Chicken Salad with Pecans (Printable)
Tender chicken, crisp pecans, fresh celery, and sweet grapes come together in a creamy dressing. Ideal for lunch or a gathering.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
→ Nuts
02 - ½ cup roughly chopped pecans
→ Vegetables & Fruits
03 - 1 cup finely sliced celery
04 - 1 cup halved red seedless grapes
05 - 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
→ Dressing
06 - ½ cup mayonnaise
07 - ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, roughly chopped pecans, finely sliced celery, halved red seedless grapes, and finely diced red onion.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - If desired, fold in the chopped fresh parsley.
05 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully meld.
06 - Serve the chilled chicken salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or alongside crackers.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- You&ll be amazed at how such a straightforward recipe can deliver such sophisticated flavors.
- It&s truly a dish that tastes like comfort food but feels refreshingly light and wholesome.
02 -
- Never rush the refrigeration step; those 30 minutes are critical for the flavors to truly meld and deepen.
- Using fresh lemon juice really makes a world of difference, providing a brightness that bottled juice just can&t replicate.
03 -
- Resist the urge to over-mix the salad once the dressing is added; too much stirring can break down the chicken and make it stringy.
- Always taste your dressing *before* combining it with the other ingredients, so you can adjust the seasoning perfectly.