Name: Chicken Salad with Whole-Grain Mustard Vinaigrette
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard; 3/4 cup coarsely chopped jarred giardiniera plus 2 teaspoons giardiniera liquid; 1 head red leaf lettuce (12 ounces) or romaine lettuce (12 ounces), cut into 1‐inch pieces; 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup red grapes, halved; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/8 teaspoon table salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Why This Recipe Works

Briny, pickle-y giardiniera is a great way to get a variety of veggies and in-your-face flavor in just one jar (plus it’s pantry-friendly). We made a thick, hearty vinaigrette out of whole-grain mustard and the zippy giardiniera brine, then chopped the pickled vegetables to toss with shredded chicken and red leaf lettuce. Red grapes balanced out the spiciness of the giardiniera with a hit of sweetness and helped hit this year-round summery dinner salad out of the park.

Before You Begin

You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken here or use your own cooked chicken.

Instructions

Whisk mustard, giardiniera liquid, ⅛ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper together in large bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons olive oil until incorporated.

Add lettuce, chicken, grapes, and giardiniera to vinaigrette and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.