Peach and Pecan Chicken Salad

A peach and nut chicken salad for lunch or dinner is like having a big candy salad, no dessert needed. The peaches are ripe, the nuts toasted and the dressing is a mixture of tangy and sweet.  I think when adding fruit to a salad you need to balance out the sweetness.  

This peach pecan chicken salad is the perfect example – the peaches are sweet but the pecans are a little salty and a simple, bright lemon-yogurt dressing balances things out – all you need to add are your favorite greens, a little red onion and maybe some crumbled feta, you’re done. Serves 4 Total Time: 30 minutes 

Ingredients:

3 skinless boneless chicken breasts 
1/2 cup pecans 
2 medium ripe peaches, pared and cut into 3/4” pieces 
1/2 red onion, chopped 
4 tablespoons mayonnaise 
2 tablespoons plain yogurt 
2 teaspoons lemon juice 
Salt and pepper, to taste 
1 teaspoon brown sugar 
10oz mixed greens or your favorite lettuce 

Garnish: 1/2 crumbled feta (optional)

Directions:

In a large saucepan parboil your chicken for 20 minutes or until fork tender. Let cool, then cut into bite-size pieces. During the 20 minutes, toast your pecans in a preheated 350F oven on a baking sheet for 10 minutes. 

In a small bowl combine the dressing ingredients; mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper and brown sugar; mix well. 

In a serving bowl add your greens, onions, chicken, peaches and pecans. Pour on dressing and toss gently to coat. Garnish with crumbled feta, if using. Yum Yum!