Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

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Hello, salad lovers! This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures—perfectly creamy with a hint of sweetness, crunchy pecans, and juicy cranberries. It’s a simple yet sophisticated salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy recipe that will quickly become a favorite!

Introduction

The Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that balances savory and sweet elements beautifully. The poppy seed dressing adds a lovely creaminess and subtle sweetness, while the pecans bring a delightful crunch. This salad is a great way to use leftover chicken and is perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or a quick and delicious meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, you’ll need:

Dressing Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • Salt, to taste

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken breast, cooked and chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • 4 green onions, chopped

This combination of ingredients provides the perfect balance of flavors, with the poppy seed dressing tying everything together into a deliciously creamy salad.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Follow these steps to prepare the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Whisk until all ingredients are well mixed and the dressing is creamy. Add salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
  2. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked, chopped chicken breast, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
  3. Toss and Serve: Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Add additional salt if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Helpful Tips

  • Prepping Ahead: This salad can be prepared ahead of time. Simply store the salad and dressing separately, then toss them together just before serving.
  • Ingredient Variations: Substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream or add a handful of spinach or arugula for an extra boost of greens.
  • Make It a Meal: Serve this salad in a lettuce wrap, or enjoy it over a bed of mixed greens for a more filling meal.

Cooking Tips

Here are some extra tips for making your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing even better:

  • Roast the Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
  • Adjusting Sweetness: Add a touch more honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing, or reduce it for a more savory balance.
  • Equipment Tip: A whisk is perfect for combining the dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is perfect on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

  • Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a light, refreshing meal.
  • Pair it with whole-grain crackers or toasted baguette slices for added crunch.
  • Use it as a filling in sandwiches or wraps for a delicious lunch option.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional benefits of this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

  • High in protein, thanks to the chicken breast, which makes it filling and satisfying.
  • Rich in antioxidants from the cranberries and healthy fats from the pecans.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 310
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Potassium: 400mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Vitamin A: 6%
  • Vitamin C: 4%
  • Calcium: 5%
  • Iron: 7%

This salad provides a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.

Reheat: This salad is best served cold. However, if you prefer, you can gently warm it before serving, though it may slightly alter the texture of the mayonnaise-based dressing.

This salad also works well as a meal prep option—prepare it in advance, and enjoy it throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred or chop the meat before adding it to the salad.

What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a lighter dressing, offering similar creaminess with added protein.

Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped celery for extra crunch or diced apple for a fresh, sweet addition.

If you love this delicious chicken salad, you may also enjoy:

Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect recipe for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing! This salad is a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, with creamy dressing, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries. We hope you enjoy every bite. Share your variations or tell us how yours turned out!

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