Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 large apple (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), chopped - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/2 cup celery, diced - 1/2 cup red grapes, halved - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh greens (like spinach or mixed greens) for serving - Additional spices - Extra fruits or nuts The right ingredients make this Apple Pecan Chicken Salad shine. Start with cooked chicken. You can use leftovers or rotisserie chicken. Next, pick a large apple. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp adds great crunch and sweetness. Toast your pecans to boost their flavor. Diced celery gives a crisp bite. Red grapes add sweetness. Don’t skip the red onion. It adds sharpness to balance the sweet flavors. For the dressing, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise creates a creamy texture. I like using Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Dijon mustard gives a nice tang. Honey adds sweetness while lemon juice brightens the dish. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste. Fresh greens provide a lovely bed for the salad. You can also add extra spices or fruits for more flavor. This combination of ingredients creates a fresh and vibrant salad that excites the taste buds. You’ll love how the flavors blend together as they chill in the fridge! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped apple, toasted pecans, diced celery, halved grapes, and chopped red onion. Toss this mixture gently. This helps mix flavors without crushing anything. Next, you need to prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. This dressing adds creaminess and bright flavor to the salad. Now, pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Carefully fold it all together. You want every piece coated well. After mixing, taste the salad. If it needs more flavor, adjust with extra salt, pepper, or honey. This is your chance to personalize it to your liking. Chilling the salad is key. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend and makes it taste even better. When ready to serve, layer the salad over fresh greens like spinach or mixed greens. You can also serve it in a bowl on its own. This apple pecan chicken salad looks great and tastes refreshing. Enjoy your delicious creation! - How to properly toast pecans Toasting pecans brings out their nutty flavor. To toast them, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and stir often. After about 5 minutes, they will smell fragrant and turn golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning. - Tips for chopping apples to prevent browning Apples can brown quickly after cutting. To keep them fresh, chop them just before adding to the salad. If you need to cut them early, toss the pieces in a mix of lemon juice and water. This will slow down the browning process. - Substitutions for Greek yogurt or mayonnaise If you don’t have Greek yogurt, use plain yogurt or sour cream. For a lighter option, try low-fat versions. If you prefer mayonnaise, go for a light or vegan version to suit your taste. - Adjusting sweetness and acidity You can change the sweetness by adding more honey or using a sweeter apple. For acidity, add more lemon juice or even a splash of vinegar. Tweak these to match your flavor preference. - Ideas for visually appealing plating Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates. Use a bed of fresh greens like spinach or mixed greens for a pop of color. Layer the salad high for an eye-catching look. - Garnishing tips for added freshness Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten your dish. You can also sprinkle some extra toasted pecans or apple slices on top for texture and visual appeal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apple: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite more delicious. Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness by adding more honey or adjusting the acidity with lemon juice to suit your palate. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for turkey. Turkey tastes great and works well. Another option is to use tofu. Tofu is a great choice for vegetarians. It absorbs flavors nicely and adds protein. Try adding dried cranberries for a sweet touch. They add a nice pop of color too. You could also use orange segments. These fruits give a fresh taste to your salad. Experimenting with dressings is fun! Balsamic vinaigrette can enhance the flavor. It brings a tangy kick that contrasts with the sweetness of the apples. You can make this salad fit any season. In summer, use lighter greens like arugula. For winter, add hearty greens like kale. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Use seasonal fruits too! In fall, add pears instead of apples. In spring, use fresh herbs like mint. They bring a bright flavor to your dish. You can keep your Apple Pecan Chicken Salad in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from drying out the ingredients. If you notice browning on the apple, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on it before mixing. This keeps the color bright and fresh. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the chicken and the apples. If you must freeze it, store only the chicken mixture without the dressing. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Serve it cold or at room temperature after mixing in the dressing. Make this salad ahead for busy weeks. You can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Portion it into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. If you want to serve it with greens, pack them separately to keep everything fresh. Yes, you can make Apple Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time. I suggest you prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. This gives the flavors time to blend well. Just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve it. This salad works well with many sides. Here are a few great options to pair: - Whole grain bread or rolls - Fresh fruit, like berries or melon - A light soup, such as tomato or vegetable - A simple green salad These sides will help make a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. Yes, Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is healthy. Here’s a quick look at its benefits: - Lean protein: Chicken adds protein, which is good for muscles. - Fruits and veggies: Apples, celery, and grapes add vitamins. - Healthy fats: Pecans provide heart-healthy fats. - Low in calories: Greek yogurt keeps the calories lower than mayonnaise. This salad gives you a tasty and healthy option for lunch or dinner. In this blog post, I shared a simple recipe for Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for customization. I highlighted various ways to adjust flavors and ensure freshness. Remember, this salad can fit any season and meal plan. It’s easy to make ahead and a great choice for busy days. Enjoy creating your own version of this tasty dish and feel proud of your culinary skills. Your kitchen adventures can lead to delicious, healthy meals that everyone will love.$

A refreshing salad featuring chicken, apples, pecans, and a creamy dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 large apple, chopped
0.5 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
0.5 cup celery, diced
0.5 cup red grapes, halved
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
0.5 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
as needed fresh greens for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped apple, toasted pecans, diced celery, halved grapes, and chopped red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and carefully fold until everything is thoroughly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve the salad over a bed of fresh greens or on its own in a bowl.

Notes

Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Keyword apple, chicken, healthy, pecan, salad