Step 2: Toast the Pecans
- Place the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until they release a nutty aroma and turn golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.
- Let them cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Why this matters: Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds extra crunch to the salad.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies and Fruit
- Dice the celery for crunch.
- Slice the green onions for a mild sharpness.
- Cut grapes in half (or use dried cranberries for a more tart kick).
These fresh, crisp elements keep the salad from being too heavy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
The honey and lemon add a sweet-tangy balance that complements the savory chicken and buttery pecans.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, pecans, celery, grapes, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the top.
- Gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- This resting time allows the flavors to mingle, giving you a more cohesive, delicious salad.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Sandwich: Pile the chicken salad between two slices of toasted bread or a croissant.
- Low-Carb Option: Scoop onto romaine leaves or butter lettuce for a light wrap.
- Party Platter: Serve with crackers or cucumber slices as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Meal Prep: Store in an airtight container and enjoy for up to 3 days.
Why Lizzy’s Version Stands Out
What makes Lizzy’s Famous Pecan Chicken Salad unique is the attention to texture and balance. The chicken provides protein and substance, pecans bring a nutty crunch, grapes offer bursts of sweetness, while the lemon-mustard dressing adds brightness. It’s comforting yet refreshing, indulgent but still wholesome.
This isn’t just a chicken salad—it’s the kind of dish that becomes a signature recipe, one that friends and family request again and again.
👉 Would you like me to also create a slightly lighter version of Lizzy’s Famous Pecan Chicken Salad (using Greek yogurt and herbs), so you can have both a classic and a healthy twist?
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