If you love a dish that’s equal parts crisp, creamy, tangy, and sweet, you’re in for a serious treat with this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. The combination of juicy chicken, chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a vibrant homemade poppy seed dressing makes every bite irresistible. It’s quick to whip up for lunch, special enough for gatherings, and endlessly versatile for meal prep. Whether you serve it over greens, in a sandwich, or even tucked into lettuce wraps, this is one salad you’ll crave again and again!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, using fresh, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in the final dish. From the nutty crunch of pecans to the punchy, creamy poppy seed dressing, every component brings its own magic to this salad.

Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or chopped, this is the hearty, protein-packed base of the salad; rotisserie chicken makes it even easier!
Dried Cranberries: Add a pop of sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful ruby color to every forkful.
Chopped Pecans: Their buttery crunch gives the salad an irresistible texture; toast them for extra flavor if you like.
Celery: Diced for a fresh, crisp bite that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sharpness and a burst of color.
Mixed Greens or Baby Spinach: Serve the salad on a fresh bed of greens to add extra vitamins and a lush presentation.
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: The creamy base for the poppy seed dressing; Greek yogurt lightens things up and adds tang.
Honey: Natural sweetness that ties the flavors together in the dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends a zippy, bright note to balance the sweetness and richness.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a subtle kick to the dressing.
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds bring a delicate crunch and classic look to the dressing.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Start by gathering your cooked chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Place everything in a large mixing bowl so you have plenty of space to toss and combine without spills. Having your ingredients prepped and ready makes the assembly a breeze and ensures even distribution in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Poppy Seed Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. The result should be a smooth, creamy dressing speckled with poppy seeds that’s tangy, slightly sweet, and totally addictive.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and toss everything together gently until each piece is well coated. Take your time here—this is where all those textures and flavors really come together. If you want the flavors to meld even more, you can cover and chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

To serve, arrange a generous bed of mixed greens or baby spinach on plates or a serving platter, then spoon the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing right on top. The greens not only add freshness and color but also turn this salad into a stunning main dish presentation.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans, a few more dried cranberries, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or chives make the salad look as beautiful as it tastes. A crack of fresh black pepper on top adds a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with a cup of soup, a slice of hearty whole grain bread, or a bowl of fruit. For a lighter meal, serve it with just the greens, or for a more filling lunch, try it inside a croissant or stuffed in a pita.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful by serving Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing in lettuce cups, as a filling for wraps, or even mounded atop avocado halves for a modern twist. It also makes a pretty and portable picnic jar salad layered with greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld, but wait to add the greens until just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, as the creamy dressing and crunchy components tend to lose their texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a lifesaver for quick meals and meal prep.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. Just shred or chop the meat and you’re ready to go.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise in place of regular mayo or Greek yogurt to keep the dressing creamy without any dairy.

What can I substitute for pecans?

If you’re out of pecans or have a nut allergy, try using toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and flavor.

How do I make the salad even lighter?

Swap in nonfat plain Greek yogurt for the mayo, and consider adding extra crunchy veggies like diced cucumber or bell pepper to up the nutrition and freshness.

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad (without the greens) a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and assemble with fresh greens when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s both comforting and crave-worthy, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a must-try. It’s quick, colorful, and full of flavor, making it the perfect addition to your lunch rotation or next get-together. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tossed in a tangy poppy seed dressing, perfect for a light lunch or easy meal prep. This gluten-free, no-cook salad blends tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables, served over mixed greens with a creamy, slightly sweet dressing made from mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
1 celery stalk (diced)
¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach

Poppy Seed Dressing

⅓ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Mix gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is coated evenly with the dressing.
Assemble and Serve: Serve the dressed chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach for a fresh and satisfying dish.
Optional Chill: For enhanced flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter and healthier version, substitute plain nonfat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Add diced apples or grapes to the salad for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
This chicken salad is versatile—try it in lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or pita pockets for different meal options.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American