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The Best Grape Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe

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This Grape Pecan Chicken Salad is a quick and easy recipe featuring sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and creamy chicken in a tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (about 1 ½ pounds)
  • 1 ½ cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • ¾ cup pecans, chopped
  • ½ cup celery, finely diced
  • ¼ cup green onion, sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Bread of choice (croissants, brioche buns, sourdough, or whole wheat)
  • Lettuce leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove skin and pull meat off bones. Shred with fingers or two forks, then chop into ½-inch bite-sized pieces. If using poached or grilled chicken, ensure it is completely cooled before chopping.
  2. Toast your pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Remove from pan immediately and let cool completely.
  3. Prep your produce: Wash and dry grapes thoroughly. Cut each grape in half lengthwise (quarter larger grapes). Wash and dry celery and green onions. Dice celery into ¼-inch pieces. Slice green onions thinly, using both white and green parts.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add chopped chicken, halved grapes, toasted pecans, diced celery, and sliced green onions. Pour dressing over the top. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently until just combined, being careful not to smash grapes or overmix.
  6. Let it rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 1 hour) to let flavors meld.
  7. Assemble sandwiches: When ready to serve, split croissants or bread of choice. If using croissants, toast lightly in oven or toaster oven for 3-4 minutes. Add a lettuce leaf if desired, then pile on a generous scoop of chicken salad. Top with the other half and press down gently. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast pecans for best flavor. Don’t overdress the salad; start with less dressing and add more as needed. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For dairy-free, use all mayo instead of Greek yogurt. For nut-free, swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pepitas. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days; do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: grape pecan chicken salad, chicken salad sandwich, easy chicken salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, party sandwich, summer picnic recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/the-best-grape-pecan-chicken-salad-sandwich-recipe/