The key to a great tea sandwich is the use of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. These sandwiches are meant to be small and easily eaten in one or two bites, so there is no need to get overly complicated with too many ingredients. Utilize the ingredients and flavors that you enjoy on a daily basis, only adding in one or two new or unique flavors to enhance the service and create a memorable meal.
Curried chicken sandwiches are the traditional chicken salad go-to for a typical afternoon tea service. Mixing up Pesto Chicken Salad instead is just a matter of swapping a few ingredients with other things you probably already have in your pantry anyway. I like it served on hearty Italian bread and with a slice of tomato in the summer, paired with a fruity white tea.
Traditional tea sandwiches are typically very mayonnaise- or cream cheese-heavy, but who says you can’t try something a little lighter? Regular hummus and a bit of roasted red pepper on toasted wheat bread makes a great little sandwich that will please everyone, and it pairs nicely with a cup of ginger lemon herbal tea.
For something a little fancier, try a bit of fig jam drizzled with honey and blue cheese crumbles between two slices of toasted French bread. It’s the perfect bite of creamy indulgence with a hint of sweetness - and how wonderful with a dessert tea, like chocolate hazelnut.
Pesto Chicken Salad
makes 2-3 large sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 1 cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 1/4 cup prepared pesto
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 to 6 slices of Italian bread
- Slice of tomato or sprouts for garnish
Preparation:
In a bowl, combine chicken, onion, pesto, mayonnaise, and salt and pepper, blending together with a fork until well combined. Spread the mixture onto a slice of bread. Garnish if necessary and top with another slice of bread. Cut as desired and serve.
Photos are courtesy of the author.
