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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: May 20, 2019 | Modified: Feb 10, 2021

    Light and Easy Pecan and Pomegranate Chicken Salad

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    Pomegranate Chicken Salad

    This Pomegranate Pecan Chicken Salad makes the perfect appetizer when stuffed into a lettuce leaf or nestled on top a nice fresh slice of cucumber. We love adding it to wraps with some lettuce for a fresh and flavourful lunch. Also a great addition to a brunch table, how about stuffing it into a croissant! Yum.

    pomegranate chicken salad

    Pomegranate and Pecan Chicken Salad

    You are going to love this Pecan Chicken Salad. It has so much flavor going on, and the colors are just amazing.

    The recipe is based on the classic creamy chicken salad you usually find at potlucks, but we have switched out the heavy mayo for some Greek yogurt, giving you a lightened-up version that offers an extra dose of protein.

    Perfection.

    all of the ingredients for pomegranate chicken salad in a white bowl

    A Note On Ingredients

    Pomegranate

    For this recipe, we have added some pomegranate arils.

    These little fruits really do shine like gems, and they add just the perfect amount of sweetness to this chicken salad when paired with some diced green apple.

    Add in the crunch of the pecan and you have one well rounded bite.

    However pomegranates are of course quite seasonal, and can be super expensive when out of season.

    If pomegranates are too expensive where you are, or not available, you can simply leave them out altogether or substitute them for some dried cranberries.

    Chicken

    This recipe uses cooked chicken.

    It is perfect for using up some leftover poached chicken or rotisserie chicken (homemade or store-bought both work fine).

    If you want to poach some chicken specifically for this recipe it is super easy.

    Simply:

    • Use chicken breast that’s boneless and skinless
    • Place in boiling water, cover, then immediately take it off the stove
    • Leave the chicken in the water for about 20 minutes, then remove the chicken from the water and cut as needed
    dressing for pomegranate chicken salad being whisked

    How To Serve This Chicken Salad

    There are so many great ways to serve up this easy and scrumptious creamy pomegranate and pecan chicken salad.

    Try one of these:

    • on a cucumber disc
    • in a lettuce leaf
    • in a wrap with some lettuce and maybe some chopped bell pepper
    • in a sandwich for lunch
    • stuffed inside a fresh croissant
    • on top of a blini with a little garnish of fresh dill on top
    • as a chunky dip served with your favorite vegetables
    • inside or on top of a celery stick
    • on top of a bed of baby spinach as a great little light salad that is also substantial enough to be a full meal
    • on top of some baked filo parcels

    This is a great dish to serve up for a Mother's Day brunch, at a summer BBQ or on your Holiday table (it's definitely the right color for it!!)

    Just use your imagination and this super little salad will become a regular on your meal rotation list.

    pomegranate chicken salad

    Looking For Some More Easy Appetizers To Share?

    Check out this super easy Marinated Goat Cheese Log using herbs fresh from the garden.

    This easy appetizer is carb-free and can be made ahead of time and served with some crunchy crackers or fresh baguette for entertaining made easy.

    Wooden board with Marinated Goat Cheese Log with Fresh Garden Herbs

    Or check out these Ricotta and Cauliflower Tots which require only a handful of ingredients and are baked, not fried. Why not use up some leftover cauliflower rice to make them?

    Happy Eating

    xx

    pomegranate chicken salad

    Pecan and Pomegranate Chicken Salad

    Donna
    This Pomegranate Pecan Chicken Salad makes the perfect appetizer when stuffed into a lettuce leaf or nestled on top a nice fresh slice of cucumber. We love adding it to wraps with some lettuce for a fresh and flavourful lunch. Also a great addition to a brunch table, how about stuffing it into a croissant! Yum.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Extra cooking time for chicken 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Appetizer, Salad
    Cuisine Anytime
    Servings 30 appetizers
    Calories 36 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 large cooked chicken breasts chopped (see notes for cooking)
    • 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt (I use full fat)
    • 2 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (optional depending on how sweet you like it)
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup pomegranate arils (sub dried cranberries if no pomegranate)
    • ½ cup chopped green apple
    • ½ cup chpped pecans
    • 3 green onions finely chopped
    • lettuce leaves or cucumber discs to serve (optional)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl combine the Greek yogurt with the dijon mustard and salt and pepper.
    • Add in the chopped chicken, pomegranate, apple, pecans and green onions and give it all a good stir until well combined.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve stuffed into a lettuce leaf or heaped on top of a cucumber disc.

    Notes

    To poach chicken breasts for this recipe:
    • Use chicken breast that’s boneless and skinless
    • Place in boiling water, cover, then immediately take it off the stove
    • Leave the chicken in the water for about 20 minutes, then remove the chicken from the water and cut as needed
    Leftover rotisserie chicken can also be used.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 4gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 82mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword avocado chicken salad recipe, pecan chicken salad, pomegranate chicken salad
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Don’t forget to follow Whole Food Bellies on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! Or if Pinterest isn’t your style, bookmark this post! Let’s keep the conversation going- join my Facebook group! 

    This recipe originally appeared on Joy Filled Eats where I provided a guest contribution.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Annissa Slusher says

      July 12, 2019 at 7:52 am

      What a gorgeous salad! I love that you serve it on cucumber slices instead of crackers! It takes the grain out of the picture. I'm not sure I'll take the time to put it on anything, though. I'm just going after it with a spoon!

      Reply
    2. Sarah says

      May 24, 2019 at 7:33 pm

      Thanks for your innovative recipe.

      Reply
    3. Toni says

      May 24, 2019 at 9:32 am

      This will be a sure hit at my house!

      Reply
    4. Toni says

      May 24, 2019 at 9:31 am

      These are perfect for entertaining! Love it!

      Reply
    5. Sarah says

      May 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm

      I love this! I make chicken salad with dried cranberries pretty often, but I never thought about pomegranate seeds. I bet they add a perfect little tang. And why did I never think of adding chicken salad to cucumber slices?? YUM!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        May 27, 2019 at 1:13 pm

        Ooh I love the idea of adding dried cranberries too, I love that flavour!

        Reply

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    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

    I am so glad you are here!

    Since I have a part-time job, 3 little kids, and a love of good food (as do you I assume), I have learned how to get the most out of the kitchen in the smallest amount of time.

    Forget about hunting down weird ingredients and making trips to specialty shops.

    We are going to make the most of what is available at the store and farmer's markets all whilst enjoying some delicious meals the whole family (hopefully...if you have fussy eaters I guarantee nothing) will enjoy.

    Pop on that apron and let's get creative in the kitchen!

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