Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

lizzy's famous pecan chicken salad

(14 ratings)
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Elizabeth Lancaster
Lincoln, NE

Back in the early 2000's I went out to eat with my Grandpa Klepper, and he was telling me about a chicken salad sandwich that he had fallen in love with and wanted me to try it, so I did. I thought to myself, I could so make this ten times cheaper and than what it would cost to buy just one sandwich. So I looked over the salad and determined that I had most of the ingredients in my own kitchen and I could venture out and make my own. I am so glad I did, now it's a HUGE hit with family and friends. I even made this for my own wedding reception dinner and got rave reviews. Enjoy!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This should be called special occasion chicken salad since it will be the star of a special occasion (like bridal or baby showers and luncheons). The grapes and the apples make this chicken salad a little on the sweeter side. Spring onions balance out the flavor and add a touch of freshness. We love the savory crunch of the pecans. A fantastic chicken salad for a hot summer's day.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(14 ratings)
yield 25 -30 people
prep time 50 Min
method No-Cook or Other

Ingredients For lizzy's famous pecan chicken salad

  • THIS MAKES A PICNIC SIZED SALAD OR LARGE GROUP (25-30 PEOPLE)
  • 1 can
    cooked chicken breast, canned (50 oz) or cook 3 lbs of chicken breasts and shred
  • 4 lg
    gala apples, cored
  • 3 Tbsp
    real lemon juice
  • 2 c
    black or red seedless grapes
  • 3 stalk
    celery diced ( 3 long celery sticks)
  • 1 bunch
    spring onions, chopped fine
  • 2 bag
    chopped pecans, optional (2 oz each)
  • SAUCE
  • 3 c
    Miracle Whip
  • 3 Tbsp
    dill weed
  • 2 Tbsp
    milk
  • 1/4 c
    sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp
    real lemon juice
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • IF YOU ARE ONLY WANTING TO MAKE THIS FOR A SMALL GROUP OF FAMILY, SIMPLY CUT RECIPE IN HALF

How To Make lizzy's famous pecan chicken salad

Test Kitchen Tips
This makes a huge amount of chicken salad. We cut the recipe in half and used two 12.5 oz cans of chicken.
  • Two cans of canned chicken breast.
    1
    I buy canned chicken from Sams club (Chiefs Choice chicken breast). If you would rather cook your own chicken you can, just boil 3 lbs of chicken breast and shred.
  • Chopping cleaned red grapes.
    2
    Wash and dry your grapes. I chop my grapes in fourths so the pieces aren't too big.
  • Chopped apples on a cutting board.
    3
    Wash and dry your apples. I core and then dice my apples into large bite-sized chunks.
  • Chopped green onions on a cutting board.
    4
    Wash and dry your spring onions. You may use regular yellow or white onions if you have them. I prefer Spring onions, gives it a little more of a fresher taste in my opinion.
  • Chopping celery.
    5
    Wash and dry your celery. Cut off both ends of the stalk, and dice up celery into small pieces. Once you have diced up all your ingredients, places lemon juice over them in a large bowl to keep the apples and grapes from turning bad.
  • Miracle Whip, milk, lemon juice salt, pepper, dill weed, and sugar in a bowl.
    6
    In a separate bowl, mix together the Miracle Whip, milk, lemon juice salt, pepper, dill weed, and sugar; set aside.
  • Tossing green onions, celery, grapes, apples, and chicken.
    7
    Take your large bowl and toss green onions, celery, grapes, and apples evenly. Add shredded chicken, toss again.
  • Folding in the sauce.
    8
    Once the salad is tossed well, add sauce. Stir and add more salt and pepper to taste if it isn't enough for you.
  • Folding in the pecans.
    9
    Add pecans (again optional). Stir ONCE more, and then place in the fridge. It's better if sits overnight, otherwise ready in about 2-3 hours.
  • A bowl of Lizzy's Famous Pecan Chicken Salad.
    10
    I serve mine with Miracle Whip and spicy brown mustard on wheatberry bread. I have found wheatberry makes the best sandwiches. BUT to each their own!!! Serve with chips or my potato salad also here on JAP!!!! Hope your next POT LUCK of large family dinner finds this as BIG of a hit as it has gone over at my functions and wedding! Or even your small get together's. Only good in Fridge for up to 4 days! Just so you know, once you see water at the bottom of your salad, it's time to throw it away!
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