From salads and sides to main dishes and sweet breakfasts, this collection proves pecans can do it all. They add crunch to creamy dishes, balance sweetness in savory meals, and bring texture to appetizers and salads alike.
You’ll find plenty of flexible options—some are quick to prep like chicken salad or pecan pancakes, while others like pecan-crusted chicken or praline waffles are ideal for when you want something a little more special.
Looking to add some crunch to your menu? These pecan-forward dishes offer solid inspiration no matter the season. Tap through and pick your next go-to recipe.
Asparagus Pecan Salad
This colorful salad mixes tender asparagus with goat cheese, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Tossed in a balsamic dressing, it’s a fresh side that’s great for spring meals or light lunches.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Pecan Salad
Newks Chicken Salad
A creamy chicken salad made with grapes, celery, onions, and pecans. This easy copycat recipe is perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps and works well for lunches or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Newks Chicken Salad
Cracker Barrel Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad
Shaved Brussels sprouts and kale are tossed with cranberries, pecans, and a maple vinaigrette. A hearty, tangy salad that balances freshness with crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Brussel Sprout and Kale Salad
Turkey Salad
This turkey salad uses up leftovers and mixes in cranberries and pecans for texture and flavor. Serve on bread or in wraps—ideal post-holiday meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Salad
Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
This version adds crisp apples, grapes, and pecans to classic chicken salad, then tucks it all into buttery croissants. A satisfying mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Best Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches
Chicken Salad with Grapes
A no-fuss chicken salad with grapes and pecans for a touch of sweetness and crunch. Great on its own, in wraps, or over greens for a quick lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Grapes
Coconut Pecan Shrimp
Shrimp are coated in a mix of shredded coconut and crushed pecans for a crispy, tropical twist. Try these with sweet chili sauce or on a bed of rice.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pecan Shrimp
Pecan Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes are packed with pecans and come together fast. Serve with syrup and butter for an easy, nutty breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pancakes
Citrus and Pear Spinach Salad
Fresh spinach, sliced pears, feta, and pecans are tossed in a citrus vinaigrette for a light but flavorful salad. It’s great for lunch or as a dinner side.
Get the Recipe: Citrus and Pear Spinach Salad
Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball
This savory cheese ball blends ham, pineapple, and pecans into a creamy party-ready appetizer. Serve with crackers or crostini.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Deviled Ham Cheese Ball
Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Mixed greens are tossed with cranberries, goat cheese, and pecans, then dressed with tangy apple cider vinaigrette. A fall favorite that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Carrots and parsnips are roasted in honey and topped with glazed pecans for a sweet and savory side dish. Great with chicken or pork.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Blue Cheese and Pecan Endive Appetizer
Endive leaves are filled with chopped dates, toasted pecans, and blue cheese, then drizzled with balsamic glaze. A simple, elegant bite-sized starter.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese and Pecan Endive Appetizer
Cauliflower Stuffing with Sausage and Pecans
This low-carb stuffing features cauliflower, sausage, celery, and pecans for flavor and crunch. A great gluten-free side for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Stuffing with Sausage and Pecans
Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip
Cranberries, pecans, and feta come together in this quick, tangy dip. It’s festive, flavorful, and ideal for serving with crackers or crostini.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Feta Dip
Fig Salad with Blue Cheese
Spinach is tossed with figs, prosciutto, blue cheese, and pecans, then dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. This salad is bold, savory, and perfect for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Fig Salad with Blue Cheese
Homemade Waffles with Pecan Praline Topping
These overnight yeast waffles are crisp outside and fluffy inside, topped with a rich pecan praline sauce for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Waffles with Pecan Praline Topping
Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad
This chicken salad includes a mix of fresh fruit and pecans for a lighter, refreshing take. Serve chilled for a quick lunch or picnic option.
Get the Recipe: Fruit & Pecan Chicken Salad
Harvest Salad with Pecan Crusted Chicken
Mixed greens are topped with pecan-crusted chicken, making this salad hearty enough for dinner. Add apple slices or goat cheese to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad with Pecan Crusted Chicken
Harvest Fruit, Goat Cheese & Pecan Crostinis
These crostinis feature seasonal fruit, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pecans. Great as a fall appetizer for gatherings or small bites.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Fruit, Goat Cheese & Pecan Crostinis
Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are crisped in the air fryer with maple syrup and Dijon, then finished with toasted pecans. A flavorful and fast side dish with a sweet-savory kick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts
Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup
This creamy squash soup is spiced with ginger and cinnamon, then topped with tart cherry drizzle and a pecan crumble. A cozy bowl for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ginger Kabocha Squash Soup
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Chicken and sweet potatoes roast on one pan and get a boost from caramelized pecans. A fast, balanced dinner that’s easy to prep and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad
Beets and parsnips are roasted and tossed with cranberries, blue cheese, and pecans. A hearty, seasonal salad with bold flavor and great texture.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad
Pecan Crusted Chicken
Chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy pecan crust and served with a honey dijon yogurt sauce. It’s an easy, flavor-packed dinner with great texture.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Crusted Chicken
Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
Cauliflower and pumpkin are blended with mascarpone, then topped with vanilla granola and pecans. A creamy, sweet-savory mash perfect for fall meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
This roasted side dish brings together savory bacon, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. A festive and flavorful pairing for poultry or pork.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries