What Is in Publix Tarragon Chicken Salad?

Introduction

What Is in Publix Tarragon Chicken Salad?

Publix tarragon chicken salad is a customer favorite, known for its creamy texture, fresh ingredients, and subtle herbal flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich filling, a salad topping, or a standalone dish, this tarragon-infused chicken salad delivers a perfect balance of richness and freshness.

But what exactly is in Publix tarragon chicken salad that makes it so irresistible? The combination of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and aromatic tarragon creates a simple yet sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to many. In this article, we’ll break down the ingredients, explore its nutritional value, and even share tips on how to recreate this popular dish at home.

A Quick Overview of Publix’s Chicken Salad

Publix is known for its high-quality deli offerings, and their tarragon chicken salad is no exception. This dish is crafted with fresh, wholesome ingredients that are expertly blended to create a creamy, flavorful salad.

Key Features of Publix Tarragon Chicken Salad

Herbal Flavor: The addition of tarragon sets this chicken salad apart with its slightly sweet and licorice-like taste.
Creamy Dressing: A smooth, mayonnaise-based dressing ties the ingredients together, making it rich and satisfying.
Versatility: It’s perfect as a sandwich filling, served on crackers, or enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

The combination of quality ingredients and expert preparation has made Publix tarragon chicken salad a beloved option for those seeking a flavorful yet simple meal.

Main Ingredients in Publix Tarragon Chicken Salad

Publix tarragon chicken salad is beloved for its blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to create a creamy, savory dish with a touch of herbal freshness. Let’s take a closer look at the key elements that make up this deli favorite.

The Chicken

At the heart of Publix tarragon chicken salad is tender, juicy chicken.

Type of Chicken: Publix uses cooked, shredded, or diced chicken breast for a lean and protein-packed base.
Preparation: The chicken is perfectly cooked to maintain its natural moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
Why It Works: Chicken breast is a mild and versatile protein that absorbs the flavors of the dressing and herbs beautifully.

Tarragon

Tarragon is the signature ingredient that sets this chicken salad apart.

Flavor Profile: Tarragon adds a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor with herbal undertones, giving the salad a fresh and sophisticated twist.
Usage: Fresh tarragon is typically used for its vibrant flavor, though dried tarragon can also be incorporated.
Why It’s Special: This herb enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish, adding a gourmet touch.

Dressing

The dressing is the creamy element that ties the salad together.

Base: Mayonnaise forms the foundation of the dressing, giving the salad its smooth, rich texture.
Seasoning: A pinch of salt, pepper, and perhaps a hint of lemon juice or Dijon mustard adds depth and balance.
Consistency: The dressing is thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly heavy, ensuring a well-balanced bite.

Other Flavorful Additions

To add crunch, texture, and bursts of flavor, Publix includes additional ingredients like:

Celery: Diced celery adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the creamy dressing.
Onion: A touch of finely chopped onion, often red or green, provides a mild sharpness to complement the chicken and tarragon.
Optional Ingredients:
- Grapes or dried cranberries for a sweet note.
- Chopped almonds or walnuts for a nutty crunch.

These ingredients work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making Publix tarragon chicken salad more than just a simple dish.

A Balanced Combination

The combination of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and fresh tarragon creates a flavorful base, while the celery, onion, and optional additions add texture and complexity. This balance of creaminess, crunch, and herbal notes is what keeps Publix tarragon chicken salad a top choice for deli customers.

Nutritional Information of Publix Tarragon Chicken Salad

Publix tarragon chicken salad is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein and fats, making it a satisfying choice for meals or snacks. While it is rich and creamy, understanding its nutritional breakdown can help you make informed decisions about incorporating it into your diet.

Serving Size

A typical serving size of Publix tarragon chicken salad is around 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup), though this may vary based on how it’s served (e.g., as a sandwich filling or on a salad).

Key Nutritional Details

Calories
- A 4-ounce serving contains approximately 240–300 calories, depending on the exact amount of mayonnaise and other ingredients used.
- This makes it a moderately calorie-dense option, ideal for a light meal or snack.
Protein
- With its chicken breast base, a single serving offers 20–25 grams of protein.
- Protein helps keep you full and supports muscle repair and maintenance, making this salad a great post-workout option or mid-day energy boost.
Fats
- The creamy mayonnaise dressing contributes 15–20 grams of fat per serving, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.
- While higher in fat, these are necessary for the rich texture and flavor. Opt for smaller portions if you’re watching your fat intake.
Carbohydrates
- The salad is relatively low in carbs, with around 3–5 grams per serving, depending on the addition of sweet ingredients like grapes or cranberries.
- This makes it a great option for low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
Sodium
- Publix tarragon chicken salad contains 300–450 mg of sodium per serving.
- While not overly high, individuals watching their sodium intake should enjoy it in moderation or pair it with low-sodium sides like fresh vegetables.

Is It Healthy?

Publix tarragon chicken salad can be considered a balanced option when enjoyed in appropriate portions. It’s high in protein, contains healthy fats, and is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for many diets. However, the mayonnaise-based dressing increases the calorie and fat content, so moderation is key if you’re managing your calorie intake.

How to Make It Lighter

If you want to enjoy a lighter version of Publix tarragon chicken salad:

Swap mayonnaise for a mix of Greek yogurt and a small amount of mayonnaise to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.
Add more vegetables like celery and green onions to increase volume and crunch without adding many calories.
Limit sweet additions like grapes or cranberries to keep sugar content low.

Publix tarragon chicken salad is a well-rounded dish that can fit into a balanced diet. It’s an indulgence that provides flavor and nourishment, whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as part of a larger meal.

How to Make Tarragon Chicken Salad at Home

Craving Publix’s tarragon chicken salad but want to try making it yourself? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can recreate this flavorful dish in your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious tarragon chicken salad at home, complete with options for customization.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To replicate the flavors of Publix tarragon chicken salad, gather the following:

Cooked Chicken: 2 cups of shredded or diced chicken breast (grilled, poached, or roasted).
Fresh Tarragon: 1–2 tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon (or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon).
Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup of mayonnaise for creaminess (substitute part with Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
Celery: 1/4 cup finely diced celery for crunch.
Onion: 1–2 tablespoons of finely chopped red or green onion for mild sharpness.
Lemon Juice: 1–2 teaspoons for a hint of acidity and freshness.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Optional Additions:
- Grapes (halved), dried cranberries, or chopped almonds for sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
- Use cooked chicken that’s cooled and either shred it with your hands or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the chicken is moist and tender for the best results.
Mix the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. If using dried tarragon, add it to the dressing at this stage to allow the flavors to infuse.
Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken, celery, onion, and fresh tarragon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness, or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Ingredient Substitutions

Mayonnaise Alternative: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Herb Variations: If tarragon isn’t available, use fresh parsley or chives for a milder flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a plant-based mayo.

Serving Suggestions

Publix tarragon chicken salad can be enjoyed in many ways:

As a Sandwich: Spread it between two slices of fresh bread or inside a croissant for a filling meal.
On Crackers: Serve as a party appetizer or snack.
Over Greens: Spoon the chicken salad over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a light, refreshing lunch.
In a Wrap: Roll it into a tortilla for an easy-to-eat meal on the go.

Making tarragon chicken salad at home allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences while recreating the delicious taste of Publix’s popular dish.

FAQs About Publix Chicken Salads

1. What are the ingredients in Publix classic chicken salad?
Publix classic chicken salad typically includes:

Chicken: Shredded or diced, cooked chicken breast as the base.
Mayonnaise: For a creamy dressing.
Celery: Adds crunch and freshness.
Salt and Pepper: To season the salad.

Unlike the tarragon version, the classic chicken salad focuses on simplicity, with no additional herbs or sweet ingredients like grapes or nuts.

2. How many calories are in chicken tarragon salad?
A typical serving of Publix tarragon chicken salad (around 4 ounces or 1/2 cup) contains approximately 240–300 calories.

Protein: 20–25 grams.
Fat: 15–20 grams, mainly from the mayonnaise dressing.
Carbohydrates: 3–5 grams, depending on added ingredients like grapes or cranberries.

The calorie count can vary slightly based on portion size and exact ingredients used.

3. What is in a Publix chef salad?
The Publix chef salad is a hearty, protein-packed salad that includes:

Mixed Greens: A base of fresh lettuce or salad greens.
Protein: Sliced turkey, ham, and boiled eggs.
Cheese: Typically shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and sometimes onions or peppers.
Dressing: Served with your choice of salad dressing on the side.

It’s a balanced, customizable option for a filling and nutritious meal.

4. Does Publix chicken salad have dairy?
Publix tarragon chicken salad and classic chicken salad do not typically contain dairy, as the creamy texture comes from mayonnaise, which is dairy-free.

However, it’s always best to check with Publix or read the ingredient label, as some variations may include dairy-based dressings or additional ingredients like cheese.

Conclusion

Publix tarragon chicken salad is a standout deli favorite for good reason. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and the subtle sweetness of tarragon creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and satisfying. Perfect as a sandwich filling, served over greens, or enjoyed on its own, this salad offers versatility for any occasion.

By breaking down its ingredients—like chicken, celery, onion, and tarragon—you can see how each component contributes to the salad’s unique appeal. And with options to recreate it at home, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences while keeping the essence of what makes it so special.

Whether you’re picking it up from the Publix deli or trying your hand at making it from scratch, tarragon chicken salad is a must-try for those who love fresh, flavorful, and wholesome dishes.