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- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and diced - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh greens (such as lettuce or baby spinach) - Optional garnishes (whole pecans, apple slices) In this delicious Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, you find a mix of flavors and textures. The chicken offers protein and heartiness. The Granny Smith apple brings a crisp tartness. Pecan nuts add a crunchy bite. Celery and red onion give the salad a fresh crunch and a bit of sweetness. For the dressing, I like using Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and keeps the salad light. Honey adds just the right touch of sweetness, while apple cider vinegar brightens all the flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. When you're ready to serve, lay the salad on a bed of fresh greens. You can use lettuce or baby spinach. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps. This makes a great lunch or light dinner. You can also make it look pretty with whole pecans and apple slices on top. If you want the full details, check out the Full Recipe. - Combine chicken, apple, pecans, celery, and onion in a mixing bowl. - Prepare the dressing by whisking yogurt, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper. - Drizzle dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat. Start by taking your cooked chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. You want these pieces small enough to mix well but big enough to enjoy. Next, grab a Granny Smith apple. Core it and dice it into small cubes. The tartness of this apple adds a great taste. Chop your pecans roughly. Toasting them first adds a nice crunch. Then, finely chop your celery and red onion. Each adds a unique flavor to the salad. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth. This dressing ties everything together. Pour it over your chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey to your preference. Now it's time for a taste test! Take a spoonful and see how it is. If it needs more flavor, add a bit more salt, pepper, or honey. You may want it sweeter or more tangy, so adjust to your liking. - Serve on a bed of greens or as lettuce wraps. To serve, you can use fresh greens as a base. Lettuce or baby spinach works well. If you want a fun twist, use large lettuce leaves as wraps. This makes for a great finger food option. Enjoy your Apple Pecan Chicken Salad! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To keep Apple Pecan Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This way, it stays crisp. If you have leftovers, they last in the fridge for up to three days. Use leftover chicken in soups or wraps for a tasty meal. Want to boost the taste? Try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. They add a nice touch. For dressing swaps, mix in a bit of mustard or use balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor. These changes can make your salad even more exciting. Make your salad look great! Serve it in clear glass bowls to show off the colors. Garnish with whole pecans and apple slices for flair. You can also use fun platters or lettuce leaves for a creative twist. This way, your salad is not just tasty but also beautiful. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for turkey. Cooked turkey works great and gives a similar taste. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Firm tofu can soak up flavors well. Just press and cube it before mixing. This will make the salad friendly for vegetarians and vegans. While Granny Smith apples are perfect, you can try other apples too. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring a sweet crunch. You can also use seasonal fruits. Fresh pears or even peaches can add fun flavors. For extra sweetness, toss in grapes or dried cranberries. Both of these mix-ins add texture and taste. The dressing can change up the whole dish. Besides Greek yogurt, you can use a mustard vinaigrette. This will add a nice tang. Balsamic dressing is another option. To adjust the sweetness, add more honey or vinegar. Taste as you go to find what you love best. To keep your Apple Pecan Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This salad stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid any unwanted odors. If you notice any ingredients starting to lose their crunch, it’s time to enjoy it! I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the chicken and apples. If you do freeze it, use it within a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before eating. Just remember, this salad tastes best fresh! Keep individual ingredients fresh by storing them properly. For chicken, use a sealed bag in the fridge. Apples should go in a cool, dark place. Pecans stay fresh in a jar, away from heat. Prep ingredients in advance by chopping veggies a day before. This saves time and keeps everything crisp! Yes, you can prepare the salad a day before. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Just add the dressing right before serving. This way, the salad stays crisp. If you can't use Greek yogurt, try sour cream. It gives a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a nut-based yogurt. These alternatives still taste great in this salad. Yes, this salad can be gluten-free. All the main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. To ensure it's safe, check that your chicken and other extras are gluten-free. Always read labels on packaged items. You can add many veggies! Try diced bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Carrots add color and texture too. Spinach or arugula can make the salad even leafier. These veggies enhance the flavor and make it healthier. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. We looked at main ingredients and the dressing, then followed step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for meal prep and flavor enhancements. You can customize this dish with protein and fruit substitutes, making it your own. Remember, storing your salad correctly helps it stay fresh longer. Enjoy this easy recipe for a tasty and satisfying meal that suits any occasion.

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

Discover the delicious Apple Pecan Chicken Salad that combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet Granny Smith apples for a refreshing meal! In just 15 minutes, you'll have a vibrant salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Toss everything in a creamy dressing, serve on fresh greens, or use in lettuce wraps for a tasty twist. Click through to explore this easy recipe and wow your family with a flavorful dish they'll love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and diced into small cubes

1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped for added crunch

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped for a refreshing crunch

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped for sweetness and bite

1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a creamier texture)

1 tablespoon honey, for a touch of sweetness

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, to enhance flavor

Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning

Fresh greens (such as crisp lettuce or baby spinach) for serving

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, diced apple, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and red onion. Stir the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.

      Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and use a spatula to gently toss until all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.

        Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or honey according to your preference for flavor.

          To serve, spoon the salad onto a bed of fresh greens, or for a lighter option, use the mixture as filling in crisp lettuce wraps.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an attractive display, consider serving the salad in clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients, and garnish with a few whole pecans and a slice of apple on top for added flair.