Savor the flavors of summer with sun-kissed peach chicken salad! Juicy peaches, savory pulled chicken, crunchy pecans and celery, and creamy mayo or Greek yogurt come together for a deliciously vibrant twist on a classic.
Why I Love This Recipe
Growing up, chicken salad was a staple in our home. Mom would whip up her signature version with grapes, walnuts, and celery for that perfect blend of texture and flavor in every bite.
But as anyone who knows me will tell you, I just can’t get enough of juicy summer peaches. So it should be no surprise that I decided to infuse the classic recipe with bright, sun-kissed flavor in the form of a peach chicken salad!
This 15-minute dish is smooth and creamy with just the right amount of crunch from the celery and pecans. I also like to use sweet and spicy pecans from Trader Joe’s to add that extra kick of heat. The combination is seriously dreamy!
Chicken salad with peaches and pecans is such a fun way to give that classic dish from childhood a vibrant summer twist. It’s amazing for meal-prepping, using up leftover chicken, or just throwing together when you’re craving something full of summer flavor.
What’s In Summer Peach Chicken Salad?
This dish is all about the fusion of taste and texture! Creamy, crunchy, juicy, sweet, and savory… it really covers all the bases.
For the smooth, creamy base, you can use either mayo or Greek yogurt. Then we throw in diced celery and chopped candied pecans for a gentle crunch with just a hint of sweetness. And of course, you can’t forget that tender, savory pulled chicken.
But the star? Those freshly diced summer peaches! Bursting with natural sweetness, they elevate the classic chicken salad to a whole new level of flavor.
Finally, finish it all off with some fresh parsley for a touch of green and that lovely earthy flavor. I promise, it’s going to be love at first bite!
Variations for Chicken Salad With Peaches
Listen, we’re already putting a funky twist on the classic chicken salad by adding peaches. So if you want to take it a step further and try some new creations or variations, don’t hold back!
Personally, my favorite tweak is to use Trader Joe’s sweet and spicy pecans. I just love the kick of heat! If a sweet & spicy chicken salad sounds like a dream to you, I highly recommend trying it out.
On the other hand, if the peaches provide plenty of sweetness for you, you could swap out the candied pecans for plain roasted pecans. Each option is going to highlight the recipe in different ways, so you really can’t go wrong!
I also mentioned that you can use mayo or Greek yogurt depending on your preference. The Greek yogurt will add a little more tang, which I find especially refreshing on a hot summer day. You could also use a combination of the two.
Peach chicken salad is absolutely amazing right out of a bowl, but I also like serving mine on a bed of greens with peaches and slices of toast. This platter style reminds me of Sunday afternoons growing up.
And if you LOVE a sandwich as much as I do, go ahead and layer chicken salad over butter lettuce on your favorite kind of bread. Don’t forget to add a few extra peach slices to boost that summer flavor. This is the perfect lunch sandwich to enjoy by the pool!
What to Serve with Summer Peach Chicken Salad
- Mango Mojito Mocktail — You can never go wrong enjoying multiple summertime fruits together!
- Mom’s “Anti-pasta” Pasta Salad — Combine this pasta salad with your chicken salad when you’re craving all the textures and flavors.
- Pesto Burrata Grilled Pizza — When it comes to summer-inspired pizzas, bright pesto and gooey cheese are always a win.
- Toasted Coconut Coldbrew — Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Enjoy this delicious coldbrew alongside your lunch!
How to Store and Reheat Peach Chicken Salad
This dish is amazing for meal-prep. Mix it up on a Sunday and you’ll have the most delicious quick lunch or dinner to enjoy throughout the week!
Simply store peach chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, although I’d be surprised if it lasts that long… once you try a bite, you won’t be able to get the flavor out of your head!
Other delicious summertime recipes
Loaded Garlic-Lemon Chicken Pitas
Mediterranean Chicken & Mushroom Burger Bowl
Peach Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Savor the flavors of summer with sun-kissed peach chicken salad! Juicy peaches, savory pulled chicken, crunchy pecans and celery, and creamy mayo or Greek yogurt come together for a deliciously vibrant twist on a classic.
Ingredients
3 cups roasted chicken, pulled
1 cup diced fresh peaches
½ cup celery, diced
2/3 cup Mayo or Greek yogurt
1/3 cup candied pecans, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- With two forks, pull the chicken into bite size pieces
- In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3.2
- Sodium: 254.8
- Fat: 22.9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 20.9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 4.4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12.7
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