ZESTY CHICKEN SALAD SPREAD

ZESTY CHICKEN SALAD SPREAD

“Whip up a quick spread for appetizers or sandwiches using canned chicken, cream cheese, and ranch dressing. Feel free to substitute chopped rotisserie chicken or albacore tuna for the canned chicken as a change of pace”.


3 oz. (small block) cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 (12.5-oz.) can chicken, drained
¼ cup minced sweet onion
¼ cup minced roasted red pepper (jarred are fine)
1`-1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2-3 drops liquid smoke, optional
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Minced parsley for garnish


Whisk together cream cheese, ranch dressing, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

Mash chicken with a fork in a medium bowl until it is shredded. Add dressing mixture, sweet onion, roasted red peppers, and relish. Stir to combine. Taste and add salt, pepper, and liquid smoke, if using. Fold in chives. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Use as a spread for crackers or as a sandwich spread.


Yield: about 2 cups.