Chicken Pecan Salad
A fresh, crunchy chicken salad with grapes, apples, and pecans, perfect for light lunches or picnics, combining sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the diced cooked chicken, diced celery, lemon juice, minced onion, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir well and chill for several hours to let flavors meld.
- Add mayonnaise, seedless grapes, chopped apples, and chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for cooked chicken. You can also swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred. To add a bit of sweetness, try using honey instead of sugar. This salad can easily be adjusted to fit your tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Pecan Salad is perfect served on a bed of crisp lettuce or as a filling for sandwiches. It pairs well with whole grain crackers or fresh fruit on the side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Cauliflower Chowder(Yields 4 To 6 Servings) for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the apples and grapes, consider adding them right before serving if you plan to keep the salad for a longer period. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the mayonnaise base.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Pecan Salad contains roughly 442 calories, with 7g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2291mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
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 salad a few hours in advance. In fact, chilling it for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wait to add the apples and grapes until you're ready to serve to keep them fresh.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayonnaise, offering creaminess without the extra calories. You can also use avocado or a vegan mayonnaise if you're avoiding eggs.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken Pecan Salad is ideal for meal prep. Just keep the dressing and the salad components separate until you're ready to eat. This will help maintain the crispness of the vegetables and fruits.
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).