It has been the intent of the Redfish Team to post on either Friday or Saturday a great recipe, wine suggestion, or diversion from the workday world in our blog category “Take a Break”.  We’ve been remiss in not doing so thus far – but here’s a great one to start with.

This is probably the best chicken salad sandwich we’ve ever tasted; we first tasted this delightful and easy sandwich last summer on a recommendation from friends who are involved with a wine business and blog here in Bozeman.   This makes the best fly fishing riverside lunch or dinner imaginable. 

Spring has been very slow to arrive here in southwest Montana this year (we had three inches of snow last week), though we were able to get out and play yesterday in the sun and almost 60 degree temps, and entertained friends for dinner.   We served this sandwich and wine pair to guest last evening to rave reviews – it’s a simple and can’t miss summer treat.   

Here’s the recipe for Probably the Best Danged Chicken Sandwich You’ll Ever Eat. 

2 cups chopped cooked chicken, we used a beer can chicken done on the smoker (can be done in the oven, on the grill, or in the smoker - or you could use a roasted chicken from the store)

2/3 cup chopped celery

1/3 cup sliced green onion (white and green parts)

1/3 cup light mayo or miracle whip

1/3 cup toasted pecans, chopped small

1/3 cup grapes, chopped

1/3 cup chopped pimento or roasted red pepper

1/3 cup green, yellow, or red bell pepper

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

6 nice Kaiser type rolls, we like with either toasted sesame seed or onions

6 ounces creamy blue cheese, divided and spread among the rolls

This one is easy - combine all the chicken salad ingredients in a large bowl and gently mix.  Spoon the chicken salad mixture into the prepared buns.  These are great sandwiches to chill, wrap in foil, and take in the cooler on a picnic.  The recipe is easily multiplied – we quadrupled last night to make 24 sandwiches. 

Our oenophile friends suggest you serve this great sandwich with a Hogue Cellars Fume Blanc 2005 from the Columbia Valley (under $17 here in Bozeman) or another lively summer white. 

Enjoy!

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