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Ingredients
- Cherry Pecan Chicken Salad
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, fully cooked and diced or shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced
- 1 c. mayonnaise
- 1 T. lemon juice
- 1 t. freshly grated lemon zest, optional
- 1 t. salt
- 1/2 t. black pepper
- 1/2 c. pecan pieces
- 1/2 c. pitted and sliced fresh cherries, or grapes, or sweetened dried cranberries
Preparation
Step 1
Chicken salad is definitely one of my favorite options for lunch or a summertime dinner. I don’t make it very often, although I’m not sure why. I think it’s because I tend to earmark my chicken for other meals.
The combination of flavors in this Cherry Pecan Chicken Salad was outstanding. It tasted so fresh and light. The pecans gave it a great crunch and the cherries were definitely an interesting textural and taste addition.
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, green onions, parsley, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using) and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet and toast over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until fragrant. Cool.
3. Using a paper towel or cheese cloth, gently pat the cherries to absorb any liquid. This is important as it will keep your whole salad from becoming pink.
4. Fold cooled pecans and cherries into the chicken salad. Refrigerate until serving