10 Mar 2025
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
3 potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts
4 cups arugula
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves
Discover a delightful blend of flavors with this Smoked Chicken and Pecan Salad recipe! Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal, this salad combines smoky chicken, crunchy pecans, and creamy mayonnaise dressing to bring excitement to your taste buds.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. Toast the Pecans:
- In a small, dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecans.
- Toast them, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and slightly darker in color. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Mix well until smooth and well-combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add the cooled potatoes, arugula, and toasted pecans.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the mayonnaise dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve:
- Divide the salad among plates and serve immediately.
Tips:
- To save time, you can use pre-smoked chicken available at your local grocery store.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider lightly smoking the pecans as well.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added crunch and color.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the dressing to enhance its zesty freshness.
- If you're watching your calorie intake, try using a light mayonnaise or substituting with Greek yogurt.
Enjoy your flavorful Smoked Chicken and Pecan Salad as a delightful lunch or light dinner. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Bon appétit!