Chicken And Pecan Salad
A creamy chicken and pecan salad with crisp celery and a tangy lemon mayonnaise dressing, perfect for light lunches or picnics and suited to casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine diced chicken, chopped hard-cooked eggs, chopped pecans, and chopped celery in a bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced onion, onion salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill the salad for about 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with sliced tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using roasted pecans instead of raw. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add other ingredients like grapes or apple for sweetness, similar to what you'd find in Honey 'N' Fruit Chicken Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken and pecan salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing lunch. It pairs beautifully with sliced tomatoes and whole grain crackers. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup like Susan Smith's Cheese Soup. This salad is also great for picnics or potlucks, making it a versatile dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and pecan salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a bit more mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. It's best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat; simply serve straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Pecan Salad contains roughly 630 calories, with 11g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pecan salad a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together wonderfully, but it's best to add any garnishes, like tomatoes, right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or avocado can be excellent substitutes. Both will provide creaminess while adding unique flavors to the salad. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly, as these alternatives can change the taste profile slightly.
Can I add fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! Adding fruits like grapes, apples, or dried cranberries can enhance the flavor and add a nice sweetness to the salad. These additions will complement the pecans, making the dish more vibrant and enjoyable, similar to the fruit-forward elements found in many American recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).