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Fresh Cherry Chicken Salad with Candied Pecans

Fresh Cherry Chicken Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad combining shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh cherries, mixed greens, and candied pecans, tossed in a light and flavorful dressing. Perfect for a refreshing homemade lunch or potluck dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep)
  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Candy the Pecans (10 minutes): Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt, then stir in brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Toss in chopped pecans and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes until glossy and caramelized. Transfer pecans to parchment paper to cool and harden.
  2. Prepare the Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
  3. Prep the Salad Ingredients (8 minutes): Pit and halve fresh cherries. Chop or shred cooked chicken. Thinly slice red onion. If using, crumble feta cheese. Combine all in a large mixing bowl with salad greens.
  4. Assemble the Salad (2 minutes): Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle candied pecans on top just before serving to keep their crunch.

Notes

Watch heat carefully when candying pecans to avoid burning. Use room temperature chicken for best flavor. Toss salad just before serving to keep greens crisp and pecans crunchy. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based alternative. Frozen cherries can be used if fresh are unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken salad, cherry salad, candied pecans, quick lunch, easy salad, rotisserie chicken, fresh cherries, healthy salad

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-cherry-chicken-salad-recipe-with-candied-pecans-easy-homemade-lunch-ideas/