Fresh Peach And Pecan Chicken Salad

Summer just got a whole lot sweeter with this Fresh Peach and Pecan Chicken Salad! Juicy grilled chicken, crisp pecans, and ripe peaches come together in perfect harmony, all tied up with a tangy honey-lime dressing.

It’s a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Ready Time

20 mins

Yields

6 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 ripe peaches, diced
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, then let them cool completely. Chop the cooked chicken into smaller pieces and set aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and lime juice until well combined.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced peaches, pecan halves, and chopped parsley. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the top and toss until everything is coated evenly.

Stir in the grated lime zest.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, give the mixture a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Spoon the Fresh Peach And Pecan Chicken Salad onto a bed of greens or serve on a toasted baguette for a delicious and refreshing meal!

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken, as it should be juicy and tender. Make sure to let it cool completely before chopping it into smaller pieces, so it’s easier to handle.

Use ripe but firm peaches, as they’ll hold their shape better in the salad.

You can also use other types of stone fruits like nectarines or plums if peaches aren’t in season. Pecan halves can be toasted in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned, to bring out their flavor and crunch.

You can customize the amount of honey and lime juice to your taste, depending on how sweet and tangy you like your salad.

If you’re preparing this salad ahead of time, keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.

For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream.