My mother’s favorite lunch was chicken salad.  Back in the day chicken salad was a mixture of chicken, mayo, a little onion, and celery.  Not anymore!  As life has gotten more complicated so has chicken salad.  Bring on the cranberries, nuts, raisins, craisins, mandarin oranges, carrots, cheese, pickles…  OK, I’ll stop!

Here in Virginia, my favorite spots for chicken salad are miles apart but worth the drive.   First, the Williamsburg Winery has an amazing choice that includes cranberries, nuts, and lots of mayonnaise.  It’s a little sweet, but it’s my favorite.  Lunch is served with a small side salad…so it’s healthy and delicious!

In Gloucester, I delight in a little cafe called Sweet Tooth Cafe & Bakery.  Their chicken salad is made with grapes and is topped with almonds, raisins, and Mandarin oranges.  I go low-carb and order mine without bread.  (The picture is an example of deconstructed chicken salad.)  I have to say, their chicken has a very unique flavor and I wonder what spices they use.  Whatever they’re doing to that chicken…I like it a lot!