If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and slightly sweet twist on a classic chicken salad, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a must-try! It’s got the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and tangy sweetness—trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you serve it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens, every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy. Whether you’re prepping for lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve it in a sandwich, wrap, salad bowl, or even as a dip for crackers!
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients but delivers restaurant-quality flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Customizable: Swap pecans for almonds, add apples for extra crunch, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a light yet satisfying meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This salad is all about texture and flavor. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:
Cooked Chicken: The protein-packed star of the dish. Shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience.
Dried Cranberries: Sweet, chewy, and a little tangy—they add a pop of flavor to every bite.
Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and a nutty depth of flavor.
Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
Red Onion: Brings a bit of sharpness to enhance all the other flavors.
Poppy Seed Dressing: A creamy, slightly sweet dressing that ties everything together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Ingredients
Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery, red onion, and pecans.
Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, celery, and red onion.
Add the Dressing
Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust the amount of dressing to your preference.
Chill (Optional)
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, on a bed of greens, or with crackers!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-450 (varies based on dressing and portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve on toasted croissants or sandwich bread for an upscale lunch.
- Wrap it in a tortilla with fresh lettuce for a delicious chicken salad wrap.
- Scoop it onto a bed of mixed greens for a fresh, protein-packed salad.
- Serve with crackers or pita chips as a dip for a fun appetizer.
- Stuff into mini phyllo cups for an elegant party snack.
Additional Tips
- Toast the pecans: This enhances their nutty flavor and adds even more crunch.
- Lighten it up: Use half Greek yogurt and half mayo for a healthier twist.
- Add more crunch: Chopped apples or sliced grapes make great additions.
- Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest, but any cooked, shredded, or diced chicken works well.
3. Can I substitute the poppy seed dressing?
Yes! Honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or a classic mayo-based dressing also work great.
4. How do I make this salad dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free mayo or vinaigrette instead of a creamy dressing.
5. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best for sweetness, but you can use chopped fresh cranberries for a more tart flavor.
6. How do I keep the salad from getting too soggy?
Store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving if making it ahead.
7. What can I use instead of pecans?
Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds are great substitutes.
8. Can I add cheese to this salad?
Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese adds a delicious tangy touch.
9. How can I make it keto-friendly?
Skip the dried cranberries (or use unsweetened ones) and serve it over lettuce instead of bread.
10. Can I freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended, as the dressing and texture change after thawing. It’s best eaten fresh!
Conclusion
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and creamy—ideal for a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for lunch, meal prep, or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (use pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp greens, all tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a sandwich filling, or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 4 cups mixed greens (optional, for serving)
**For the Poppy Seed Dressing:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp poppy seeds
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately over mixed greens, in a sandwich, or chilled for later.
5. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
– For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
– You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
– Add sliced grapes for extra sweetness or swap pecans for almonds.
– Best served chilled for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg