Recipe: Deluxe Chicken or Turkey Salad

DELUXE CHICKEN OR TURKEY SALAD
Source: Julia Child
Yield: Serving 6 to 8

6 cups cooked skinless and boneless chicken or turkey that has been cut into good-size bites, such as rectangles about 1 by 1 1/2 inches and 1/4 inch thick.
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 to 2 Tbs excellent light olive oil
2 to 3 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp finely cut tarragon leaves, or 1/4 tsp fragrant dried tarragon
1 cup diced tender celery stalks
1/2 cup minced scallions or mild onion
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional
3/4 cup or more of mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1 medium head of romaine, washed and dried
Decorative suggestions: 2 hard-boiled eggs, a large handful of fresh parsley, several strips of red pimento

Preliminary seasoning. Toss the chicken or turkey in a big mixing bowl with the salt, pepper, and enough oil to enrobe the meat very lightly. Then toss with the lemon juice, and finally with the herbs, celery, onions, and optional walnuts. Taste analytically, correct seasoning. Let steep 10 minutes, tossing several times.

Final seasoning. Drain any accumulated liquid out of the salad, correct seasoning again, and fold in just enough mayonnaise to enrobe the ingredients.