Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is truly the BEST chicken salad recipe for a reason. It combines tender chicken with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy, tangy dressing for a perfect lunch or light dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make ahead. For another fantastic use of cranberries, try this Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich Recipe.

Ingredients

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing gets its irresistible appeal from a creamy, sweet-tangy dressing and a satisfying mix of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and chewy dried cranberries.

• For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons honey, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• salt to taste
• For the Salad:
• 4 cups chicken breast, cooked, chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 4 green onions, chopped

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing comes together in about 30 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than many similar chicken salad recipes that require chilling or longer assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Cook and Shred the Chicken

Place 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or your hands.

Step 2 — Toast the Pecans

While the chicken cools, add 3/4 cup of pecan halves to a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.

Step 3 — Prepare the Dressing Base

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 4 — Add Poppy Seeds and Season

Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of poppy seeds into the dressing base. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang. For best flavor, let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to allow the poppy seeds to soften slightly.

Step 5 — Combine Main Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, place the shredded chicken, 2/3 cup of dried cranberries, and the cooled toasted pecans. If using, add 2 finely chopped celery stalks for crunch.

Step 6 — Dress and Toss the Salad

Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, which can break down the chicken.

Step 7 — Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become perfectly cold.

Step 8 — Final Taste and Serve

Before serving, give the salad a final stir. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~28 g
Carbohydrates	~18 g
Fat	~26 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~320 mg

Note: These values are estimates for one serving of Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap — For a lighter option, use shredded rotisserie chicken breast or canned tuna. For a plant-based version, chickpeas or baked, seasoned tofu work beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace the dried cranberries with a handful of fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries for natural sweetness with fewer carbs.
• Dairy-Free Dressing — Use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or vegan mayonnaise as the base for the poppy seed dressing instead of regular mayo or Greek yogurt.
• Nut-Free Version — Swap the pecans for toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas to keep the satisfying crunch while avoiding tree nuts.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — This salad is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels on your dried cranberries and mayonnaise to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
• Lower-Sodium Twist — Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if poaching your own chicken, and use unsalted pecans. You can also reduce or omit any added salt in the dressing.
• Lighter Dressing — Mix the poppy seeds into plain non-fat Greek yogurt thinned with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a high-protein, tangy dressing.
• Extra Veggie Boost — Fold in a cup of finely chopped celery or shredded Brussels sprouts for added fiber, texture, and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing shines in many settings. Here are our favorite ways to serve it.

• Classic Sandwich: Pile it high on toasted brioche, croissants, or whole-grain bread with crisp lettuce for a satisfying lunch.
• Elegant Salad Base: Serve a generous scoop over a bed of mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula for a light yet hearty meal.
• Fresh Wraps or Lettuce Cups: Spoon into large flour tortillas, lavash, or butter lettuce leaves for a handheld, low-carb option.
• Brunch or Tea Party Star: Offer it in phyllo cups, on mini croissants, or as a elegant filling for avocado halves.
• Picnic & Potluck Perfect: Transport it in a sealed container and serve with crackers, pita chips, or a crusty baguette for easy sharing.
• Plating Tip: For a beautiful presentation, use an ice cream scoop to create neat mounds on a platter, garnish with extra pecans and fresh herbs like dill or chives.

The sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy poppy seed dressing make this chicken salad a crowd-pleaser for any occasion from a quick weekday lunch to a special gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using dry, overcooked chicken breast. Fix: Poach or roast chicken to 165°F (74°C) and let it rest before shredding for maximum juiciness.
• Mistake: Adding dressing to warm chicken, which makes the salad soggy. Fix: Always chill cooked chicken completely before mixing with the poppy seed dressing and other ingredients.
• Mistake: Chopping pecans too finely or adding them too early. Fix: Lightly toast whole pecans for depth, then roughly chop and fold in last to preserve their crunch.
• Mistake: Using dried cranberries straight from the bag, which can be tough and overly sweet. Fix: Plump dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes, then drain, to improve texture and balance flavor.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the salad, which mashes the ingredients. Fix: Gently fold the chicken, cranberries, celery, and pecans with the dressing just until combined.
• Mistake: Skipping the acid in the dressing, resulting in a flat, one-note flavor. Fix: Ensure your poppy seed dressing has a bright balance of vinegar or lemon juice to cut through the richness.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the chicken during cooking. Fix: Generously salt the chicken before poaching or roasting to build flavor from the inside out.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without letting flavors meld. Fix: Cover and refrigerate your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.
• Mistake: Using mayonnaise-based dressing that’s too thick or gloppy. Fix: Thin your dressing with a splash of buttermilk or the cranberry soaking liquid to achieve a creamy, coatable consistency.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables will separate and become watery upon thawing, resulting in a poor texture.
• Reheat: This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is intended to be served cold. If you have stored the chicken separately, reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before cooling and adding it back to the salad ingredients.

Always use clean utensils to serve the salad to prevent cross-contamination and extend its fridge life. If the salad has been left out for more than 2 hours, discard it for food safety.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal that’s ideal for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner. If you love vibrant salads, you might also enjoy our Beet Salad with Spinach, Cashews, and Goat Cheese Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. For the best texture, mix the dressing with the chicken, celery, and onions a day in advance, but fold in the pecans and dried cranberries just before serving to keep them crisp and chewy. This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

Poaching or baking boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal for tender, shreddable meat perfect for salad. You can also use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred or cube the cooked chicken before combining it with the other ingredients for your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the poppy seed dressing?

Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt or a light sour cream for a tangier, lighter dressing. The poppy seeds, honey, and vinegar will still create a delicious flavor. This substitution works well without compromising the classic taste of the dish.