Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Introduction
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet-tart dried cranberries, and crisp celery, all tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s a delicious option for a light lunch, a protein-packed snack, or a sandwich filling. This salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute meals. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a croissant, or wrapped in a tortilla for a satisfying bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, poached, or rotisserie)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup pecans, chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup grapes, halved (optional, adds extra sweetness)
¼ cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional, for creaminess)
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer taste)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp poppy seeds
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
If using fresh chicken, cook 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper, cook for 6-7 minutes per side, then let cool and dice or shred.
If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Poppy Seed Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, celery, red onion, and grapes (if using).
Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, a wrap, a lettuce cup, or over a bed of greens.
Tips & Tricks
Best Chicken for This Recipe:
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
Grilled chicken adds a smoky taste.
Poached chicken is soft and juicy.
Make it Dairy-Free:
Use dairy-free yogurt or avocado mayo instead of Greek yogurt or mayo.
Skip the feta cheese.
Make it Extra Crunchy:
Add chopped apples or sliced almonds.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate values, based on Greek yogurt version)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 12g
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a protein-packed, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion