The African American summer residents of Oak Bluffs have brought their own brand of Southern gentility to the town’s gingerbread cottages, and bridge and bid whist parties and ladies’ lunches are still a favorite way to entertain friends. You might find this chicken salad at any one of them. It’s simple and delicious and can make an elegant platter when surrounded by vine-ripened tomatoes, or by a mix of purple and green grapes—a smile at the Vineyard’s name. Amid all of the fine ladies and elegant antique china, it seems almost churlish to tell you that the chicken salad is also a good way to get rid of the leftovers from last night’s grilled chicken or Sunday’s roasted one. You can serve the salad mounded on a platter or in pineapple wedges. If there’s any salad left over, it makes a great sandwich spread for a picnic at the beach.
SERVES 6 TO 8
Combine the chicken, celery, onion, chutney, curry powder, and raisins in a bowl. Gradually add the mayonnaise, making sure that the salad is neither too wet nor too dry; each family has its preference. When you have reached the desired consistency, stop. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend.
Mound the chicken mixture on a platter and garnish with the tomatoes or grapes.