This Easy Pecan Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and fresh veggies. It’s creamy, delicious, and great for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how quick this recipe is! Just mix everything in a bowl and you’re good to go. Perfect for those busy days when you need something tasty and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For the best flavor, use cooked chicken breast. Rotisserie chicken works great too. If you want, you can use turkey as a substitute for a different twist!
Pecans: These add a lovely crunch! If pecans aren’t available, walnuts or sunflower seeds can be good alternatives. They provide a similar texture and flavor.
Mayonnaise: This is what makes the salad creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang!
Celery: It gives a nice crunch to the salad. If you want a different flavor, diced apples or grapes could be a fun swap—they add sweetness!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad Is Flavorful?
Getting the flavor just right is key for chicken salad. Here are my tips:
- Seasoning: Don’t skip the salt and black pepper. It enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- Chill: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes after mixing helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Add Ins: Consider adding finely chopped green onions or red onion for extra bite and freshness. A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can brighten the overall flavor too!
Easy Pecan Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Optional: 1/4 cup green onions or red onion, finely chopped
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious, refreshing chicken salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, chopped celery, and chopped pecans. Mix them together gently so everything is evenly distributed.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Mix these ingredients until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the mixture to taste. If you like, add in the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, along with the green onions or red onion, and mix again for extra flavor.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully!
6. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy it, serve the pecan chicken salad on fresh lettuce leaves. You can also pair it with whole grain crackers or bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy your creamy, crunchy, and flavorful Easy Pecan Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, works perfectly. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the texture.
Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?
Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mayonnaise and serve it on gluten-free crackers or bread. Always check the labels to be sure!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Chicken Salad?
This salad is delicious served on fresh lettuce leaves for a light option. You can also enjoy it with whole grain crackers or on a sandwich for a heartier meal.
