Craving that satisfying crunch and delightful sweetness of Wendy's famous Pecan Chicken Salad? You don't have to drive through! This homemade version captures all the deliciousness of the restaurant favorite, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what's going into your healthy meal. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, a light lunch, or even a satisfying snack. Get ready to enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish that's sure to become a new family favorite. Homemade cooking has never been easier!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings. Feel free to adjust based on your needs.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Mixed greens for serving (Butter lettuce or Spring Mix recommended)
Instructions:
Get started:
- If using raw chicken, start by cooking it. Baking, grilling, or boiling will all work. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding. Once cooked, let it cool completely before dicing.
Make the salad:
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pecans, cranberries, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
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Gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the chicken to become mushy.
Serve and enjoy:
- Serve the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens. You can also serve it on bread, crackers, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pecan Salad:
- Chicken Choice: Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver! Simply shred or dice it and skip the cooking step entirely.
- Fresh Herbs: Add a touch of freshness with a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or chives.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
- Make it Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance for a quick and easy meal anytime.
Delicious Variations:
- Cranberry Swap: Dried cherries or chopped apples make excellent substitutions for cranberries.
- Nutty Alternatives: Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- Creamy Twist: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise for a healthier, tangier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This delicious and easy Pecan Salad recipe offers a quick and healthy meal option without sacrificing flavor. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple homemade cooking. Enjoy!