Go Back
+ servings

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad combines sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans for a delightful flavor explosion, perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Salad
  • 2 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions sliced thin
For the Poppy Seed Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter dressing
  • 2 tablespoons honey adjust according to taste
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by poaching your chicken breasts in gently simmering water for about 15-20 minutes, until they are fully cooked and tender. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds until smooth and creamy. Taste to adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
  3. Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, diced celery, and green onions. Gently fold in the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve & Enjoy: Spoon generous portions onto a bed of mixed greens or serve in whole-grain wraps for a delightful lunch or dinner option. Garnish with extra pecans for added crunch!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!