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Creamy Classic Southern Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes and Pecans Made Easy

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A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet Southern chicken salad featuring juicy grapes and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for quick lunches, brunches, or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: smoked paprika or hot sauce for a kick

Instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Rinse 1 cup red seedless grapes and slice them in half. Set aside.
  3. Finely chop 1/2 cup celery and thinly slice 2 tablespoons green onions.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Stir in 3 cups shredded cooked chicken.
  6. Gently fold in grapes, toasted pecans, celery, and green onions until evenly coated, being careful not to crush the grapes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika if desired.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Use warm chicken for best texture. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Gently fold ingredients to avoid crushing grapes. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of milk or buttermilk. Add pecans just before serving to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, Southern chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, grapes, pecans, easy chicken salad, quick lunch, healthy chicken salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/creamy-classic-southern-chicken-salad-recipe-with-grapes-and-pecans-made-easy/