Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delicious blend of tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp vegetables tossed in a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for lunches, light dinners, meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or serving on a bed of fresh greens. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures makes this salad a crowd favorite.
Ingredients For the Salad
- 2–4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens or romaine lettuce
- 1 apple, diced (optional)
🌿 For the Poppy Seed Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, red onion, and diced apple (if using).
3. Add Dressing
- Pour the poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
4. Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Serve
- Serve over mixed greens, in sandwiches, wraps, croissants, or lettuce cups.
Servings
- 6 servings
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Benefits
🍗 High in Protein
Chicken breast provides lean protein to help support muscle maintenance and keep you satisfied.
🌰 Healthy Fats
Pecans contain heart-healthy fats and important minerals.
🍒 Antioxidant-Rich
Dried cranberries provide antioxidants and a naturally sweet flavor.
🥬 Versatile & Nutritious
Can be served in various ways while incorporating vegetables and protein.
🍱 Meal Prep Friendly
Perfect for preparing ahead for lunches throughout the week.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor.
- Greek yogurt helps lighten the dressing while adding protein.
- The salad tastes even better after chilling.
Tips
- Add seedless grapes for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t available.
- Serve on buttery croissants for a café-style sandwich.
- Add extra greens for a lighter meal.
- Store dressing separately if preparing far in advance.
Q&A
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes, although freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken provides the best texture and flavor.
Q: How long will this salad keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, replace the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A: Freezing is not recommended because the dressing may separate after thawing.
Q: What bread works best?
A: Croissants, whole wheat bread, brioche buns, and wraps are all excellent choices.
Q: Can I make it lower in calories?
A: Use light mayonnaise and increase the amount of Greek yogurt.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Salad, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Dietary Preference: High-Protein, Meal-Prep Friendly
Yield: 6 servings 🥗🍗🍒🌰✨