Pecan Chicken Salad

This refreshing Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on a classic, packed with crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and a hint of tangy Dijon mustard.

A satisfying blend of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a topping for your favorite greens.

Ready Time

20 mins

Yields

9 servings

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chicken breast pieces, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and chopped chives until smooth.

Add the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken and mix until the chicken is well coated. Stir in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Once chilled, fluff the salad gently with a fork to redistribute the ingredients. Serve the Pecan Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce, on a bun, or as a topping for your favorite greens.

Notes

For the best flavor, make sure to use fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, as they make a big difference in the overall taste of the salad. Also, be gentle when fluffing the salad after it’s chilled, as you want to redistribute the ingredients without breaking up the pecans or chicken.

If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare the mayonnaise mixture and refrigerate it overnight, then assemble the salad just before serving.

Toasting the pecans in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes will bring out their flavor and texture, if you prefer a more caramelized taste. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients like diced apples or grapes to give it a personal touch.