Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans is a refreshing and creamy dish that strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. With tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that works for lunch, picnics, or light dinners.

The flavor profile combines the mild savoriness of chicken with the natural sweetness of grapes and the nutty crunch of pecans. Tossed in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of tang, this salad is delicious on its own, scooped onto crackers, or piled high in sandwiches and wraps.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

This chicken salad is a well-rounded dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and sweet all at once. It’s made with cooked chicken, halved grapes, toasted pecans, and a simple dressing, and can be served chilled. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to prepare but feels special enough for entertaining.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Chicken Dorito Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Tetrazzini
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Stir Fry

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Quick to make – Ready in 20 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
• Perfect for lunches – Tastes great in sandwiches, wraps, or on lettuce leaves.
• Make-ahead friendly – Flavors develop even more when chilled.
• Balanced flavors – Sweet, savory, and crunchy all in one.
• Customizable – Easy to adjust with different nuts or fruits.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ cup celery, diced
• ¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

• Prepare dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Add main ingredients: Stir in chicken, grapes, pecans, celery, and green onions. Mix until well coated.
• Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
• Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too watery – I added grapes without drying them. Patting them dry before mixing kept the salad creamy.
• Overpowering dressing – Using too much mayonnaise made it heavy. Balancing with lemon juice lightened it up.
• Pecans soggy – Adding nuts too early caused them to soften. Toasting and adding them last kept the crunch.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy This Dish

• In lettuce wraps – A light, low-carb option.
• As a dip – Scoop with crackers or pita chips for appetizers.
• Stuffed in croissants – Makes an elegant brunch dish.
• Over greens – Serve as a topping for a leafy green salad.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans Success

• Toast the pecans – Enhances flavor and crunch.
• Dry the grapes – Prevents watery dressing.
• Use chilled chicken – Keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
• Adjust creaminess – Add more or less mayonnaise to taste.
• Chill before serving – Enhances flavor and texture.
• Make in advance – Best when prepared a few hours ahead.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans

• Apple addition – Add diced apples for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Nut variation – Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
• Spicy kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Curry flavor – Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder for a unique twist.
• Greek-style – Replace mayo with Greek yogurt and add feta cheese.

Best Ways to Store Your Salad

• Refrigerator storage – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing – Mayo-based dressings don’t freeze well.
• Keep nuts separate – Add pecans just before serving if storing longer.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

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FAQs

How long does chicken salad with grapes and pecans last?

Chicken salad with grapes and pecans lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For best freshness, add pecans just before serving.

Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and stir in the pecans right before serving to keep their crunch.

What can I serve with chicken salad with grapes and pecans?

This salad pairs well with croissants, crackers, or fresh greens. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.

Can I substitute the pecans in this recipe?

Yes, pecans can be replaced with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Each gives the salad a slightly different crunch and flavor.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans is a simple yet elegant recipe that’s perfect for quick meals, entertaining, or make-ahead lunches. With its mix of creamy dressing, juicy grapes, and crunchy pecans, it’s a refreshing take on the classic chicken salad that never disappoints.