The Creamiest Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunchtime Magic

Crafting a delightful pecan chicken salad brings unexpected joy to your midday meal.

Crunchy nuts and tender chicken create a perfect harmony of textures.

Freshness bursts through crisp greens and juicy protein.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, promising a light yet satisfying experience.

Southern charm meets culinary creativity in this simple yet elegant dish.

Layers of flavor will surprise you with each forkful.

Dig into this recipe and unleash your inner chef.

Reasons To Pick Pecan Chicken Salad

• Craft Quickly: Prepare this delightful chicken salad in just a few minutes without complicated cooking steps.
• Pack Nutrients: Loaded with protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and fresh crunch from vegetables, creating a balanced meal in one dish.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy as a light lunch on greens, stuffed in sandwiches, or wrapped in tortillas for multiple meal options that suit different preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser Potential: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and casual gatherings where guests appreciate a fresh, satisfying dish that doesn't require extensive preparation.

Everything Inside Pecan Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender and cooked meat that serves as the main protein in the salad.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries: Toasted pecans provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, while dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy touch.

• Celery, Red Onion: Celery brings a crisp and fresh element to the salad, and red onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creamy mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick, and apple cider vinegar provides a bright, acidic note.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the chicken salad.

Easy Steps For Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Chop and Toast Nutty Goodness

Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet until they release their rich, warm aroma.

Finely chop the celery and red onion for a crisp, fresh crunch.

• Cooked chicken
• Pecans
• Celery
• Red onion
• Dried cranberries

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

In a separate bowl, blend the creamy mayonnaise with tangy Dijon mustard.

Splash in some apple cider vinegar for brightness. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors and create a smooth, velvety dressing.

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Mix and Marry Flavors

Pour the vibrant dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the delicious sauce.

The ingredients will mingle and create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 4: Serve with Style

Spread the salad over a bed of crisp mixed greens or tender lettuce leaves.

Alternatively, stuff the mixture into soft sandwiches or wrap it in tortillas for a portable lunch. Garnish with extra pecans for a delightful crunch.

Top Advice For Pecan Chicken Salad

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their rich, nutty flavor without burning them.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-calorie option that still provides creamy texture.
• Chop chicken and vegetables uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra brightness and complexity to the salad.
• Prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate for better flavor melding, allowing ingredients to marinate together.

Fun Options For Pecan Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Escape: Replace pecans with toasted pine nuts, add crumbled feta cheese, and swap Dijon mustard for oregano and lemon zest for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace cranberries with corn kernels, use cilantro instead of red onion, and add a dash of chili powder to the dressing.
• Apple Walnut Fusion: Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts, incorporate diced green apples, use honey mustard instead of Dijon, and sprinkle fresh chopped chives on top.
• Asian Fusion Remix: Replace mayonnaise with sesame oil and rice vinegar, add mandarin orange segments, swap pecans for toasted sesame seeds, and include a splash of soy sauce.

Great Matches For Pecan Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy mayonnaise and complements the nutty pecan flavor.
• Serve with Herbed Crackers: Offer rosemary or thyme-infused artisan crackers that add a crunchy texture and herbal notes to enhance the salad's complexity.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken salad and provide a bright, fresh contrast.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Citrus: Pour a chilled sparkling water with a lemon or lime slice to cleanse the palate and refresh between bites of the savory pecan chicken salad.

How To Keep Pecan Chicken Salad Fresh

• Refrigerate in Airtight Container: Store the pecan chicken salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze Carefully: Portion the salad into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that mayonnaise-based salads may slightly separate when thawed.
• Gentle Reheating: Thaw frozen salad in the refrigerator overnight. Stir well before serving to redistribute ingredients. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation of mayonnaise and potential texture changes.
• Quick Serving Tip: For best taste and texture, consume the chicken salad cold or at room temperature. If refrigerated, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Pecan Chicken Salad Questions Covered

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Is this chicken salad healthy?

The salad offers a good balance of protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and nutrients from vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option.

• How do I ensure the chicken is properly cooked before making the salad?

Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let it cool completely before chopping and mixing with other ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, which makes it perfect for meal prep.

Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sumptuous pecan chicken salad delivers a delightful blend of crunchy pecans, tender chicken, and crisp greens. Delicate flavors and textures dance together, creating a refreshing meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped

Nuts and Dried Fruit:

• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

Fresh Vegetables and Dressing:

• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Mixed greens or lettuce for serving

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Instructions

1. Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop toasted pecans to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
2. Dice celery and red onion into fine, uniform pieces to provide a consistent crunch and balanced flavor profile.
3. Finely slice dried cranberries to help them integrate more evenly with the other ingredients.
4. Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a separate bowl until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Season the dressing with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning to ensure a harmonious flavor balance.
6. Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated without breaking down the delicate components.
7. Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together before serving.
8. Serve chilled on a bed of crisp mixed greens or as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or croissants for a versatile meal option.
9. Garnish with additional chopped pecans or fresh herbs for an enhanced visual appeal and extra texture.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning, watching them closely in the pan or oven.
• Dice chicken and vegetables uniformly for balanced texture and even distribution of ingredients throughout the salad.
• Adjust mayonnaise quantity based on personal preference for creaminess, adding gradually while mixing to control consistency.
• Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for lighter, dietary-specific versions of the chicken salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg