. This flexibility allows individuals to tailor the salad to their specific tastes. The ability to include or omit celery demonstrates the adaptability of this recipe and its capacity to cater to individual dietary choices.
Celery’s optional inclusion allows for personalized adjustments to the overall texture and flavor profile of a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. While its absence does not detract from the core essence of the dish, its presence offers a specific textural and flavor dimension that enhances the overall eating experience. Understanding celerys contribution, even as an optional component, provides a comprehensive understanding of the recipes potential for customization and its capacity to cater to individual preferences.
5. Pecans (optional)
Pecans, though an optional addition, offer a significant contribution to the overall sensory experience of a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. Their inclusion introduces a buttery richness and satisfying crunch, complementing the existing flavors and textures. The interplay between pecans and the other core ingredients creates a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
The richness of pecans derives from their high fat content, which provides a smooth, buttery flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the cherries and the savory notes of the chicken. This interplay of flavors adds depth and prevents the salad from becoming one-dimensional. The pecan’s inherent sweetness complements the dried cherries, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements. Furthermore, the crunchy texture of pecans provides a welcome counterpoint to the creamy mayonnaise and tender chicken, enhancing the overall textural complexity. Toasted pecans intensify the nutty flavor and provide an even more pronounced crunch. The size of the pecan pieces influences the textural experience; coarsely chopped pecans offer a more substantial crunch, while finely chopped pecans provide a more delicate textural contrast. Recipes often specify toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Omitting pecans results in a simpler rendition, prioritizing the interplay of the core ingredientschicken, cherries, and mayonnaise. While this version remains flavorful, it lacks the textural and flavor nuances contributed by pecans. The decision to include or exclude pecans ultimately depends on individual preferences and desired complexity. Understanding the role of pecans allows for informed choices regarding ingredient selection and the creation of a customized flavor profile. This optional ingredient demonstrates the adaptability of the Lunds-style cherry chicken salad recipe, allowing for personalized variations while maintaining its core identity.
6. Red onion (optional)
Red onion, while optional, provides a pungent, sharp flavor and crisp texture that complements the sweetness of dried cherries and the richness of mayonnaise in a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad. Its inclusion introduces a layer of complexity, balancing the sweetness and adding a savory dimension. The sharpness of red onion cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise, preventing the salad from feeling overly heavy. This balance is crucial, particularly when using a full-fat mayonnaise. The crisp texture of finely diced red onion offers a textural counterpoint to the softer elements of the salad, further enhancing the overall eating experience. For instance, if the salad includes celery, the red onion adds another layer of crunch, creating a more dynamic textural profile.
The quantity of red onion used significantly impacts the final flavor profile. Too much can overpower the other ingredients, while too little may not provide the desired sharpness and textural contrast. Consider the overall balance of flavors when determining the appropriate amount. If the chosen cherries are particularly sweet, a slightly larger amount of red onion can help balance the sweetness. Conversely, if a milder flavor is desired, using a smaller quantity or soaking the diced red onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad can mellow its sharpness. This pre-soaking step also reduces the intensity of the onion’s aroma, which can be overpowering for some individuals. This practical step demonstrates the ability to tailor the ingredient to specific preferences, showcasing the recipe’s adaptability.
Omitting red onion results in a milder, sweeter salad, emphasizing the flavors of the chicken, cherries, and mayonnaise. This simpler profile might appeal to those who prefer a less assertive onion flavor. However, omitting the red onion removes a key balancing element, potentially resulting in a richer, sweeter final product. Ultimately, the decision to include red onion depends on individual preferences and the desired flavor profile. Understanding the role of red onion in a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad recipe allows for informed choices regarding ingredient selection and customization, enabling the creation of a dish tailored to specific tastes and preferences. The interplay of red onion with other ingredients underscores the importance of balance in creating a complex and satisfying culinary experience.
7. Seasoning (salt, pepper)
Seasoning, primarily salt and pepper, plays a crucial role in a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad recipe. While seemingly simple, these seasonings significantly impact the overall flavor profile, enhancing the existing ingredients and creating a balanced, harmonious taste. Careful consideration of seasoning elevates the dish beyond a basic combination of ingredients.
- Salt: Enhancing Flavor
Salt amplifies the inherent flavors of the chicken, cherries, and other ingredients. It acts as a flavor enhancer, bringing out the natural sweetness of the cherries and the savory notes of the chicken. The correct amount of salt is crucial; too little results in a bland salad, while too much overwhelms the other flavors. Kosher salt is often preferred for its larger crystals and cleaner taste.
- Pepper: Adding Complexity
Black pepper introduces a subtle heat and complexity to the salad. Freshly ground black pepper offers a more robust flavor and aroma compared to pre-ground pepper. The type of pepper used, such as black peppercorns, white peppercorns, or a blend, can subtly influence the overall taste. A delicate balance ensures the pepper complements, rather than dominates, the other flavors.
- Balancing Flavors
The interplay between salt and pepper creates a balanced flavor profile. The salt enhances the existing sweetness and savory notes, while the pepper adds a subtle heat and depth. Achieving the right balance between these two seasonings is essential for a harmonious and well-rounded flavor. Tasting and adjusting the seasoning throughout the preparation process ensures the desired outcome.
- Seasoning Timing
The timing of seasoning impacts the final flavor. Seasoning the chicken before cooking ensures the flavor penetrates the meat. Adding salt and pepper to the other ingredients, such as the celery and red onion, before incorporating them into the salad enhances their individual flavors. A final seasoning of the combined salad ensures overall flavor balance.
The careful application of salt and pepper elevates a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad from a simple mixture to a well-seasoned, flavorful dish. These seasonings, while fundamental, require attention to detail and a nuanced understanding of their impact on the overall flavor profile. The interplay of salt and pepper with the sweetness of the cherries, the savory chicken, and the creamy mayonnaise creates a balanced and harmonious culinary experience. Mastering this balance distinguishes a truly exceptional cherry chicken salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the preparation and variations of a Lunds-style cherry chicken salad.
Question 1: What type of cherries are best suited for this salad?
Dried tart cherries, such as Montmorency, are typically preferred for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture. However, other varieties like Bing cherries can be substituted for a sweeter profile. Fresh cherries can also be used but should be pitted and halved or quartered to prevent excess moisture.
Question 2: Can rotisserie chicken be used?
Rotisserie chicken offers a convenient shortcut. However, poaching or grilling fresh chicken breasts allows greater control over seasoning and moisture content, resulting in a potentially superior flavor and texture.
Question 3: How can the sweetness be balanced if the cherries are overly sweet?
A touch of acidity can balance excessive sweetness. A squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a small amount of finely diced red onion can provide the necessary counterpoint.
Question 4: What can be substituted for pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be substituted for pecans. Toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds offer a nut-free alternative while still providing a satisfying crunch.
Question 5: How long can the salad be stored?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the salad should last for three to five days. The quality may degrade over time due to the mayonnaise base.
Question 6: Can this salad be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing separates upon thawing, resulting in an undesirable texture. The celery and other ingredients may also become mushy after freezing.
Understanding these common points of inquiry facilitates successful preparation and enjoyment. Adjustments based on personal preferences are encouraged within the provided framework.
The following section provides further recipe variations and serving suggestions.
Concluding Remarks on Lunds Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe
Exploration of this recipe reveals a nuanced interplay of ingredients, highlighting the importance of each component in achieving the desired flavor profile and textural complexity. From the foundational elements of chicken, dried cherries, and mayonnaise to the optional additions of celery, pecans, and red onion, each ingredient contributes a distinct characteristic. Preparation methods, such as dicing techniques and seasoning strategies, further influence the final product. Understanding these intricacies allows for informed choices regarding ingredient selection, preparation, and customization.
This examination underscores the potential for culinary creativity within a seemingly simple recipe. The adaptability of the Lunds cherry chicken salad recipe allows for personalized interpretations while maintaining its core identity. Continued exploration of flavor combinations and ingredient variations promises further culinary discoveries within this established framework. Careful execution and thoughtful consideration of each component ensure a satisfying and flavorful culinary experience.
