Orchard Chicken Salad

Orchard Chicken Salad: Your Next Lunchtime Obsession

Fancy a bite of something that's both proper tasty and good for you? Have you ever tried the apple pecan chicken salad ? Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you haven’t been eating it every day of your life.

It's packed with flavour and texture. I mean, who doesn't love a good chicken salad ?

A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite

This isn't just any old chicken salad recipe . Think classic apple chicken salad but with a twist! Our Orchard apple pecan chicken salad is a celebration of autumn flavors, inspired by the simple joys of a picnic in the park.

This recipe is dead easy. It only takes about 40 minutes. It makes about 4 servings. That means plenty to share (or not!).

Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad

This sweet and savory chicken salad is bursting with goodness! It's got protein from the chicken and fiber from the apple and celery.

It has heart healthy fats from the pecans. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. It's lovely for a quick lunch, a posh picnic, or even a light supper.

What makes this particular pecan chicken salad special is the combination of crisp apples and crunchy pecans. You get the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every mouthful.

I personally love this in sandwiches or as chicken salad sandwich . You know, I first had a similar salad years ago at a little cafe in the Cotswolds and have been trying to perfect it ever since!

What You'll Need: The Star Ingredients

Time to gather your bits and bobs! You will need some cooked chicken breast, red grapes, celery, red onion and, the star of the show, some red apple and pecan nuts.

For the dressing, its all about mayo, greek yogurt, Dijon mustard and a touch of honey or maple syrup.

Right then, let's dive into what you need to whip up this apple pecan chicken salad . Honestly, it's dead easy, even if you're not a star baker, you know? It is a chicken salad recipe that is a sure banger.

Let's get this pecan chicken salad ready.

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's gather our bits and bobs. Trust me, this easy chicken salad is more about the quality of your ingredients than fancy techniques.

Think fresh, bright flavours! And it will be a sweet and savory chicken salad . This is a creamy chicken salad recipe .

Main Ingredients for a banging Orchard Chicken Salad

• Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 ½ pounds (680g) shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a total cheat code for this!
• Red Seedless Grapes: 1 cup (120g) , halved or quartered. Go for plump ones!
• Red Onion: 1 cup (120g) finely diced. Not too much, you don't want onion breath all day!
• Celery: 1 cup (120g) finely diced. Adds a lovely crunch.
• Red Apple: 1 cup (140g) diced. Honeycrisp or Gala are fab, as they hold their shape well.
• Pecan Halves: ½ cup (50g) toasted and chopped. Toasting is key, don't skip it!
• Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley: ¼ cup (25g) chopped. Adds a pop of colour and freshness. I would even add chicken salad with grapes .

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs

• Essential Spice Combinations: Salt and pepper, obviously. But a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling cheeky adds a zing.
• Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: Apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard create the perfect tang. Honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
• Quick Substitution Options: No apple cider vinegar? Lemon juice works a treat!

Equipment Needed

• Large Mixing Bowl: For chucking it all together.
• Small Bowl: For whipping up the dressing.
• Baking Sheet: For toasting those lovely pecans.
• Chopping Board & Sharp Knife: Obvious, innit?

Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy gadgets required. This apple chicken salad is designed to be simple and delicious.

Now, where's my cuppa? Let's get cracking! It is also perfect for a chicken salad sandwich . And you can turn it into a fruit chicken salad recipe with the addition of extra grapes or berries.

For an autumnal twist, it is the perfect fall chicken salad .

Orchard Chicken Salad: Your New Lunchtime Obsession

Right then, let's talk apple pecan chicken salad . Honestly, who doesn’t love a good chicken salad sandwich? But we're not talking about some boring, mayo drenched mess.

This is an Orchard Chicken Salad that’s actually worth getting excited about. We're talking crunch, sweetness, a bit of tang the whole shebang.

I even use rotisserie chicken as a brilliant time saver, don't tell anyone! It is the perfect fall chicken salad !

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, get everything prepped. It's all about the mise en place , darling! Chop your red apple , dice your celery, finely mince that red onion (tears optional!).

Toast your pecans, and shred your chicken. Organisation is key. Also, don't be a numpty wash your hands before you start.

Basic, I know, but crucial!

Let's Get Cooking: The step-by-step Breakdown

1. Toast pecans in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until fragrant, around 5- 7 minutes . Watch them like a hawk, you don't want burnt nuts.
2. Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Visual Cue: Dressing should be smooth and well combined.
3. Combine shredded chicken, grapes, red onion, celery, apple , and toasted pecans in a large bowl.
4. Pour dressing over and gently fold. Overmixing leads to mush city avoid!
5. Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavours meld. Patience, young Padawan.
6. Serve on croissants, lettuce cups, or crackers. Sorted!

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

• Toast those pecans! Honestly, it makes a world of difference. The flavor just pops. Never ever skip this step!
• Don't overcook the chicken, if you're cooking it! Dry chicken is a crime against humanity. Poach it gently for the best results.
• This salad is great make-ahead . Prep everything the day before, then just dress it before serving. Easy peasy! Avoid the common mistake of adding the dressing too early! That would give you an unpleasantly soggy chicken salad .

Well, there you have it! My take on apple pecan chicken salad , super easy chicken salad , perfect for lunch or a picnic.

I hope you liked my chicken salad recipe !. This sweet and savory chicken salad its not just a meal; it's an experience! Now, off you pop to the kitchen, and get cracking!

Right then, let's talk about jazzing up your apple pecan chicken salad . This isn't just a chicken salad recipe ; it's an experience.

Trust me. I've made this so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep!

Recipe Notes

Plating Like a Pro and Pairing Perfection

Honestly, presentation matters. You eat with your eyes first, you know? For a simple yet elegant touch, serve your apple pecan chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups.

Gives it a fresh, light feel. Or, if you're feeling fancy, pile it high on a buttery croissant for a proper chicken salad sandwich .

Mmm, delish!

For sides, think light and bright. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders. And to drink? A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

If you're driving, a refreshing iced tea is just the ticket. Honestly, the key here is to not to let the side dishes overshadow the main event.

Storage Superpowers

Got leftovers? No worries! Your creamy chicken salad recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop it in an airtight container.

Freezing isn't ideal for this apple pecan chicken salad , as the mayonnaise can separate and the apples can get a bit mushy.

But if you must, scoop it into a freezer safe container and use within a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, and give it a good stir before serving.

To reheat, well, you don't! This fruit chicken salad recipe is best served cold.

Chicken Salad Chameleons: Variations Galore

Fancy a bit of a twist? For a fall chicken salad vibe, swap the red apple for pear. Or add some dried cranberries for a sweet tart punch.

Need a dairy-free option? No problem! Use a plant based mayo instead of regular mayo. It works a treat! It's amazing.

And don't forget that easy chicken salad can always be made your own.

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's be real, this sweet and savory chicken salad is pretty good for you. Each serving packs around 35 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken and Greek yogurt.

It's got roughly 450 calories, 25 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of fiber, plus a solid dose of vitamins and minerals from the fruit and veggies.

It's not just delicious; it's also fueling your body with good stuff. And don't be afraid to try this chicken salad with grapes and make it a great and healthy addition to your meals.

So there you have it, my friends! All the tips and tricks you need to make this apple pecan chicken salad a roaring success.

Now go forth and create something amazing! You've got this!