Toasted-Pecan Chicken Salad
August 2006
Makes: 4 servings
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 10 mins
- 1 cup pecan halves (4 ounces)
- 4 chicken breast cutlets (about 3/4 pound), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3cup packed basil leaves
- Zest of 1 lemon, plus 1 tablespoon juice
- 2 ripe pears, cut into small cubes
- 1 7 ouncebag of salad greens
- In a nonstick skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat, tossing frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a bowl.
- Season the chicken with salt. In the nonstick skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a blender, combine the remaining 1/3 cup of olive oil with the basil, lemon zest, lemon juice and 1/3 cup of the pecans and blend until smooth; season the pesto dressing to taste with salt.
- In a medium bowl, toss the cooked chicken, pears and the remaining toasted pecans with half of the dressing. In a large bowl, toss the salad greens with the remaining dressing. Divide the greens among 4 plates and top with the pecan-chicken mixture.
Tip
PAIR WITH:
- King Estate Signature Pinot Gris 2005 (Oregon)
Tip
Swap it
- Use pine nuts, walnuts or almonds in place of the pecans.