This Easy Pecan Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser! It’s made with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and juicy grapes, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Yum!
You can serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich—either way, it’s a tasty treat! I love making it ahead of time, then enjoying it as a quick lunch. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover cooked chicken from another meal. If you’re looking for a lighter option, shredded turkey works well too.
Pecans: These add a nice crunch, but if you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayo is classic, but you can swap it out for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. It gives a nice tangy flavor, as well!
Grapes or Apples: Both are optional, but they add sweetness and contrast. If you can’t find fresh grapes, dried cranberries or raisins would be yummy alternatives.
How Can I Make My Chicken Salad Extra Flavorful?
To really enhance the flavor, make sure to season your salad well. Adding salt and pepper is key, but you can also try incorporating some fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- After mixing your ingredients, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If you’re using the Dijon mustard, it brings a nice depth. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also brighten the flavor.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the ingredients blend beautifully.
How to Make Easy Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Whole grain crackers or bread, for serving
- Optional: 1/2 cup grapes, halved or 1/2 cup diced apple for a bit of sweetness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to blend together nicely. All in all, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, chopped pecans, and red onion. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Whisk the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it) until smooth. This will be the creamy dressing for your salad.
3. Combine the Dressing & Salad:
Pour the creamy dressing over your chicken mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference. If you like a bit of sweetness, fold in the grapes or diced apple now.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps develop the flavors!
6. Serve:
Once chilled, you can serve the chicken salad on fresh lettuce leaves or use it as a filling for sandwiches. Pair it with whole grain crackers for a crunchy side!
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your delicious and easy pecan chicken salad! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a special gathering!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly, and it saves time. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What if I Don’t Like Mayo?
No problem! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or use a blend of yogurt and mayo for a lighter version. Both will still give you that creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pecan chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like chopped apples, dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or even some diced bell peppers for a crunch. Make it your own!
