Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples
If you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, look no further than this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples. This delightful salad combines tender, shredded chicken with the creamy goodness of Greek yogurt, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the crisp sweetness of Granny Smith apples. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or meal prep for the week ahead. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples is not only delicious but also offers numerous benefits that make it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, this salad is a nutritious choice.
- Crunch Factor: The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch that elevates the dish.
- Sweet and Savory: The tartness of the Granny Smith apple beautifully balances the richness of the yogurt dressing.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or on top of greens for a delightful salad.
- Quick to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can whip this salad up in no time!
The Essentials
To make this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced small
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons clean eating mayonnaise
- 1 cup pecans, lightly toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Setup & Equipment
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the apple and mincing the onion.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Pan: For toasting the pecans.
- Fork: For shredding the chicken.
From Start to Finish: Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing this delightful chicken salad! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish that you’ll want to make time and time again.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them in your preferred method—grilling, baking, or poaching works great. Once cooked, let them cool slightly and then shred using a fork. Set aside.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecans. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced Granny Smith apple, minced red onion, and toasted pecans.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Kosher salt, and ground cumin until smooth and creamy. This dressing is what ties all the flavors together!
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until the chicken and apple are well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some of the apple chunks intact for texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
You can serve this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples immediately, or refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together. It’s delicious on its own, in a sandwich, or served over a bed of greens!
No-Store Runs Needed
One of the best parts of this recipe is that you likely have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you might already have in your pantry:
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Clean eating mayonnaise
- Kosher salt
- Ground cumin
- Pecans
If you need to grab anything, it’s just a few items from your local grocery store, making this recipe a breeze to whip up!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- For an added flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a hint of heat.
- Feel free to swap out the Granny Smith apple for another variety if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Experiment with different nuts; walnuts or almonds can also work well in this recipe.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it out in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving. However, it’s not recommended to freeze the salad if it contains the apple, as it may become mushy upon thawing.
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save you time and still yield delicious results. Just shred it and follow the recipe as directed.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt, but the texture will be thinner. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based yogurt.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!
What can I serve with Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad?
This salad is versatile and can be served on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens. It also pairs well with whole grain crackers or pita chips.
What to Make After This
If you enjoyed this Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples, here are some other delicious recipes to try:
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Balsamic Glazed Chicken
That’s a Wrap
This Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples is a delightful dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also refreshing and satisfying. With its healthy ingredients and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for any meal occasion. Whether you enjoy it solo, on a sandwich, or atop a salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Toasted Pecans and Apples
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start with 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them in your preferred method—grilling, baking, or poaching works great. Once cooked, let them cool slightly and then shred using a fork. Set aside.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecans. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced Granny Smith apple, minced red onion, and toasted pecans.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Kosher salt, and ground cumin until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until well coated.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy on its own, in a sandwich, or over greens!
Notes
- Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a hint of heat.
- Swap the Granny Smith apple for another variety if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prep.
- Experiment with different nuts; walnuts or almonds can also work well.
