Lemon Chicken Salad, and Savoring Those Things of a More Delicate Nature

I’ll admit that I’ve always been a real softy.

I’m the type of gal that easily cries when others cry; that gets swept up into someone’s story while they’re telling it; that feels things really deeply; that just wants to smother everyone whom she cares about with love; and who’s heart gets broken at the thought of someone feeling ashamed, hurt, or bullied.

I’m a bit of a delicate soul, and I say it proudly these days, because I wouldn’t want to be any other way.

Frankly, I wouldn’t even know how.

Even though our world, at times, seems to place upon a pedestal the brash, the gritty, and the more domineering, the world also needs the sensitives, because we offer a soft place to fall, and open arms that embrace and hold others tightly.

And that’s a beautiful and much needed thing.

Those things of a delicate nature can often times be simple, and unassuming; they can be overlooked because they don’t shout or draw too much attention, but they contain a certain quality that once experienced, is alluring and inviting.

And food of a delicate nature, such as this bright and cheerful Lemon Chicken Salad, can also have those unique qualities, and be just the perfect thing to experience on the palette when something clean and simply delicious is desired.

Delicate flavors are a wonderful pick for the spring and summer seasons; they refresh and offer flavors that lightly invigorate and awaken the senses, but don’t overwhelm.

And bright lemon, creamy yogurt, and fresh dill carefully combined with tender chicken make for just such a cool delicacy.

Nothing fancy, just subtly flavorful and delicious for most any occasion.

And that’s the wonderful thing about savoring something of a delicate nature.

So to all of the delicate and kind-hearted people, thank you for opening up your arms to embrace those that need to be embraced, and for shedding occasional tears with those that need a partner in that.

And while we should celebrate all of the colors and gifts that every person brings to the table of life, may we not forget nor overlook those of a delicate nature, and savor the light and the warmth that they bring to life.

Taste what’s good and pass it on.

Ingrid

Lemon Chicken Salad with Fresh Dill
by Ingrid Beer

Print Recipe

Yield: Serves about 4

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups cooked and diced chicken breast (roughly 1 pound—*see note below)
• 2 tablespoons finely minced red onion
• 1 teaspoon, heaping, grated lemon zest
• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (2%)
• ¼ teaspoon, heaping, salt
• Pinch or two black pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon, heaping, chopped fresh dill
• Pita bread, crackers or fresh greens to serve with

*I like to poach the chicken for a salad like this; just bring a small pot of generously salted water to the boil (there should be enough water to completely submerge the chicken breasts in), add in the skinless, boneless chicken breasts, and reduce the heat to low so that the water only barely simmers; poach for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through; remove from water and allow to cool so you can dice the meat.

Preparation:

-Add the diced chicken, plus the remainder of the ingredients up to and including the olive oil, to a medium size bowl, and toss to coat everything.

-Add the dill, and toss once more to incorporate; check the seasoning, and add any additional salt/pepper, if needed.

-Cover the salad and chill until ready to serve; stuff the chicken salad into pita pockets with some greens, or serve with crackers on the side, or even over chopped greens.