Chicken Pecan Salad Mix (Printable version)

Tender chicken, toasted pecans, apples, and creamy dressing combine for a fresh, light dish.

# List of ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (approximately 10.5 oz)

→ Nuts

02 - 3/4 cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped

→ Fruits & Vegetables

03 - 1 large apple, cored and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon honey
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish (optional)

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Mixed salad greens, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant; cool then chop roughly.
02 - In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, toasted pecans, apple, celery, and red onion.
03 - Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
05 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as preferred.
06 - Serve chilled or at room temperature atop mixed greens; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 30 minutes flat, making it perfect for those days when you need something satisfying without fussing.
  • The combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy hits every flavor note your taste buds are craving.
  • It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, so it's ideal for meal prep or bringing to lunch.
02 -
  • Toast your pecans even if you think you're in a hurry—it's the difference between a salad that tastes good and one that tastes remarkable.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving; toss it in 15 minutes before you eat so the salad stays fresh and the pecans stay crispy.
  • The apple needs that lemon juice not just for flavor, but to stop it from turning brown once it's cut—a small gesture that keeps everything looking beautiful.
03 -
  • Make the dressing while the pecans cool—it's one less thing to think about and lets you taste as you go to get it just right.
  • If you're serving this to someone with allergies, double-check that your mayo and mustard are truly egg-free and nut-free if needed, because those little details matter more than any decoration ever could.

Go back