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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
