Tired of the same old lunch routine? Craving a healthy yet satisfying meal that's quick to prepare? Then look no further! This chicken salad with pecans recipe is the perfect answer. It's a delightful blend of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and a creamy, tangy dressing, all coming together in a symphony of flavors that's sure to become a new favorite. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a satisfying snack. It's also incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1 large breast)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite – we love avocado mayo for a healthier twist!)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (adds protein and creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
-
Prep the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding. This ensures the salad stays cold and doesn’t get soggy.
-
Toast the Pecans: For maximum crunch, toast your pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Let them cool slightly before chopping.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and toasted pecans.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer more lemon juice for a zestier salad, or more salt and pepper for a bolder flavor.
-
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
-
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious chicken salad. Serve chilled on bread, crackers, lettuce cups, or enjoy it straight from the bowl! Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Fresh, flavorful chicken and crunchy pecans make all the difference.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad mushy. Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A dash of paprika or garlic powder adds a nice kick.
- Make it ahead: This chicken salad tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or meal prep option.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Curried Chicken Salad: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of curry powder into the dressing for an exotic twist.
- Apple Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 cup of diced apple for a sweet and crunchy addition.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Stir in 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy chicken salad recipe is a fantastic option for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking. Enjoy!