- Pecans, toasted and roughly chopped (nut, crunchy, savory)
- Mayonnaise (dressing, creamy, smooth)
- Red onion, thinly sliced (vegetable, crisp, sweet)
- Celery, diced (vegetable, crunchy, mild)
- Lemon juice (tart, zesty, refreshing)
- Salt and pepper (seasoning, flavorful, essential)
- Optional: Grated apple (fruit, sweet, tangy)
Advertisement
Steps
### Delicious Chicken Salad with Fresh Herbs and Pecans Recipe
Chicken salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. By adding fresh herbs and pecans, you'll elevate this classic recipe to a new level of flavor. This guide will walk you through creating a savory chicken salad that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
#### **Ingredients:**
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup chopped apples (Granny Smith works well)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
#### **Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Begin by cooking your chicken breast. You can grill, bake, or poach it until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Chop Your Ingredients:**
- While the chicken is cooling, chop your apple, celery, parsley, and basil into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that all ingredients blend well in the salad.
3. **Combine Base Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, chopped apples, and chopped celery.
4. **Add Herbs and Pecans:**
- Gently fold in the fresh parsley, basil, and pecans to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
5. **Dressing Preparation:**
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and lemon juice until well combined.
6. **Seasoning:**
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust as needed for your preference.
7. **Refrigerate Before Serving:**
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. **Serve:**
- Serve chilled on lettuce leaves, in a sandwich, or as a side dish with crackers.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired for an extra pop of color and freshness.
#### **Tips & Variations:**
- For added crunch, you can also add some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds to the mix.
- Substitute apples with pears for a different flavor profile.
- Consider using olive oil instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delicious chicken salad that's both satisfying and healthy. Perfect this dish as a meal prep item or serve it immediately for an impressive lunch or dinner party.