Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a fresh, flavorful dish packed with texture and sweet-savory goodness. Tender shredded or cubed chicken is tossed with tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and crisp veggies, then drizzled with a creamy, slightly sweet poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens for a wholesome lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
1/4 cup celery (finely chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
salt and pepper to taste

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
pinch of salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
2. Toast the Pecans (Optional):
   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast chopped pecans for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let cool.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
   • Pour the poppy seed dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
   • Serve over a bed of greens, in lettuce wraps, on croissants, or with crackers.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Greek Yogurt Swap: Use half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Add Fruit: Stir in halved grapes or diced apples for extra sweetness and juiciness.
• Herb Boost: Add fresh dill or parsley for a pop of freshness.
• Nut Substitute: Try walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of pecans.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate and lose texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—it’s even better after chilling for a few hours to let the flavors meld.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially the mayo and mustard) are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and fruity that’s as versatile as it is tasty. Whether you pile it on a sandwich, scoop it into lettuce wraps, or eat it straight from the bowl, this salad is a fresh and satisfying favorite perfect for any season!

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