Perfectly Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad

This recipe combines tender chicken with a delightful mix of almonds and pecans for a nutritious and satisfying salad.

• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

• 1 whole chicken breast, boneless and skinless (about 500g)
• 1/4 cup of low-fat mayonnaise or yogurt for salad dressing
• 1 tsp of lemon juice
• 2 tsp of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the nuts:

• 30g of almonds, toasted
• 30g of pecans, toasted

Instructions:

1. Cooking chicken breast: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the chicken breast on a baking tray and bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (about 35 minutes). Let the chicken cool down slightly.
2. Mixing ingredients for the salad dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or yogurt with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste it to adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Cutting the chicken: Once cooled, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Mixing everything together: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with toasted almonds and pecans. Add your prepared dressing mixture and toss until all ingredients are well combined.

Tips for Perfect Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad:

• Toasting nuts adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat or by spreading them on a baking tray and placing it in your oven at 180°C until lightly browned.
• If you prefer a tangy dressing, consider adding more lemon juice or apple cider vinegar while mixing. For a creamier version, use more mayonnaise or yogurt.
• This salad is best enjoyed within the first couple of days as it contains eggs and chicken which can go bad if left for too long at room temperature.

How to Store Leftovers:

To store any leftover Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container. It's best refrigerated within two days. Avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to eat; otherwise, the chicken may spoil faster.

Variations and Alternatives:

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with 4 cups of cooked quinoa or brown rice. Add in a few chopped vegetables such as red bell peppers, celery, and carrots for extra texture and flavor.
2. Spicy Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad: Add some heat by including sliced jalapeno peppers along with the nuts and chicken.
3. Sweet Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad: Include a bit of honey or maple syrup into your dressing mixture for a sweeter taste. Pair this with cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones to bring out the sweetness in the dish.

Health Benefits:

This Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also very nutritious. It contains essential proteins from the chicken, healthy fats from nuts, and fiber from vegetables (if included). Nuts like almonds and pecans are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E.

Conclusion:

The Almond-Pecan Chicken Salad is a versatile meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish. It's packed with flavor and nutrients, making it perfect for any day of the week. Try this recipe today to see how easy and satisfying it is!