Zesty Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Crafting a delightful cranberry pecan chicken salad bursts with unexpected flavor combinations that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crisp greens provide a refreshing canvas for tender, seasoned chicken pieces.

Juicy cranberries add vibrant pops of tartness against crunchy pecans.

Sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing weaves magic through each delectable bite.

Layers of texture create a symphony of culinary delight that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Simple ingredients come together in a surprisingly elegant meal you can whip up in minutes.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible salad that promises to become your new favorite lunch adventure.

Why You’ll Crave Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, this salad delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile dish that adapts to your taste and pantry availability.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in minutes, perfect for busy weekdays, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• No-Fuss Meal Prep: Stores well in the refrigerator, allowing you to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week for convenient lunches or light dinners.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat that forms the main protein of the salad.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: Sweet and crunchy elements that add texture and flavor contrast to the chicken.

• Celery, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that provide a fresh and sharp bite to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Poppy Seeds: Creamy and tangy sauce that binds the ingredients and enhances overall flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the taste of the entire salad.

How to Assemble Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Ease

Step 1: Shred and Chop Ingredients

Pull or cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice red onion and celery into small, uniform chunks.

Step 2: Combine Salad Base

• Shredded chicken
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Diced celery
• Diced red onion

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Poppy seeds

Whisk ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Dress and Season Salad

Pour dressing over chicken mixture.

Gently fold to ensure every ingredient gets coated evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. This resting time allows ingredients to mingle and flavors to deepen.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and give a quick stir. Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, on lettuce leaves, or alongside crackers.

Smart Tips for a Perfect Chicken Salad

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the salad.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty richness and bring out deeper flavors.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories and boost protein content.
• Chop vegetables finely for a more uniform texture and better distribution of ingredients throughout the salad.
• Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and meld together perfectly.

Flavor Ideas for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Greek-Style Chicken Salad: Replace pecans with crumbled feta cheese, swap dried cranberries for diced cucumber, and use Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and oregano as the dressing.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad: Add diced jalapeños, corn kernels, and black beans. Create a chipotle-lime dressing using mayo, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and cilantro.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad: Substitute pecans with toasted sesame seeds, use mandarin orange segments instead of cranberries. Create a sesame-ginger dressing with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

What to Pair with This Chicken Salad Favorite

• Pairing Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with bright acidity that complements the creamy texture and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise-based dressing.
• Serve with Artisan Sourdough: Choose a rustic, tangy sourdough bread to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft chicken salad, enhancing the overall eating experience with its complex flavor profile.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad with arugula, thinly sliced pears, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the cranberries and honey in the main dish.

Best Way to Store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and lose texture when thawed. Fresh preparation is best.
• Reheating: Enjoy the salad cold directly from the refrigerator. If slightly chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
• Serving Tip: Stir the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Is this chicken salad healthy?

Yes, it offers a balanced mix of protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and antioxidants from cranberries. The combination provides nutrients while being relatively low in calories.

• Can I substitute mayonnaise in the recipe?

Definitely! Greek yogurt or light sour cream work great as healthier alternatives that maintain a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• 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. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken are excellent choices.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cranberry pecan chicken salad delivers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Crisp greens, tender chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans drizzled with zesty poppy seed dressing invite you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for even distribution.
2. Finely dice the celery and red onion to provide a crisp, sharp contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Add dried cranberries and roughly chopped pecans to the chicken mixture, creating a balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
5. Incorporate poppy seeds, apple cider vinegar, and honey into the mayonnaise, blending until the dressing achieves a consistent, glossy appearance.
6. Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated without breaking down the delicate components.
7. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing the ingredients to marinate and develop a harmonious taste.
9. Before serving, give the salad a light stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
10. Serve chilled as a refreshing and satisfying meal or side dish.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein boost for a healthier version.
• Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Prepare chicken salad ahead of time and store in refrigerator up to 3 days for quick meal prep convenience.
• Use rotisserie chicken for faster assembly and added convenience without sacrificing flavor quality.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 80mg