Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing in 2025
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of chicken, crunch from pecans, and a hint of sweetness from cranberries. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This salad is not only tasty but also super easy to make!
Why Make This Recipe
This salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal that’s full of flavor. The creamy poppy seed dressing brings everything together, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s great for busy days when you need something quick, or for special gatherings where you want to impress your guests.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons honey, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt, to taste
- 4 cups chicken breast, cooked and chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 green onions, chopped
Directions:
- Prepare the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, softened honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth and well combined. Season with salt to your taste. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cooked chicken breast, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix everything together.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared Poppy Seed Dressing over the salad ingredients. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, toss the salad until well coated with the dressing. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. This step is optional but highly recommended. Serve the salad chilled, either on its own or over a bed of mixed greens.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
You can serve this salad on its own for a healthy meal or place it on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful presentation. It’s also great in a wrap or as a filling for pita bread.
How to Store Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. If storing, you might want to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, especially to maintain the crunchiness of the salad.
Tips to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
- Make the salad in advance to let the flavors develop; just add the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Adjust the amount of honey if you like it more or less sweet.
Variation
For a twist, you can add ingredients like sliced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and texture. You can also substitute the pecans with walnuts or use fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken if you prefer. Just drain it well and break it up before adding to the salad.
2. What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
If you don’t have poppy seeds, you can skip them or use sesame seeds as an alternative.
3. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based mayo and substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegan version of this salad.
