Tropical Chicken Salad with Cheddar and Tarragon Crisps

One of my favorite salads is Waldorf, but I really enjoy the addition of a protein like chicken or shrimp. This salad is close to a Waldorf, but with papaya and pineapple used instead of apple. These ingredients came from the most recent Foodie Joust - papaya, cheese and tarragon. At first sight, I was a little lost, but after a lot of time to mull it over, this is what I came up with.

Lara, Ian and Katie couldn't get enough of it, and with a picky audience like that, you know it's good stuff.

Tropical Chicken Salad with Cheddar and Tarragon Crisps
Serves 4

2 cups cooked chicken breast - cubed
1/2 cup red pepper - diced
1/2 cup each yellow and red papaya - cubed
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1 Tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts

Combine and toss to coat well. Refrigerate for half an hour to allow flavors to blend.

Cheddar and Tarragon Crisps
Makes 1 baking sheet of crisps

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons tarragon leaves

Mix well and spread on a greased parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a 450 degree F oven until bubbly, browned and crisp - 5 - 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. Let stand until cool before peeling from parchment and breaking into serving pieces.