Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Chicken, Pecan & Pear Salad with Yogurt Thyme Dressing

By: The Food Hunter

Greek yogurt is like a secret ingredient, you can use it as a base for dips, smoothies and even salad dressings. It imparts a thick, creamy texture and a tangy taste that you can't get from using other condiments like mayo. Plus it is much healthier.

Yogurt based dressings tend to compliment a more robust salad; one that might include meat or nuts. That's not to say that it wouldn't work well on more delicate options; just that when I want to dress a heartier salad I prefer a yogurt based dressing.

When making homemade salad dressing it's fun to play around with flavors. I love a citrus dressing, but if you prefer something on the sweet side you can always add a bit of honey. One of my favorite combinations, which is featured below, is a simple mix of Greek yogurt with thyme and lemon.

Salads can be dressed up or dressed down depending on how they are plated. I recently had the opportunity to choose some fun salad serving items from Wayfair. Originally known as CSN, today Wayfair is the largest online-only retailer for home goods in the United States. That being said you can imagine the amount of products they carry and how difficult it was to narrow down my selection. Next time you are serving salad I urge you to try this yogurt based dressing.


Chicken, Pecan & Pear Salad with Yogurt Thyme Dressing
3 tbs lemon juice
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp thyme
2/3 cup Greek Yogurt (I used Stonyfield)
1 head of Boston lettuce
1 pear sliced thin
1/2 cup of toasted pecans
2 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
grilled chicken breast, cubed
salt & pepper to taste.

Mix together first 5 ingredients until well combined. Season dressing with salt & pepper.  Top lettuce with fruit, cheese, nuts and chicken. Dollop dressing in the center for presentation or mix into salad.

I have an ongoing relationship with Stonyfield as a member of the Clean Plate Club. I receive product, coupons and compensation for posts featuring their products. As always, all opinions are 100% my own

9 comments:

  1. We make a similar salad - but your dressing totally takes things up a notch! Sounds delicious!

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  2. What a great salad! Perfect for the upcoming fall season!

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  3. I'm always looking for new ways to use Greek yogurt, and this is one great way!

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  4. What a fun flavor combination. I love the mix of fruit and nuts in salad, and this dressing looks fantastic!

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  5. We're always using Greek yogurt in our house! It's such a versatile ingredient! I'm in love with that salad serving set!

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  6. Love the salad and especially the dressing. I pretty much use Greek yogurt in anything that calls for sour cream now and nobody is the wiser!

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  7. I love using yogurt in place of mayo, sour cream and such - this sounds like the perfect lunch!

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  8. We sneak yogurt into everything around here - salad dressings, baked goods, pasta sauces, etc. I could eat this salad for lunch or dinner anytime.

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  9. Your dressing sounds delicious! I adore thyme and just don't see it used enough (or by me either)...Yum!

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