Pecan-Crusted Southern Delight Salad
Indulge in a Southern culinary experience with our Pecan-Crusted Southern Delight Salad, featuring tender, pecan-encrusted chicken breasts paired with crispy, candied bacon, and hearty black-eyed peas. This vibrant salad is drizzled with your choice of ranch or bleu cheese dressing, bringing together a medley of flavors that are sure to impress at your summer gatherings. Whether enjoyed slightly warm or chilled, this dish encourages creativity—substitute black-eyed peas with black beans, throw in fresh avocado slices for creaminess, or choose between cheddar and Jack cheese for a twist. Each bite encapsulates a burst of summer freshness and Southern comfort that will leave you wanting more.
8
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 large (Halved)
Pecans
1 cup (Very finely chopped)
Seasoning Salt
1 teaspoon (divided) (Use as directed)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Use as directed)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (Firmly packed)
Thick-Sliced Bacon
1/2 lb (Cut into strips)
Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce
3 quarts (Coarsely chopped)
Black-Eyed Peas
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (Rinsed and drained)
Whole Kernel Corn
1 (11 ounce) can (Drained)
Tomatoes
2 medium (Chopped)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (Shredded (about 4 oz.))
Ranch Dressing or Bleu Cheese Dressing
1 cup (For drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside.
3
Take the chicken breasts and brush them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously over each breast, ensuring all sides are coated.
4
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Allow the chicken to cool slightly before slicing it on a diagonal into 1/2 inch thick pieces. If any pecans fall off, sprinkle them on top of the sliced chicken on the platter.
5
While chicken is baking, prepare the candied bacon. In a shallow dish, combine the brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt. Dredge the bacon in this mixture until fully coated.
6
Arrange the bacon in a shallow microwave-safe dish lined with paper towels, covering it with another paper towel. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, turning the bacon once halfway through, until it becomes crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
7
In a large serving platter, add the coarsely chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce. Layer over the candied bacon, black-eyed peas, corn, chopped tomatoes, and shredded cheese, arranging them in lovely rows for visual appeal.
8
Finally, just before serving, drizzle the salad with your choice of ranch dressing or bleu cheese dressing.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pecan-Crusted Southern Delight Salad?
It is a Southern culinary experience featuring pecan-encrusted chicken breasts, candied bacon, black-eyed peas, and a variety of fresh vegetables over lettuce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How do I prepare the pecan coating for the chicken?
Combine 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a mixing bowl.
What is the recommended oven temperature for the chicken?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I bake the chicken?
Bake the chicken for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
How do I ensure the pecans stick to the chicken?
Brush the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of melted butter before sprinkling the pecan mixture over them.
How should the chicken be sliced after cooking?
Allow it to cool slightly, then slice it on a diagonal into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
What if the pecans fall off during slicing?
Simply sprinkle any pecans that fall off back onto the sliced chicken on the serving platter.
How do I make the candied bacon?
Dredge bacon strips in a mixture of brown sugar and seasoning salt, then microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
Can I cook the candied bacon in the microwave?
Yes, place it in a microwave-safe dish lined with paper towels and cover with another paper towel, turning once halfway through.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
You can use either coarsely chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce.
Do I need to rinse the black-eyed peas?
Yes, the black-eyed peas should be rinsed and drained before being added to the salad.
Can I substitute black-eyed peas with something else?
Yes, you can easily substitute black-eyed peas with black beans.
What kind of corn is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 11-ounce can of drained whole kernel corn.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use Jack cheese for a twist.
Can I add avocado to this salad?
Yes, adding fresh avocado slices is a great way to add extra creaminess to the dish.
What dressings work best with this Southern salad?
Ranch dressing or bleu cheese dressing are the recommended choices for drizzling.
How should I arrange the salad for the best visual appeal?
Layer the candied bacon, black-eyed peas, corn, tomatoes, and cheese in lovely rows over the lettuce.
Can this salad be served warm?
Yes, the salad can be enjoyed either slightly warm or chilled.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of bacon should I buy?
The recipe suggests 1/2 lb of thick-sliced bacon cut into strips.
How much brown sugar is needed for the bacon?
You will need 1/2 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients.
How many tomatoes should I use?
Use 2 medium tomatoes, chopped.
How much seasoning salt is required in total?
You will need 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, divided between the chicken coating and the bacon mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a vibrant and fresh dish perfect for summer.
How much lettuce do I need?
You will need 3 quarts of coarsely chopped lettuce.