Chicken Salad With Pecans
A creamy and flavorful chicken salad featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a tangy sour cream and mayonnaise dressing with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or appetizer, appealing to those who enjoy rich textures and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken until done, then let cool and cut into small chunks.
- Fry bacon until very crisp, then crumble into bacon bits.
- Chop celery medium fine.
- Open canned mushrooms and drain.
- Place chicken, bacon bits, celery, pecans, and mushrooms in a large bowl.
- Add sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to the bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and spices before boiling. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for boiled chicken. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option. For crunch, feel free to add chopped apples or grapes along with the pecans.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with a light green salad or can be served in a sandwich or wrap for a hearty lunch. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or potato chips for a complete meal. It’s also great for picnics or potlucks, alongside dishes like Easy Pot Pie or Chicken Casserole Deluxe.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, gently warm the chicken separately and then mix it back into the salad, but keep in mind that the dressing may not hold up well to reheating. Serve chilled for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad With Pecans contains roughly 170 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 541mg per serving (24% 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 use other types of nuts in this chicken salad?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different texture and taste. Just remember to adjust the quantity according to your preference.
Is it possible to make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served the next day.
What can I serve with chicken salad?
Chicken salad is versatile! It pairs well with crusty bread for sandwiches, on a bed of greens, or even in lettuce cups. For a complete meal, consider serving it with sides like coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
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).