Dreamy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Crafting a delightful cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing brings unexpected joy to your midday meal.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp greens mingle with tender chicken, creating a canvas for sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans.

Nutty undertones complement the bright, zesty poppy seed dressing that ties everything together.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Freshness meets comfort in a bowl that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

• Boost Flavor Profile: Cranberries and pecans deliver a delightful burst of sweet and nutty flavors that elevate this classic chicken salad beyond ordinary recipes.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl with minimal cooking required, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, wrap, lettuce cup, or standalone salad, adapting easily to different meal preferences and occasions like picnics, lunches, or light dinners.
• Nutritious and Balanced Meal: Packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from pecans, and antioxidant-rich cranberries, this recipe offers a nutritious and satisfying option for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients Included in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, cooked meat that serves as the main protein base for the salad.

• Pecans: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to the salad.

• Cranberries: Provides a tart and sweet burst of flavor with a vibrant red color.

• Green Onions: Offers a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Poppy Seeds, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard, Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that ties all the salad ingredients together.

• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the salad.

How to Prepare Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Poppy Seed Dressing

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the creamy mayo, tangy Greek yogurt, sweet honey, zippy Dijon mustard, and aromatic poppy seeds. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to elevate the flavor profile, tasting and adjusting as you go.

Step 2: Shred and Prep Hearty Chicken

Take your cooked chicken and tear it into bite-sized, rustic pieces.

The meat should look invitingly torn and textured, not perfectly uniform. This technique helps the chicken absorb the dressing more effectively.

Step 3: Toast Nutty Pecans

Warm a skillet over medium heat and toss in the pecans. Gently toast them, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

The nuts will release a rich, warm aroma and develop a deeper, more intense flavor. Remove from heat once they’re golden brown and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped green onions

Step 5: Dress and Toss with Finesse

Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a gentle folding motion to coat everything evenly without crushing the delicate components.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and develop a more complex taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing meal or side dish.

Tips That Improve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the poppy seed dressing to fully coat and enhance the chicken, pecans, and cranberries.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for a versatile and quick meal preparation.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of texture to the salad.
• If the dressing feels too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk or water to achieve your desired smoothness.
• Use crisp green onions and pat chicken dry before mixing to prevent watery salad and maintain optimal texture.

Variations to Try on Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Tropical Fusion: Replace cranberries with diced mango and swap pecans for toasted macadamia nuts, creating a Hawaiian-inspired chicken salad with a bright, summery profile.
• Mediterranean Mix: Substitute cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes, use chopped almonds instead of pecans, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style chicken salad with tangy notes.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds, and mix in black beans and corn for a zesty, Tex-Mex inspired chicken salad with bold flavors.
• Asian Sesame Remix: Switch poppy seed dressing with sesame-ginger vinaigrette, use chopped cashews instead of pecans, and add mandarin orange segments for an East Asian-inspired chicken salad.

Suggested Pairings With Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy cranberries and creamy dressing, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Match with Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or crusty baguette to add texture and provide a perfect vehicle for scooping up the salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Fresh Greens: Add a side of mixed spring greens or arugula dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the salad's sweetness and provide a crisp, peppery contrast.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate and highlight the bright, zesty flavors of the poppy seed dressing and cranberries.

Proper Storage for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness.

Transfer salad to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month, noting that texture may slightly change upon thawing.

Move frozen salad to the refrigerator overnight. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.

If salad seems dry after storing, add a small amount of fresh dressing and mix thoroughly to restore moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the salad.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent lunch option.

• Can I substitute the pecans if I have a nut allergy?

You can replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add hard-boiled eggs or increase the amount of chicken to boost the protein content of the salad.

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cranberry pecan chicken salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with delightful crunch and zesty poppy seed dressing. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for lunch or light dinner, promising satisfying bites you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Salad Components:

• 4 green onions, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zesty poppy seed dressing by vigorously whisking together all components until smooth and well-integrated, carefully seasoning with salt to enhance the flavor profile.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately combine shredded chicken, toasted pecans, vibrant dried cranberries, and finely sliced green onions, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Gently drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, carefully folding the ingredients to coat evenly without crushing the delicate components.
4. For optimal taste development, refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Alternatively, serve immediately for a fresh, crisp experience.
5. Before serving, perform a final taste check, adjusting seasoning if necessary to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Chill the salad for enhanced flavor melding, allowing the poppy seed dressing to penetrate the chicken and nuts.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to develop a deeper, richer nutty flavor that complements the sweet cranberries.
• Opt for shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut that adds extra moisture and convenience.
• Swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt or light mayo to create a lighter, healthier version of the dressing without sacrificing creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg