Are you tired of boring, bland chicken salads that leave your taste buds begging for excitement? Get ready to transform your lunch game with this mouthwatering Basil Pecan Chicken Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, juicy shredded chicken dancing with crisp celery, aromatic fresh basil, and crunchy toasted pecans - all brought together by a zesty, creamy dressing that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that's quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Pecans, chopped
- Celery, diced
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breast. If you have not already cooked it, you can poach or grill the chicken until fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Allow the chicken to cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and chop fresh basil leaves until you have about 1/4 cup. Make sure to remove any tough stems. Set aside.
- Next, take the pecans and chop them coarsely. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes for added flavor, but this step is optional. Allow them to cool if toasted.
- Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces. You will need about 1 cup of diced celery for crunch and freshness in the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped basil, chopped pecans, and diced celery. Mix these ingredients gently to combine.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting to your preference.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold it in until all the ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the chicken and vegetables intact.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Basil Pecan Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: For the most tender and flavorful chicken, consider poaching or grilling it fresh. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too!
- Toast Those Pecans: Taking an extra 3-5 minutes to toast your pecans will elevate the flavor profile dramatically. The light toasting brings out a deeper, nuttier taste that takes this salad to the next level.
- Freshness is Key: Use freshly chopped basil and crisp celery for the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted herbs or soggy vegetables.
- Dressing Hack: Let the salad chill for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more cohesive taste experience.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile salad can be served on a bed of mixed greens, as a sandwich filling, in a wrap, or even as a delightful dip with crackers!Pro Tip: Make extra! This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
