Olive-Pecan Chicken Slaw
A flavorful chicken slaw featuring crunchy pecans, sweet apples, and savory olives, dressed in a tangy mustard cream, perfect for light lunches or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. pecans ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cubed, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 medium size Red Delicious apple, unpeeled, cored and diced ⓘ
- 1 small jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1 can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- Mustard Cream Dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a wide frying pan over medium heat.
- Add pecans and cook, stirring often, until nuts turn a darker brown.
- Drain pecans on paper towels and set aside.
- Combine Mustard Cream Dressing, shredded cabbage, cooked chicken, diced apple, drained pimentos, drained olives, and sliced celery in a large bowl.
- Season the mixture to taste with salt.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top of the slaw and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped apples or a handful of raisins for sweetness. If pecans are unavailable, walnuts can be used as a substitute. You can also enhance the flavor by adding chopped green onions or a sprinkle of paprika. Adjust the Mustard Cream Dressing to your taste, perhaps adding a dash of honey for sweetness or a bit more mustard for tang.
Serving Suggestions
This slaw makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats, such as Grilled Chicken Wings or alongside a hearty sandwich. It can also be served on a bed of greens for a light lunch. Consider pairing it with a light vinaigrette or a refreshing cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Olive-Pecan Chicken Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch of the cabbage, it's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. When reheating, avoid microwave heating as it can make the slaw soggy; instead, serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive-Pecan Chicken Slaw contains roughly 1048 calories, with 13g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1256mg per serving (55% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a rich flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Each type of nut will bring its unique taste and texture, making the slaw versatile. Just remember to toast them for added flavor and crunch.
Is the dressing essential for this slaw?
The Mustard Cream Dressing is a key component that binds the flavors together and adds creaminess. However, if you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and mustard to keep it fresh.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Olive-Pecan Chicken Slaw vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with cooked chickpeas or tofu for protein. The remaining ingredients will still provide a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy.
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).