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Salads & Side dishes Apple pecan chicken salad

Apple pecan chicken salad

This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp Honeycrisp apples, and crunchy roasted pecans, it offers a delightful variety of textures in every bite. Whether you are preparing a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a versatile staple that comes together in just minutes.

The secret to this salad’s appeal is the creamy, tangy dressing made from a blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, lightened with a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar. It is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken while creating a meal that feels sophisticated and fresh. Serve it on a bed of greens, tucked into a buttery croissant, or as a protein-packed snack with your favorite crackers.

Key Ingredients

  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the produce by washing and drying the apple, celery, and green onions.
  2. Finely chop the apple and celery, and thinly slice the green onions into small pieces.
  3. Roughly chop the roasted pecans and ensure the cooked chicken is shredded or cut into bite-sized chunks.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
  5. Combine the chicken, chopped apple, celery, green onions, and pecans in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Pour the whisked dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
  7. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp Honeycrisp apples, and crunchy roasted pecans, it offers a delightful variety of textures in every bite. Whether you are preparing a quick weekday lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is a versatile staple that comes together in just minutes.

The secret to this salad’s appeal is the creamy, tangy dressing made from a blend of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, lightened with a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar. It is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken while creating a meal that feels sophisticated and fresh. Serve it on a bed of greens, tucked into a buttery croissant, or simply with crackers for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.