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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/cranberry-pecan-chicken-salad-with-poppy-seed-dressing-recipe-3/