Two-Step Chicken Pecan Salad
A flavorful chicken salad featuring toasted pecans, fresh herbs, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for light lunches or picnics and suitable for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine diced cooked chicken, diced celery, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, dried tarragon, and oil; stir until well mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, stirring once or twice to blend the flavors.
- Before serving, fold in chopped toasted pecans and mayonnaise.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add chopped apples or grapes. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to add additional herbs like dill or chives for a fresh twist. This salad pairs beautifully with Chicken Breast On Rice for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken pecan salad on a bed of mixed greens or in a sandwich for a hearty lunch. It also pairs well with a side of Dress-Em-Up Carrots for a colorful and nutritious meal. Consider serving it alongside a light soup for a complete dinner or at a picnic, where it can shine as a refreshing dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a bit of additional mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. For best quality, avoid freezing this salad, as the texture may change once thawed. Always check for freshness before consuming leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two-Step Chicken Pecan Salad contains roughly 1698 calories, with 6g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 187g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1920mg per serving (83% 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, this chicken pecan salad can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier. Just remember to fold in the pecans and mayonnaise right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
What can I substitute for the pecans?
If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds as a substitute. Both will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Alternatively, for a nut-free version, try adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which will give a similar texture without the allergens.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken pecan salad is great for meal prep! You can store it in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just be sure to keep the pecans separate until you're ready to eat, so they stay crunchy and fresh.
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).