Brief Overview (100 words):
There’s something magical about the freshness and color of a Summer Chicken Salad with Pecans and Strawberries. This chicken salad recipe with pecans perfectly balances savory grilled chicken with juicy berries and crunchy toasted nuts, creating a dish that feels both light and satisfying. Ideal for warm-weather gatherings, quick weekday lunches, or outdoor picnics, it’s one of those healthy meal recipes that you’ll want to make again and again. In this guide, you’ll discover the story behind this summer favorite, its simple ingredients, step-by-step preparation, fun serving ideas, and answers to common questions about making delicious salad recipes easy.
Why This Summer Chicken Salad with Pecans & Strawberries Feels Like Home
A Taste of Summer Memories
The first time I tasted this summer chicken salad, it was during a sunny family picnic at the park. The table was filled with vibrant colors—fresh greens, ruby-red strawberries, and golden pecans glistening under the afternoon light. One bite of the chicken salad recipe with pecans, and it instantly felt like summer captured in a bowl. The grilled chicken offered a smoky warmth, while the strawberries added a burst of sweetness that paired perfectly with the nutty crunch of pecans.
From that day on, this healthy meal recipe became a family classic, showing up at every barbecue, poolside lunch, or lazy Sunday dinner. It reminds me that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs the freshness of the season and a touch of care in the preparation. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side, this summer chicken salad has the power to bring people together and add color to any summer table.
What sets this summer chicken salad apart is its irresistible texture and flavor balance. Tender pieces of grilled or shredded chicken blend beautifully with ripe strawberries, crisp leafy greens, and toasted pecans, creating harmony in every bite. The dressing—light, tangy, and slightly sweet—ties everything together, enhancing the natural freshness of each ingredient.
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summer chicken salad with pecans & strawberries – easy & healthy recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This summer chicken salad combines grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, and toasted pecans with a light honey mustard dressing for a refreshing and healthy meal. It’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, quick lunches, or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Brush chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side, then let rest and slice or shred.
2. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then remove and cool.
3. Whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well blended.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, strawberries, chicken, and pecans.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
6. Sprinkle feta cheese on top if desired and serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes for a more refreshing salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: summer chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, pecan chicken salad, strawberry salad, easy healthy salad, summer salad recipe, healthy chicken salad
Best of all, it’s one of those salad recipes easy enough to whip up after work yet elegant enough to serve at a weekend brunch. As part of your collection of healthy meal recipes, it checks every box: protein-packed, rich in antioxidants, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Perfect for busy summer days, this colorful salad captures the essence of seasonal eating with minimal effort and a whole lot of delicious payoff.
Simple Ingredients and Tools Needed for an Easy & Healthy Chicken Salad
Ingredients that Bring the Summer Vibe
This chicken salad recipe with pecans celebrates bright seasonal produce, lean protein, and a touch of crunch. To make this summer chicken salad, you’ll only need a few fresh and pantry staples. Below is a simple table outlining the main components and dressing ingredients, followed by suggested substitutions so you can easily adapt the recipe to what you have on hand.
| Ingredient Category | Ingredients | Substitution Options / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main Components | 2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled or shredded) | Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover baked chicken |
| 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine) | Substitute with kale or a spring mix for variety | |
| 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced | Try blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples if strawberries aren’t in season | |
| ½ cup toasted pecans | Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option | |
| ¼ cup feta or goat cheese (optional) | Skip for a dairy-free version or use light mozzarella | |
| Dressing Ingredients | 3 tbsp olive oil | Avocado oil or light vinaigrette base |
| 1 tbsp honey | Maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan option | |
| 1 tsp Dijon mustard | Yellow or grainy mustard for milder taste | |
| 1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar or orange juice for a twist | |
| Salt and black pepper to taste | Adjust to preference |
The beauty of this salad recipes easy approach lies in flexibility. Want extra crunch? Add cucumbers or sliced celery. Need a heartier meal? Mix in quinoa or whole grains. Every ingredient adds its own charm while keeping this summer chicken salad light, colorful, and packed with nutrients.
Kitchen Tools & Prep Tips for Success
To put together this healthy meal recipe efficiently, a few basic utensils are all you need—nothing fancy, just smart kitchen organization:
- Grill pan or skillet: Ideal for grilling chicken or reheating leftovers with a quick sear.
- Large mixing bowl: Ensures even tossing without spillovers.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For slicing strawberries, greens, and chicken safely.
- Small whisk or jar with lid: Perfect for blending the dressing ingredients quickly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Helps maintain the right balance in this easy summer chicken salad.
Prep Tips for Speed and Ease:
- Go pre-cooked: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Work smart, not hard: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Stay fresh: Dry the greens thoroughly using a salad spinner.
- Keep organized: Assemble all ingredients before mixing for a faster process.
- Be safe: Cool cooked chicken before slicing and refrigerate perishables until serving.
By prepping these essentials ahead, this chicken salad recipe with pecans transforms into a no-stress, quick meal that fits perfectly among your collection of healthy meal recipes. Whether cooking for family lunch or packing for a picnic, these simple tools and tips ensure your summer chicken salad stays crisp, colorful, and satisfying every time.
Step-by-Step Preparation and Creative Serving Ideas
How to Make the Summer Chicken Salad
Making this summer chicken salad is wonderfully quick and satisfying. With just a few straightforward steps, transform everyday ingredients into a light yet flavorful dish. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to cook, depending on whether you’re grilling or using pre-cooked chicken. Follow these easy directions for a delicious result every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: If grilling, lightly brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Rest, then slice or shred. For quick prep, use rotisserie chicken for this chicken salad recipe with pecans.
- Toast the Pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add pecans, and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring until fragrant. Remove to prevent burning and let cool to add rich flavor to your summer chicken salad.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until emulsified. Add salt and pepper. Or, shake the ingredients in a jar—a shortcut perfect for salad recipes easy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add greens, strawberries, pecans, and chicken. Pour dressing and toss gently. Sprinkle cheese last if using for extra creaminess.
- Chill or Serve: Serve your summer chicken salad right away or chill for 10–15 minutes. Either option delivers a fresh, bright flavor.
Fun Ways to Serve and Enjoy
What makes this summer chicken salad special is its versatility. Whether for weekday lunches or entertaining guests, try these creative serving ideas:
- Wrap It Up: Spoon into pita bread or tortillas for easy handheld wraps.
- Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out ripe tomatoes or avocados and fill with this healthy meal recipe for a fancy look.
- Grain Bowl Upgrade: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for a protein-packed main course.
- Classic Greens: Plate your chicken salad recipe with pecans over crisp lettuce and finish with extra lemon juice.
- Mini Party Cups: Use lettuce cups or pastry shells for bite-sized appetizers to show off salad recipes easy creativity.
Storage and Freshness Tips:
- Store components separately for advance prep—assemble when ready to keep greens crisp.
- Refrigerate leftover summer chicken salad in an airtight container for up to two days.
- For meal prep, cook and shred chicken early in the week for quick assembly later.
Balancing flavor, nutrition, and convenience, this summer chicken salad proves that wholesome eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With vibrant colors, juicy fruit, and crunchy pecans, it’s a refreshing staple among your favorite salad recipes easy.
FAQs and Enjoying Every Bite of a Fresh Summer Classic
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the components in advance—cook chicken, slice strawberries, and mix dressing. Keep them separately refrigerated and toss before serving to ensure the chicken salad recipe with pecans remains crisp and delicious.
2. What’s the best dressing for a chicken salad with fruit and nuts?
A light vinaigrette blends perfectly with fruit and nuts. The mix of olive oil, honey, mustard, and citrus keeps this chicken salad recipe with pecans vibrant, aligning beautifully with fresh, healthy meal recipes.
3. How can I store leftover summer chicken salad safely?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Keep dressing separate until serving for that essential crispness prized in quality salad recipes easy.
4. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Definitely! Swap in blueberries, apples, or grilled peaches; each brings a unique taste while maintaining the bright character of a summer chicken salad.
5. How can I make this more protein-rich or lower in calories?
Add eggs, quinoa, or chickpeas for extra protein. To lighten calories, use less dressing or skip cheese—simple tweaks for keeping this healthy meal recipe balanced and satisfying.
Celebrate the Simplicity of Real Flavor
A bowl of Summer Chicken Salad with Pecans and Strawberries captures everything wonderful about the season—fresh color, flavor, and nourishment. Tender chicken, sweet fruit, and toasted nuts deliver a combination that feels bright and fulfilling. Whether enjoyed at a picnic, potluck, or as a weekday lunch, it’s one of those salad recipes easy that become summertime favorites.
As part of your healthy meal recipes lineup, this dish proves that great food doesn’t need complex steps—just quality ingredients and creativity. Gather fresh greens, juicy berries, and wholesome chicken, then toss together this vibrant summer chicken salad to celebrate pure seasonal flavor all season long.
