Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a dish that's both healthy and delicious? Look no further! Our Apple Chicken Salad with Rosemary Pecans is a game-changer. With the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp apple, and crunchy pecans, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the secret to this mouthwatering recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary over the pecans during the last minute of toasting. Remove from heat and let cool.
- If using uncooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool, then shred using two forks.
- Dice the apple into small, uniform cubes. Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Finely chop the celery to provide a fresh, crunchy element to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced apple, and chopped celery.
- Add mayonnaise and mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the rosemary-toasted pecans, reserving a few for garnish.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with reserved rosemary pecans.
- Serve chilled on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a versatile meal.
Tips
- * To ensure the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh rosemary and crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. * Don't overmix the salad, as this can make it tough and unappetizing. Instead, gently fold in the ingredients until they're just combined. * Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will make a huge difference in the final taste and texture. * Consider toasting the pecans in advance to save time. Simply store them in an airtight container until you're ready to assemble the salad. * Be creative with your serving options! This salad is delicious on its own, but it's also amazing in a sandwich, on top of a bed of mixed greens, or with crackers for a quick snack.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
