Lately I’ve been so consumed with experimenting in the kitchen that I have completely neglected some of my classic favorites. While experimenting with new flavors and techniques are fun, there comes a time when you just want a dish you can rely on. Chicken salad is one of the classic recipes I always turn to when I just want a simple and light lunch that will last a few days and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

Nihal, from Turkish Food Passion, wanted to take this classic American dish and put her own Mediterranean twist on it by adding celery, yellow onion, sunflower seeds, marjoram, and paprika. Nihal loves to enjoy this salad between bread with lettuce and tomato, and preferably in picnic setting. She says, “When the weather is nice, I like to take a simple lunch such as this with a few other foods to a closeby park with my hubby. I think it is one of the most romantic ways to spend time with your spouse/partner. For some reason, eating outdoors makes dining much more enjoyable.”