Chardonnay & Lemon Chicken Salad | ONEHOPE Wine

When summer days call for something fresh yet satisfying, nothing delivers quite like a vibrant summer salad paired with a perfectly chilled Chardonnay. This combination captures the essence of warm-weather dining: light, crisp, and full of flavor that feels as good as it tastes. Wellness-minded eaters will love how this dish balances nourishment with indulgence, and with a simple swap (like grilled tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken) it can easily become a plant-based favorite. Whether you’re hosting friends on the patio or enjoying a quiet al fresco lunch, this pairing turns a simple meal into a mindful moment worth savoring. In this guide, we’ll explore why Chardonnay makes the perfect companion to a lemon vinaigrette salad and how you can recreate this food and wine magic at home.

Why This Summer Salad Works Beautifully with Chardonnay

Our 2021 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay is delightfully layered with vanilla cream and bright citrus aromas, finishing with the soft, lingering richness of meringue. Notes of green apple, lemon zest, and vanilla mirror the salad’s fresh lemon vinaigrette, while its round, creamy texture complements the tender rotisserie chicken and parmesan shavings. This pairing isn’t just about taste, it’s about balance.

Here’s why it works:

• Acid Meets Acid: The lemon vinaigrette’s tangy brightness amplifies the Chardonnay’s citrus notes.
• Cream & Body: Parmesan and chicken harmonize with the wine’s vanilla cream richness.
• Texture Match: Crisp greens and a smooth palate make every bite and sip seamless.

Lemon Vinaigrette Rotisserie Chicken Salad

(Serves 4 | 30 minutes)

Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
  
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  
• ½ cup olive oil
  

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, dijon mustard, crushed garlic, salt, and ground pepper.
   
2. Once combined, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously.
   

Salad Assembly

Ingredients:

• 1 head butter lettuce, washed & loosely torn into 1-inch pieces
  
• 1 (5 oz) container spring lettuce mix
  
• 2 breasts of rotisserie chicken, shredded (or your favorite plant based protein)
  
• 12 parmesan cheese shavings
  
• 8–10 edible flowers
  

Instructions:

1. Place both lettuces and chicken in a large salad bowl and toss together with the dressing.
   
2. Top salad with parmesan cheese shavings and edible flowers.

Test Kitchen Tip: Save the drumsticks & thighs from the rotisserie chicken for snacking!

Serving & Presentation Tips

For a lifestyle-worthy table:

• Chill the Chardonnay to about 50–55°F before serving for optimal aroma and flavor.
  
• Use a wide-bowled wine glass to allow the wine’s creamy and citrusy notes to open up.
  
• Plate the salad in a white or neutral dish so the edible flowers pop visually.
  
• Serve family-style with the wine bottle on the table for a relaxed, elegant feel.

Fresh, citrusy, and effortlessly elegant, this summer salad and Chardonnay pairing embodies everything we love about warm-weather dining. The recipe’s bright flavors and satisfying textures make it a go-to for wine lovers looking to elevate their summer cooking. Even better, every bottle of this chardonnay helps make a difference, donating $25 in essential school supplies to students in need. So, pour a glass, toss this salad together, and enjoy the simple luxury of food and wine in perfect harmony, while giving back with every sip.