Chicken Salad

Preparation

1. Step 1

   First, make a mayonnaise. Whisk together in a large bowl: 1 egg yolk, 1/4 teaspoon white wine vinegar, A pinch of salt.

   Step 2

   Pour in, in a slow steady stream, whisking all the while: 3/4 cup olive oil.

   Step 3

   Stir into the mayonnaise: 2 cups roasted or poached chicken meat cut into 1/4-inch pieces, 2 tablespoons chives or scallions sliced very thin, 2 celery stalks, diced fine, 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed, drained, and coarsely chopped, Salt, Fresh-ground black pepper.

   Step 4

   Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Serve in a sandwich or on a bed of lettuce that has been dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

2. Variations

   Step 5

   Add a pinch of cayenne for a bit of spice.

   Step 6

   Substitute diced cucumber for the celery.

   Step 7

   Add chopped hard-cooked egg.

   Step 8

   Add pounded garlic to the mayonnaise.

   Step 9

   Add a few chopped pitted green olives.

   Step 10

   Stir in chopped tender herbs such as chervil, parsley, tarragon, or basil.