We all know it well. The classic interpretation of chicken salad is simple: Diced chicken, onions, celery, mayo, and maybe some fresh herbs, walnuts, or green grapes if you're feeling the calling to throw in a little extra hit of flavor.It has served us well for a long time. In picnics. In sandwiches. A scoop has topped many a happy salad.But there are reasons to consider an upgrade. There are mayo-haters about in this world, for one thing, who wouldn't touch a Hellman's-laced chicken salad even if it was made with the meat of the rarest hens in the world and garnished with biodynamic micro-tarragon.
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Plus, it's human nature. As we learned from the Ashley Madison leak, people are imperfect seekers of exciting new experiences, even when they have their hands on something great.It is with this in mind that we relish every bite of NYC mainstay Uncle Boons' Chicken and Banana Blossom Salad. When you taste it, you'll realize there's every reason to put your old Miracle Whip regimen on hiatus for the time being.
Uncle Boons' Thai spin on chicken salad gets its crunch from crispy fried shallots instead of celery, and its creaminess from coconut milk. Add the umami of fish sauce, the tang of lime juice, and the kick of chili jam to that dressing, and you've treated yourself to a taste of Bangkok with each mouthful. Garner that herbaceous freshness from cilantro rather than dill. And, of course, mix it up with banana blossoms and lemongrass—this is, after all, a salad. Foliage is crucial.Don't forget the cashews. A great chicken salad always takes kindly to a handful of nuts, whether it was made by a grandmother in Iowa or one of the best Thai spots in New York City.