Happy Saturday. I’m still emotionally recovering from Olivia Rodrigo’s one-night-only show in Brooklyn, which was as incredible as it looked online. Pro tip for fellow short girls: wear platform Tevas to your next concert. You get a little extra height and can loosen the toe straps when your feet start to hurt. A few other things I’m thinking about this weekend…
How badly I need to acquire this shockingly chic, Ariel-adjacent accessory. It’s apparently long been a go-to for surfer girls but I bet it’d be just as convenient for anyone with bangs *raises hand*.
My first fall must-have: The elegant shoe style that’s somehow both casual enough to replace sneakers and elevated enough for all the fancyish events I’m attending. Death to high heels.
I tried this viral weeknight dinner recipe a few days ago — and I’m already debating how soon is too soon to make it again. It’s inspired by a classic fast-food spot, and it’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious.
An unexpected source of style inspiration? One of my favorite 2000s movies, which just turned 25 (I feel old). If there’s a better fall outfit than the first one on this list, I don’t know what it is.
Finally, I’m debating how much I’d pay for the dress I haven’t stopped thinking about since I saw The Devil Wears Prada 2 — one of many items from the movie headed to auction. Do you think they’d knock a few bucks off for the stain?
— Julia Reinstein / Writer, Culture & Leisure / Brooklyn, NY
This Bright, Bold Chicken Salad Is What Chicken Salad Was Always Meant to Be
theSkimm
There are two types of people in this world: Those who love chicken salad, and those we don’t wish to associate with. If you’re also the former, meet Plays Well With Butter’s Zingy Herbed Chicken Salad — which isn’t your childhood cafeteria’s version (this one uses minimal mayo and zero grapes). Ready in 15 minutes, the no-cook recipe combines shredded rotisserie chicken, a bright Greek yogurt dressing, fistfuls of herbs, and all the briny, crunchy things (capers, cornichons, pepperoncini). Make a big batch and eat it in sandwiches or lettuce wraps, on crackers, or from the container at midnight — we won’t judge. Consider that a Chicken Salad Enthusiasts Coalition™ promise.
The Time Commitment: About 15 minutes.
Key Tips: Rotisserie chicken is the move here — but if yours is bland, dry, or just sad, Jess Larson (aka Plays Well With Butter) suggests poaching your own chicken breasts instead. And to give your chicken salad an extra kick, add splashes of pepperoncini brine to the mix.
Other Takes: Leftover pepperoncini? Lucky you. To use up that jar, try…
Grilled Chicken With Pepperoncini Garlic Butter. In which hummus is piled high with marinated chicken, a tomato-cucumber salad, and an outrageously good sauce — for a weeknight dinner that one fan gave a “20 out of 10.”
Peach & Pepperoncini Steak Salad. Sure, juicy peaches, punchy pepperoncini, and tender steak may seem like an unexpected pairing — but it’s also the sweet-spicy-savory combo you didn’t know you needed. Speaking from experience.
Pizza Salad. As if a pepperoni pizza in salad form wasn’t already earth-shattering, this one’s topped with a grated tomato vinaigrette, torn mozz, and salty pepperoni breadcrumbs. Nobel Committee, your move.
