Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful and wholesome dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the crunchiness of pecans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This versatile recipe can be served as a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or even as an elegant appetizer for special occasions.
The star ingredient, chicken, is usually grilled or roasted to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful base for the salad. Seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, the chicken adds a savory element to the overall taste profile. The choice of chicken breast or thigh meat depends on personal preference, with both offering their unique textures and flavors to the dish.
One of the key components of the Pecan Chicken Salad is, of course, the pecans themselves. These nuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty richness that complements the chicken beautifully. Pecans are often toasted or candied to enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the salad. The toasting process intensifies the nuttiness, while candying provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory aspects of the dish.
Vegetables play a crucial role in adding freshness and color to the Pecan Chicken Salad. A mix of crisp lettuce, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions contribute to both the visual appeal and the overall flavor profile. Additionally, some variations of the recipe include ingredients like avocado or cucumber, adding a creamy or refreshing touch to the salad.
The dressing is the finishing touch that ties everything together in a Pecan Chicken Salad. A classic vinaigrette with a combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey is a popular choice. This dressing not only enhances the flavors but also provides a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. Some may opt for a creamy dressing, such as a honey mustard or ranch, for a richer and more indulgent experience.
To serve, the Pecan Chicken Salad can be presented on a bed of mixed greens, making it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal. Alternatively, it can be enjoyed in a sandwich, wrap, or even as a topping for a grain bowl. This versatile dish offers a delightful combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce, making it a satisfying and well-rounded meal option. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a main course, Pecan Chicken Salad is sure to please the palate with its delicious and balanced flavors.
Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Pecan Chicken Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients For Pecan Chicken Salad Recipes
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon Park Hill maple pepper (such as Savory Spice Shop®)
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 stalks celery, sliced
⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans
2 tablespoons minced red onion
Instructions: Pecan Chicken Salad Recipes
Step 1: Mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, garlic powder, thyme, and maple pepper together in a bowl until well combined. Add chicken, celery, pecans, and red onion; stir well to incorporate.
Step 2: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Because of pantry issues I had Italian seasoning instead of thyme, lemon juice instead of vinegar crushed dried garlic instead of powder and some sweetened dried cranberries that just caught my eye. Oh and my onion is yellow. That's how forgiving this excellent recipe is! I am going to try really hard to give it a couple of hours before I eat it on a bed of Romaine leaves... I shall make this again someday! Perhaps for people. I really like!
Even the Hubby liked it. I added apple like so many others. Subbed McCormick's for Park Hill since we don't have that in this region. It needed salt and I added a dash of tarragon. I will make this again for sure!
Very easy and tasty!
I can't believe how good this is! I really was just looking for something to do with left overs from a whole chicken, mostly breast. I didn't have celery so I increased the pecans to 1/2C and I put in about 2T additional onion. I served it in puff pastry shells, I'm sorry now that I didn't take a picture. I will make this a standard for left over chicken, it's sooooo good!
Delicious
added chopped apples
Outstanding! My friend tasted it and said that it was the best chicken salad that she had ever had!!
Traditionally I ate chicken salad, with hard boiled eggs,chopped chicken,mayonnaise, and onion, and chopped celery. I really liked the ingredients to this chicken salad with the toasted pecans, and maple flavor seasoning. I couldn't find the maple pepper seasoning ,so I had to substitute McCormick's Grill Mates Smoke House Maple seasoning. I added a full teaspoon, then the recipe states half a teaspoon for the maple pepper. I also added a small apple chopped and 2 tablespoons of chopped dried cranberries. The flavors are better when refrigerated as leftovers for the next day.
Delicious! I had made French onion chicken two nights ago and used it for this recipe. Served on a toasted brown bread roll. I may add some chopped apples next time.
Pecan Chicken Salad stands out for its harmonious blend of grilled chicken, toasted pecans, and a flavorful homemade dressing.
✅Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and a rich flavor to the salad. Simply shred the chicken for a quick and tasty preparation.
✅Q: What dressing options work best with this salad?
Opt for a classic vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Creamy options like honey mustard or ranch also pair wonderfully with Pecan Chicken Salad.
✅Q: How do I toast pecans for the salad?
Toasting pecans enhances their nuttiness. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
✅Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Certainly! Prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and crunch.
✅Q: Are there any recommended variations for this recipe?
Customize with avocado, cucumber, or your favorite veggies for added freshness. Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavors to your liking.
✅Q: What's the best way to serve Pecan Chicken Salad?
Serve on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, wrap, or as a topping for a grain bowl for a versatile and satisfying meal.
✅Q: How long does the homemade dressing last in the fridge?
The dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week. Shake or stir well before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
✅Q: Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! Ensure your choice of mustard and any pre-packaged ingredients are gluten-free for a delicious gluten-free Pecan Chicken Salad.
✅Q: Is Pecan Chicken Salad suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it's perfect for gatherings! Easily scale up the recipe to serve a larger group and watch it become a crowd-pleaser.
