By Carla Vigos
Laguna Woods Globe
The heat of summer is here. No one wants to turn on an oven or make a big deal about cooking.
Salads come into the forefront this month, and this one I have made for over 20 years. It always gets lots of compliments. The flavors are on point and very Mediterranean.
I use leftover rotisserie chicken, if I have, or I cook a large breast. I prefer the breast meat, but all works. If you can’t find tarragon vinegar, I have a do it yourself below.
Mediterranean Chicken Salad
INGREDIENTS
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
3 cups cooked chicken
3/4 cup orzo
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered depending on the size
1 6-ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts cut up
1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 1/2 tablespoon capers
1 cup crumbled feta
Salt and pepper
PROCEDURE
Combine oil, vinegar, tarragon, lemon juice and mustard. Whisk to blend. Season with salt and pepper.
Place chicken in bowl and add 1/4 cup dressing. Stir.
Cook orzo as package directs. Drain, rinse and cool.
Combine remaining ingredients and add to chicken. Taste and adjust for salt and lemon juice.
This salad can be served at room temperature or cold. Leftovers are great as well. I like it room temperature the best.
TARRAGON VINEGAR
Make your own tarragon vinegar by steeping tarragon leaves in white wine vinegar or white vinegar. Warm 1/2 cup vinegar to a simmer. Place 1 1/2 teaspoons dried tarragon or 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon in a glass jar. Pour in warmed vinegar. Cool in the jar without covering. Place plastic wrap over jar and then lid. Place in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.
If you haven’t been to Mission Ranch Market on Los Alisos in Mission Viego, go. It is a great experience. The market has fresh herbs, and prices are reasonable. There’s also a bakery, restaurant, deli, fresh meat and fish counter, fresh vegetables, and a fresh nut and dried fruit counter. For foodies and shoppers, this is a fun place.
Email me for questions and comments at [email protected].
Carla Vigos is a resident of Laguna Woods Village.