Tangy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

My latest cranberry pecan chicken salad combines unexpected flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Crisp greens nestle beneath tender chicken pieces, creating a vibrant canvas of textures.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch while sweet-tart cranberries punctuate each delicious bite.

Creamy poppy seed dressing weaves through the ingredients, binding everything into a harmonious blend.

Summer lunches demand something light yet satisfying, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Mediterranean influences whisper through the ingredient selection, making each forkful feel like a culinary adventure.

Jump into this salad and let your palate celebrate fresh, bright ingredients.

Steps to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

• Grab a small mixing bowl
• Toss in mayonnaise
• Add Greek yogurt
• Pour in honey
• Splash some vinegar
• Sprinkle poppy seeds
• Shake in salt and pepper

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning for perfect tang and creaminess.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Grab a large mixing bowl
• Add shredded cooked chicken
• Toss in dried cranberries
• Sprinkle toasted pecans
• Chop celery and mix in
• Slice green onions and fold through

Pour prepared dressing over the mixture and gently stir until every ingredient is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Chill And Elevate

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to mingle and develop. Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, in crisp lettuce cups, or scattered over fresh salad greens.

Best Tips for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

• Customize Dressing Flavor: Experiment with Greek yogurt ratios to create a tangier or creamier poppy seed dressing based on personal preference.
• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Gently roast pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the chicken salad.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap grilled chicken with rotisserie, canned, or leftover turkey for a quick and easy protein alternative.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust honey quantity to control the overall sweetness, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors in the salad.
• Meal Prep Trick: Prepare the chicken salad a day ahead to allow flavors to develop and intensify, making it even more delicious when served.

How to Save Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad for Later

• Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Stir the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and restore its creamy texture.
• Skip freezing this salad, as the mayo-based dressing and fresh ingredients will separate and lose their original quality when thawed.
• For best taste, consume within 2 days and always keep chilled until ready to enjoy.

Pairings for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

• Wine and Cheese Companions
• Pair this chicken salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity complements the creamy dressing and cuts through the richness. Serve alongside a mild goat cheese or brie to enhance the nutty pecan and tangy cranberry notes.
• Refresh with Sparkling Beverage Contrast
• Select a sparkling elderflower lemonade or light ginger ale to balance the salad's creamy texture. The effervescence and subtle sweetness will cleanse the palate between bites and add a refreshing dimension.
• Create Textural Bread Sidekick
• Serve the chicken salad with toasted sourdough or a rustic ciabatta to provide a crunchy counterpoint. These breads offer a robust base that stands up to the salad's complex flavors and adds satisfying textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Green Accompaniment
• Complement the dish with a light arugula salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens will cut through the creamy dressing and provide a fresh, crisp element to the meal.

Recipe Variations for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Replace bread or greens with large butter lettuce leaves, creating a carb-conscious version perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with diced firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt for a completely plant-based alternative.
• Greek-Inspired Variation: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, swap pecans for pine nuts, and add chopped fresh dill to give the salad a Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace regular mayo with chipotle mayo, and add black beans for a zesty, southwest-inspired chicken salad.

Answers to Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Questions

• Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly and save you cooking time.

• Are there any protein alternatives if I don't want to use chicken?

Certainly! You can substitute chicken with diced turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this salad.

• How long can I keep this chicken salad in the refrigerator?

The salad stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise and yogurt labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing That’s Packed With Flavor

• Simplifies meal prep with minimal steps and just a few minutes of effort.
• Mix and match ingredients like swapping pecans for almonds or using different dried fruits to suit personal taste preferences.
• Delivers delightful texture combinations with crunchy pecans, tangy cranberries, and tender chicken that appeals to various palates.
• Stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it ideal for meal planning and busy weeknight dinners or lunch prep.

Ingredient List for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

• Chicken: Lean protein base for the salad, best when cooked and cooled.

• Cranberries, Pecans: Sweet-tart berries and crunchy nuts add texture and flavor, dried cranberries work best, toasted pecans provide a rich nutty taste.

• Celery, Green Onions: Crisp vegetables that add crunch and sharp flavor, choose fresh and firm celery and bright green onions.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base for the dressing, full-fat versions provide richer taste.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances tangy ingredients.
• Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to the dressing, white or apple cider vinegar recommended.

• Poppy Seeds, Salt, Pepper: Poppy seeds give visual interest and mild nutty taste, use freshly ground black pepper for best flavor.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing delivers a delightful dance of sweet and savory flavors. Fresh ingredients and zesty dressing create a perfect harmony that delights palates and satisfies hunger for a refreshing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)

Fruits and Nuts:

• ⅓ cup (53 g) dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup (40 g) chopped pecans, toasted

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (75 g) celery, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (or 2 tablespoons (16 g) red onion)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (21 g) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) poppy seeds
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious poppy seed dressing by whisking tangy Greek yogurt, creamy mayonnaise, golden honey, zesty vinegar, and delicate poppy seeds until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
2. Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for optimal mixing.
3. Toast pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden brown, releasing their rich, nutty essence.
4. Finely chop crisp celery and fresh green onions to provide a refreshing crunch and aromatic undertone to the salad.
5. Gently fold dried cranberries into the chicken mixture, creating bursts of sweet-tart complexity.
6. Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chicken and mix thoroughly, ensuring each ingredient is luxuriously coated.
7. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious culinary experience.
8. Serve chilled atop crisp lettuce leaves, nestled in soft sandwich bread, or as a vibrant standalone dish, garnishing with additional toasted pecans if desired.

Notes

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely in a dry skillet or oven.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra tenderness and flavor to the salad.
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Prepare the salad a day ahead to allow flavors to develop more intensely, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg