Name: Savory Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (using rotisserie chicken can save time); 1 cup dried cranberries (opt for unsweetened varieties if desired); 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted to enhance flavor); 1 cup finely chopped celery (provides fresh crispness); 1/4 cup sliced green onions (or red onion for a stronger flavor); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (forms the creamy base); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream for tanginess); 2 tablespoons honey (adjustable based on taste); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (introduces acidity); 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (adds texture and visual appeal)

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After a long week of fast food and takeout, I found myself yearning for a meal that truly felt comforting yet refreshing. That’s when this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing caught my eye. Picture this: tender shredded chicken mingling with the crunch of toasted pecans and the tart sweetness of cranberries, all drizzled with a silky poppy seed dressing that dances on your palate. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to make!

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a light dinner, or simply prepping for lunches throughout the week, this salad has got you covered. With its vibrant colors and delightful taste, it’s a surefire way to impress friends and family or just treat yourself to something deliciously homemade. Let’s dive into this recipe and transform your mealtime routine into something extraordinary!

Why is Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Special?

Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in no time.

Flavorful Fusion: The combination of crunchy pecans and chewy cranberries offers a delightful contrast that keeps each bite interesting.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time for an effortless lunch option that tastes even better after a day in the fridge.

Customizable Goodness: Swap out ingredients like nuts or add seasonal fruits for a personalized touch, ensuring everyone loves it.

Healthful and Satisfying: With around 360 calories per serving and abundant protein, this salad is both nutritious and filling, making it a guilt-free choice.

If you’re contemplating a vibrant side dish to accompany your meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Apple Arugula Salad.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

Cooked Chicken – Shredded or diced, it provides protein and texture; using rotisserie chicken can save time.
Dried Cranberries – Adds sweetness and chewiness; opt for unsweetened varieties if desired.
Chopped Pecans – Toasted to enhance flavor, contributing crunch; can be substituted with walnuts for a different taste.
Celery – Finely chopped for crisp freshness, balancing the richness of the dressing.
Green Onions (or Red Onion) – Provides a mild onion flavor; green onions are preferred for a subtle taste.

For the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base for the dressing, contributing richness.
Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream) – Adds tanginess and further creaminess to the dressing.
Honey – Natural sweetener that balances flavors; adjustable based on personal preference.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Introduces acidity for brightness in the dressing.
Poppy Seeds – Offers a crunchy texture and visual appeal, perfect for this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

With these ingredients in hand, you are all set to create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and season with salt and pepper. Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency that’s tangy and slightly sweet.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, chopped celery, and sliced green onions. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for a delightful flavor in every bite.
Add Dressing: Pour the creamy poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until everything is well-coated. The dressing should envelop the chicken and ingredients nicely for a tasty finish.
Chill: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, making each bite even more delicious.
Serve: Enjoy your salad on a bed of greens, in crisp lettuce cups, or as a delightful sandwich filling. Each option creates a lovely dining experience!

Optional: Garnish with extra poppy seeds or chop some fresh herbs for a colorful finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing is a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prep all the salad ingredients—shredded chicken, chopped celery, cranberries, and pecans—up to 3 days in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply combine the prepared ingredients with the creamy dressing and give it a gentle fold. This way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal that tastes just as delightful as when freshly made!

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, but to maintain texture, wait to add the dressing until serving.

Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the salad as the texture of the ingredients may change, especially the cranberries and celery. Enjoy fresh for the best experience.

Reheating: If you’ve prepped extra chicken, feel free to reheat that in the microwave or on the stove before mixing it into the salad, but avoid reheating the entire salad to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own with exciting swaps and twists!

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy addition that keeps it allergy-friendly.
Fruity Twist: Add diced apples or halved grapes for a burst of sweetness and added crunch that complements the cranberries beautifully.
Creamy Alternative: Use a yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy version that still delivers on flavor.
Added Greens: Toss in some baby spinach or arugula for an extra layer of freshness and nutrients, making your salad even more vibrant.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fragrant lift that adds complexity to every bite, enhancing the overall taste.
Zesty Kick: Add a splash of lemon juice or a hint of orange zest for a citrusy brightness that elevates the flavors and adds a refreshing note.
Spicy Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dressing for a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cranberries.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for a creamy, tangy addition that pairs wonderfully with the existing flavors.

What to Serve with Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?

Bring your meal to life with these delightful accompaniments that will enhance the flavors and textures of your salad.

Crispy Garlic Bread: This warm, crusty bread offers a satisfying crunch, perfect for scooping up your salad or as a side to complement its creamy texture.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Light and zesty, a cucumber salad adds bright freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the creamy dressing.
Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf bursts with grains and herbs, elevating your meal with earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with the chicken salad.
Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: Sip on a glass of fruit-infused iced tea, its subtle sweetness and herbal notes the ideal drink to cleanse the palate between bites.
Raspberry Vinaigrette Spinach Salad: A vibrant spinach salad drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette adds a fruity punch, enhancing the sweetness of the cranberries in your salad.
Almond Biscotti: Finish off your meal with a crunchy almond biscotti, which provides a lovely texture contrast and a hint of sweetness for a delightful dessert pairing.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Prep Ahead: Make the creamy poppy seed dressing the night before to let the flavors develop and save time during meal prep.
Crunch Factor: Toast your pecans before adding them to enhance their flavor and crunch in this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing according to your taste; start small and add more if needed to find that perfect balance.
Keep It Fresh: When storing leftovers, make sure to keep the salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to three days.
Avoid Sogginess: For maximum crunch, add the dressing just before serving if you anticipate leftovers, keeping the ingredients crisp and vibrant.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for this salad?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, look for cooked chicken that’s moist and tender; rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time. For cranberries, choose unsweetened dried cranberries to keep the sweet-tart balance in check. Pecans should be firm and crunchy without any dark spots, indicating they’re fresh. Additionally, opt for celery that’s bright and crisp for that refreshing crunch.

How should I store leftover salad?
Very! To keep your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure that you haven’t added the dressing to the leftovers, as it can make the vegetables soggy over time. If you keep dressing in a separate container, you can simply dress the salad just before serving, maintaining that delightful crunch!

Can I freeze this salad?
Unfortunately, it’s best not to freeze the entire salad, as the texture of ingredients like cranberries and celery may become mushy when thawed. However, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can freeze that separately in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it in a new batch of salad or another dish.

What should I do if the dressing is too sweet or tangy?
If your creamy poppy seed dressing ends up too sweet, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavor and balance out the sweetness. If it’s too tangy, a dash more honey can help mellow it. Remember to taste as you go, making small adjustments until you hit that perfect flavor blend that suits your palate!

Is this salad safe for people with nut allergies?
Great question! To make the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad nut-free, simply omit the pecans and consider substituting them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. This way, you still get that delightful texture without the risk. Always check for any other individual ingredient allergies before serving to ensure it’s safe for everyone to enjoy.

Can pets eat any of the ingredients?
While chicken is generally safe for pets, avoid giving your furry friends any of the salad’s other ingredients, particularly nuts and onions, as they can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult with your veterinarian about safe human foods for your pets to keep them happy and healthy!