If you’re craving a salad that bursts with flavor, texture, and a hint of sweetness all in one bite, the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken with juicy dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, all brought together by a luscious, tangy poppy seed dressing that’s delightfully simple to whip up. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a fresh dinner, or an impressive dish to share with friends, this salad’s irresistible balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients ensures your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe has unbeatable flavor and texture. Every component plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the crunchy pecans and fresh veggies.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for an easy, protein-packed base.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Add natural sweetness and a juicy pop with every bite.
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans: Toasted pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Freshness and a subtle bite to balance the sweetness.
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped: Adds crisp texture and a refreshing element.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creamy base that keeps the salad light and tangy.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Brings richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of crunch and visual appeal in the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides the perfect tang to brighten the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and depth to the dressing’s profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle spice to round out the taste.
- Mixed greens or butter lettuce leaves: Ideal for serving, lending freshness and a beautiful presentation.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Mix the Salad Base
Start with cooked chicken breast that’s either shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sliced green onions, and finely chopped celery. This creates a wonderful medley of flavors and textures that form the heart of the salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a smaller bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well blended. This dressing will tie all the salad ingredients together with a creamy, tangy, and sweet harmony.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the freshly made poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every bit is evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This lets all the tasty ingredients meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of elegance by garnishing your salad with a sprinkle of extra pecans or a few fresh green onion rings. A few additional dried cranberries on top add a pop of color and sweetness, making your dish as inviting as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs effortlessly with crusty bread, whole grain crackers, or a light vegetable soup. For a lighter meal, serve alongside steamed asparagus or a crisp cucumber salad, which complements the creaminess of the chicken salad perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl: serve the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe stuffed inside buttery lettuce leaves for a fresh wrap, or pile it on toasted brioche buns for a satisfying sandwich. For entertaining, spoon the salad onto endive leaves or hollowed-out mini bell peppers to create irresistible finger foods.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making leftovers just as tasty as freshly made portions.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture of the celery and the creaminess of the dressing will change upon thawing, which could affect the overall taste and mouthfeel.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled and does not need reheating. If you prefer a warm meal, consider using the leftover chicken heated separately and folding the salad ingredients on the side for a contrasting fresh element.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully in this salad. Just toast them lightly to bring out their flavor and crunch before adding.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter dressing, though the texture will be a bit less rich.
What kind of chicken is best for this salad?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor, but freshly cooked or grilled chicken breast works wonderfully too.
Can I add fresh fruit to this salad?
Definitely! Fresh apple or pear slices complement the cranberries nicely, adding freshness and a little extra sweetness to the salad.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s effortless to make yet bursting with layers of flavor and texture that never fail to impress. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a picnic, or feeding family, this salad brings warmth and joy to the table. Give it a try, and watch it become your go-to favorite time and time again!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delicious and healthy twist on classic chicken salad. Featuring tender cooked chicken combined with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, slightly tangy poppy seed dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or easy meal prep. Served over mixed greens or wrapped in butter lettuce, this salad offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Mixed greens or butter lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sliced green onions, and finely chopped celery. Gently mix these ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, poppy seeds, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir carefully until every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust salt or pepper to your preference.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the salad’s taste.
- Serve: Plate the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens or spoon it into butter lettuce leaves for a fresh wrap. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches. Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator for later consumption.
Notes
- For a time-saving option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- To boost flavor and texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
