Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a flavor-packed, texture-rich salad that’s perfect for busy lunches or elegant starters. It strikes a delicious balance between sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. You get the heartiness of chicken, the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the buttery crunch of pecans, and that irresistibly creamy poppy seed dressing tying it all together. And the best part? It takes just minutes to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Effortless: This salad comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s ideal for when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Flavor & Texture: Sweet cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, tender chicken, and that creamy poppy seed dressing? Absolute perfection in every bite.
• Healthy-ish Comfort Food: It’s light and refreshing yet packed with protein and healthy fats. It hits the spot without weighing you down.
• Customizable: Add apples for a tart crunch, avocado for creaminess, or feta for a salty punch. This salad is your blank canvas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making this standout salad:

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped; rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
• Mixed Salad Greens: A mix of baby spinach, arugula, or romaine adds freshness and a nice bite.
• Dried Cranberries: Brings a burst of sweet-tart flavor that complements the savory chicken.
• Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and a warm, nutty depth.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
• Milk: Thins out the dressing just enough to coat every leaf and bite.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the vinegar.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and a gentle zing.
• Poppy Seeds: Little bursts of texture and visual flair.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors.
• Optional Additions: Sliced apples, creamy avocado, or tangy feta cheese elevate this salad to gourmet status.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few creative twists:

• Apple Crunch: Thinly slice a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for extra freshness.
• Cheesy Boost: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a tangy, creamy contrast.
• Go Green: Swap in kale or baby spinach for a more nutrient-dense green base.
• Go Nuts: Try candied pecans or swap in walnuts or sliced almonds.
• Vegan Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use a vegan mayo for a satisfying plant-based meal.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Toss the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your salad greens, cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. If you’re using optional ingredients like apples, feta, or avocado, add those in now too.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until it’s creamy and smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds, and season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad gradually—you don’t need it all at once. Toss everything together until the greens and toppings are evenly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top with a few extra cranberries and pecans for that “just from the café” look. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the Pecans: Don’t skip this step! Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and makes a huge difference in taste.
• Use Fresh Greens: Crisp greens like arugula, romaine, or spinach work best. Avoid anything wilted—it can bring down the whole dish.
• Don’t Overdress: Start with less dressing than you think you need—you can always add more, but soggy salad is no one’s friend.
• Make It a Meal: Bulk it up with some quinoa or farro if you want a heartier version for dinner.

How to Serve

This salad is wonderfully versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Standalone Meal:

Serve in a large bowl with a slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll.

Elegant Starter:

Plate smaller portions individually for a fancy dinner-party appetizer.

Wrap It Up:

Spoon the salad into a large tortilla wrap or pita pocket for a quick on-the-go meal.

Lunch Box Favorite:

Pack it with dressing on the side for a super satisfying work lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Once dressed, the salad should be eaten within a day.

Freezing

This salad is best fresh. Do not freeze, as the greens and dressing won’t hold up.

Reheating

No reheating necessary—this dish is meant to be enjoyed cold and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred or chop it and toss it in.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter version of the dressing. Just adjust the sugar and vinegar to balance the taste.

How do I toast pecans properly?
Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown. Watch them closely—they burn quickly!

Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to 4 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is everything a good salad should be—quick, flavorful, and bursting with texture. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch or a light, crowd-pleasing dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll be making it on repeat!

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