Recipe with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette
A refreshing salad is always a good idea, especially when it’s packed with healthy and delicious ingredients. The Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a perfect example of a salad that’s both nutritious and flavorful. This salad is perfect for those who want to enjoy a light and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
The Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, grilled chicken, and pecans. The salad is topped with a homemade vinaigrette that’s made with pecan butter, giving it a rich and nutty flavor. The vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the sweetness of the strawberries and the smoky flavor of the grilled chicken. This salad is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Recipe Overview
Ingredients
To make the Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette, the following ingredients are required:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Pecans | 1 cup |
| Honey | 3 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Baby spinach | 8 cups |
| Strawberries | 2 cups |
| Red onion | 1/2 cup |
| Feta cheese | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Steps
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Brush with olive oil.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- In a food processor, pulse pecans until finely chopped. Add honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and 1/2 cup of water. Pulse until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss baby spinach, sliced strawberries, and thinly sliced red onion with the pecan vinaigrette.
- Slice grilled chicken and place on top of the salad.
- Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Serve immediately.
This recipe is a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors. The pecan butter vinaigrette adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. It is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time for a quick and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
The Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a healthy and delicious meal option. Here are some of the nutritional facts for this dish:
- One serving of this salad contains approximately 390 calories.
- It also contains 22 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, and 29 grams of protein.
- The salad is a good source of fiber, with 5 grams per serving.
- It is also rich in vitamin C, with 80% of the daily recommended value.
- The salad is low in sodium, with only 380 milligrams per serving.
The pecans in this salad provide healthy fats and protein, while the strawberries add natural sweetness and vitamin C. The grilled chicken is a good source of protein, and the mixed greens provide fiber and other essential nutrients.
Overall, the Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a nutritious and satisfying meal option that can help meet your daily nutrient needs.
Cooking Techniques
To make the Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette, there are several cooking techniques that need to be employed. The chicken needs to be grilled to perfection, and the pecans need to be roasted to bring out their natural flavors.
Grilling the Chicken
To grill the chicken, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The chicken should be seasoned with salt and pepper and then grilled over medium-high heat until cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes per side. To add more flavor, the chicken can be marinated beforehand in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Roasting the Pecans
To roast the pecans, they should be spread out on a baking sheet and roasted in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. It is important to watch the pecans carefully so that they do not burn.
Making the Pecan Butter Vinaigrette
To make the Pecan Butter Vinaigrette, the pecan butter needs to be mixed with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and salt and pepper. The ingredients should be whisked together until well combined and emulsified. The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
By using these cooking techniques, the Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette can be made with ease, resulting in a delicious and healthy meal.
Serving Suggestions
The Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a delicious and healthy meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to help you make the most of this tasty dish:
- Serve the salad on a bed of fresh greens, such as spinach or arugula, to add some extra nutrients and flavor.
- Top the salad with some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweet strawberries and crunchy pecans.
- Add some sliced avocado or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to make the salad more filling and satisfying.
- Serve the salad with some crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful vinaigrette and add some extra texture to the meal.
- Pair the salad with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade, to balance out the richness of the chicken and nuts.
Overall, the Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings for something fresh and flavorful.
History and Origin
The Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. This salad is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite among salad lovers.
The origin of this salad is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. Pecans are a staple in southern cuisine, and their addition to this salad adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
The use of strawberries in this salad is a perfect complement to the pecans and chicken. Strawberries are a popular fruit in the summer months, and their addition to this salad adds a refreshing sweetness.
The Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a unique dressing that is perfect for this salad. The combination of pecan butter, honey, and vinegar creates a delicious and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad ingredients.
Overall, the Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette is a delicious and healthy dish that has been enjoyed by many for years. Its origin may be unclear, but its popularity is undeniable.
Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad with Pecan Butter Vinaigrette
Course: SaladsCuisine: worldDifficulty: Medium4
servings1
hour50
minutes10
minutes2
hoursIndulge in a delightful Strawberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad that elevates your taste buds with juicy grilled chicken, complemented by a homemade pecan butter marinade. The addition of sweet strawberries and crunchy pecans adds layers of texture and flavor to this refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- Pecan Butter:
16 ounces Fisher Pecan Halves
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil (adjust as needed)
Kosher salt, to taste (approximately 1 generous teaspoon)
- Chicken Marinade:
½ cup pecan butter
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Approximately 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, halved lengthwise
- Salad:
About 6 cups lettuce (romaine, fresh spinach, baby kale, or your preferred greens)
¾ cup halved and hulled fresh strawberries
¾ cup Fisher Pecan Halves, lightly toasted or candied if desired
¾ cup shredded aged white cheddar cheese (optional)
½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- Pecan Butter Vinaigrette:
½ cup pecan butter
2 to 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- In a large food processor, combine Fisher Pecan Halves and process until a smooth pecan butter consistency is achieved.
- Add olive oil as needed during processing, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Season with kosher salt to taste and process briefly to incorporate
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a large ziptop bag, ensuring even distribution. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight for optimal flavor).
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, oiling the grates thoroughly.
- Grill chicken for 5 minutes on the first side and 3-4 minutes on the second side, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Assemble the Salad:
- On a large platter or serving bowl, combine lettuce, fresh strawberries, toasted pecans, and optional cheese and dried cranberries.
- Slice grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips and add to the salad.
- Prepare the Pecan Butter Vinaigrette:
- In a glass jar with a lid, shake together pecan butter, apple cider vinegar, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Adjust the vinaigrette’s taste by adding more salt, pepper, or honey if needed.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the pecan butter vinaigrette evenly over the salad to taste.
- Serve immediately for the freshest experience.
- Nutrition:
- Serving: 1 ,Calories: 481kcal ,Carbohydrates: 41g ,Protein: 10g ,Fat: 34g ,Saturated Fat: 8g ,Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g ,Cholesterol: 30mg
,Sodium: 445mg ,Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 32g
Notes
- Extra pecan butter and vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for weeks. Room temperature storage is possible for homemade nut butters.
Tip: Transform extra pecan butter into cinnamon-sugar pecan butter by adding cinnamon and granulated sugar to taste; a delicious variation.
FAQs
- Can I use store-bought pecan butter for the vinaigrette?
- Absolutely! It’s a convenient shortcut without compromising on flavor.
- How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if I have leftovers?
- Store the salad and chicken separately, and use a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
- Yes, you can prep the components in advance and assemble just before serving for the freshest results.
- What’s a good alternative to feta cheese for those who don’t like it?
- Goat cheese or blue cheese can be delightful alternatives, providing a tangy and creamy element.
- Can I grill the chicken indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
- Certainly! Use a grill pan on the stovetop to achieve those perfect grill marks.
