Zingy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Crafting a delightful cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing sparks culinary creativity in my kitchen.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crisp greens form the perfect canvas for tender chicken chunks.

Crunchy pecans add unexpected texture and nutty richness.

Bright cranberries burst with sweet-tart notes that complement the savory protein.

Drizzling the creamy poppy seed dressing brings everything into delicious harmony.

Let me walk you through this simple yet impressive recipe that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

What Makes Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Special

• Burst with Flavor: Packed with tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken, this salad delivers a delightful taste explosion in every bite.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and vitamins from fresh vegetables, this dish offers a balanced meal that supports overall wellness.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking required with straightforward ingredients, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner option.
• Versatile Serving Style: Enjoy as a light meal, wrap filling, or party appetizer, this chicken salad adapts easily to different dining scenarios and preferences.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Chicken: Tender, cooked, and diced protein that forms the main component of the salad.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Celery, Red Onion: Provide texture, sweetness, and a crisp bite to enhance the chicken salad.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that creates a smooth and rich dressing.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tangy elements.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a bright, acidic note to the dressing.
• Poppy Seeds: Adds visual interest and subtle nutty flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dressing.

• Mixed Salad Greens: Fresh foundation that provides a light and nutritious backdrop for the chicken salad.

How to Prepare Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Chop and Dice Ingredients

• Celery
• Red onion
• Pecans

Measure out dried cranberries.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

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

Gently toss everything to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar
• Poppy seeds
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until mixture becomes silky and well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble Stunning Salad

Spread fresh salad greens across serving plates. Carefully spoon chicken mixture over greens. Drizzle poppy seed dressing generously across the top. Optional: Toss lightly for complete coating or serve dressing separately for individual preference.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Optionally sprinkle extra chopped pecans or fresh herbs on top. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and crunch.

Pro Tips for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of the recipe.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch in the salad.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie or grilled chicken to save cooking time and add extra convenience.
• Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy greens.
• Choose fresh, crisp celery for maximum crunch and a refreshing texture in the chicken salad mixture.

Variations to Try with Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Makeover: Replace pecans with toasted pine nuts, add crumbled feta cheese, and swap poppy seed dressing for a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, black beans, corn kernels, and use a chipotle-lime dressing instead of poppy seed.
• Asian-Inspired Edition: Incorporate mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, and create a sesame-ginger dressing with rice vinegar and soy sauce.
• Harvest Autumn Blend: Add roasted butternut squash cubes, swap cranberries for diced apples, and use a maple-mustard dressing for a seasonal touch.

Pairing Ideas for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light, refreshing notes that complement the tangy cranberries and creamy poppy seed dressing.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Artisan Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or whole grain baguette to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Match with Sparkling Water Infusion: Create a light, zesty drink with cucumber and mint slices to cleanse the palate and enhance the salad's fresh flavors.
• Complement with Goat Cheese Crostini: Prepare small toasted bread rounds topped with creamy goat cheese to provide a rich, tangy accompaniment that balances the chicken salad's sweetness.

Storage Advice for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Pack the chicken mixture (without greens) in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, give the salad a quick stir and add a splash of fresh dressing to revive the flavors and moisture.
• Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before eating to take the chill off and enhance the taste of ingredients.

FAQs About Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• What makes the poppy seed dressing unique?

The poppy seed dressing combines mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar, creating a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and cranberries.

• Can I use different types of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives, offering similar crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dressing separately in advance and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it convenient for quick lunches or dinners.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by incorporating hard-boiled eggs, grilled shrimp, or increasing the amount of chicken in the recipe.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cranberry pecan chicken salad dances with zesty poppy seed dressing, creating a symphony of tangy and sweet flavors. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this elegant salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

Fruits and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

Vegetables and Greens:

• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients, ensuring chicken is cooled and diced into uniform bite-sized pieces.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine diced chicken, plump dried cranberries, roughly chopped pecans, finely diced celery, and thinly sliced red onion.
3. Gently fold ingredients together, allowing flavors to mingle and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
4. For the creamy poppy seed dressing, select a compact mixing bowl and whisk mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, golden honey, crisp apple cider vinegar, delicate poppy seeds, seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper.
5. Vigorously blend dressing ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no visible lumps.
6. Arrange a bed of fresh, crisp mixed salad greens across serving plates or shallow bowls.
7. Generously spoon the chicken and cranberry mixture atop the greens, creating an appetizing and colorful presentation.
8. Immediately before serving, cascade the poppy seed dressing over the salad, allowing it to gracefully coat the ingredients.
9. Optional: Delicately toss the salad to integrate dressing, or present dressing separately for individual preference.
10. Serve chilled for optimal flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan-friendly version of the salad.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Reduce mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier dressing that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Prep chicken in advance by poaching or grilling to save time and ensure consistent, juicy meat throughout the salad.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 235 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 70 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg