Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Featuring tender chicken, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp greens tossed in a creamy homemade poppy seed dressing, this salad is a quick and nutritious option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup feta or goat cheese (optional)
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad – In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, mixed greens, celery, and red onion. Toss to mix evenly.
- Dress the Salad – Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Serve – Sprinkle with feta or goat cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use turkey, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Fruit Variations: Try diced apples, grapes, or mandarin oranges for extra sweetness.
- Dairy-Free Option: Omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Make Ahead: Store salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness.
