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To make this Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 large apple, diced (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Mixed greens for serving (optional) You can easily switch some ingredients based on what you have. - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken. - Swap the apple for a pear if you prefer. - Almonds work well if you don’t have pecans. - You can use chopped walnuts as another nut choice. - Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream if needed. - For a vegan option, use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan mayo. Fresh ingredients make your salad bright and tasty. Fresh apples and celery add crunch. Dried cranberries give a sweet touch. If you can, always pick fresh items first. They enhance the flavor and texture. Dried ingredients, however, add a unique twist. When using dried fruits, consider their sweetness. Adjust your honey in the dressing if needed. This balance keeps your salad perfect. Start with cooked chicken breast. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. I like to use leftover chicken for ease. Next, grab a tart apple, like Granny Smith. Dice it into small chunks. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Now, take 1/2 cup of pecans. Toast them for extra taste, then chop them roughly. Toss the chicken, apple, and pecans in a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for sweetness. Finally, chop 1/4 cup of celery. Add this for a fresh crunch. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise. This gives a creamy base. Add 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for tang. Whisk these together until smooth. This dressing brings all the flavors together. You can adjust the honey for your taste. Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula. Be careful not to mash the apples. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a nice touch. For a beautiful look, garnish with extra pecans and apple slices. Enjoy your delicious apple pecan chicken salad! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. When picking apples, aim for a tart variety. Granny Smith apples work well. Their crisp texture and bright flavor add a nice balance to the salad. Look for firm apples without blemishes. Fresh apples give the salad crunch and sweetness. You can also try Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter taste. Always wash your apples before dicing to remove any dirt or wax. Your dressing should be creamy but not too thick. Start with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a rich base. Mix in honey for sweetness and apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water. Whisk until smooth, and taste often. Adjust the flavors to fit your liking. A good dressing brings all the salad flavors together. Serve your salad on a bed of mixed greens for added color. This helps to make your dish look lovely. You can add extra apple slices and pecans for garnish. Nuts provide a nice crunch, while apples add freshness. Pair your salad with whole-grain bread or crackers for a complete meal. It’s a great dish for lunch or a light dinner. For an extra twist, serve it with a light vinaigrette on the side. For the full recipe, check out the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad 🥗 section. {{image_2}} You can use many proteins in this salad. Besides chicken, turkey works well. It gives a nice taste, especially after a holiday. You can even try tofu for a vegetarian option. Tofu soaks up flavor and adds protein. Just make sure to press it to remove extra water for the best texture. Adding herbs and spices can change the salad’s taste. Try using fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They add a fresh kick. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the flavor. It gives a warm note that pairs well with apples. A touch of pepper can add a bit of heat, too. Be creative with your spice choices! This salad can change with the seasons. In fall, use apples and add roasted squash. That gives a warm, hearty feel. In summer, mix in fresh berries for a sweet touch. You can swap the nuts for sunflower seeds for a lighter crunch. These changes keep the salad exciting all year round. For the full recipe, check out the details below! To keep Apple Pecan Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it before sealing. This helps keep moisture out. Keep the salad in the fridge until you are ready to eat. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it is best to throw it away. You can freeze Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, but it may change texture. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and stir well before serving. For the best taste and texture, I recommend enjoying it fresh. For more details, check out the Full Recipe for the perfect Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. Yes, you can make Apple Pecan Chicken Salad ahead of time. This salad tastes great after a few hours in the fridge. You can mix all the ingredients and store them in an airtight container. It stays fresh for about two days. Just remember to add the apples last to keep them crisp. You have many options for the dressing. You can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream for a tangy taste. If you want a lighter option, skip the mayo. Mix olive oil with lemon juice for a fresh twist. You can also try adding a dash of mustard for extra flavor. To boost the nutrition, add more veggies. Chopped spinach or kale adds fiber and vitamins. You can also mix in chickpeas or black beans for protein. For healthy fats, use avocado slices. These additions make the salad even more filling and good for you. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to prepare this delicious dish: Apple Pecan Chicken Salad 🥗. You learned how to make a tasty Apple Pecan Chicken Salad. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips. I shared variations and storage tips for freshness. Now you can try your own version of this salad. Explore different options and flavors to make it your own. Enjoy this healthy meal with ease and confidence!

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

Discover the refreshing and delicious Apple Pecan Chicken Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, tart apples, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a delightful twist on traditional salad.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 large apple, diced (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)

1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed greens for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced apple, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and finely chopped celery.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

      Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined.

        Season with salt and pepper to taste; adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.

          Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

            Serve on a bed of mixed greens, if using, or enjoy it as is.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a beautiful salad bowl, garnished with extra pecans and apple slices on top for added visual appeal.