Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing combines tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s perfect for a light lunch or a festive gathering.​Powell Family Cooking+3Julia’s Album+3Julia’s Album+3

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Requires only a handful of common ingredients, making it easy to prepare.​
• Versatile: Great for using leftover chicken or turkey, especially after holidays.​Log in or sign up to view
• Flavorful: The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a satisfying dish.​
• Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise​This Moms Menu
  • Sour cream​Julia’s Album+1Julia’s Album+1
  • Honey​Log in or sign up to view+6Julia’s Album+6Julia’s Album+6
  • Dijon mustard​Julia’s Album+9Log in or sign up to view+9thishomekitchen.com+9
  • Poppy seeds​Reddit+2Julia’s Album+2Julia’s Album+2
  • Salt​This Moms Menu+4cooktopcove.com+4Southern Living+4
• For the Salad:
  • Cooked chicken breast, chopped​thishomekitchen.com+4Julia’s Album+4Reddit+4
  • Pecans, chopped​cooktopcove.com+3Julia’s Album+3Julia’s Album+3
  • Dried cranberries​Julia’s Album+5thishomekitchen.com+5Easy Family Recipes+5
  • Green onions, chopped​thishomekitchen.com+5Reddit+5Julia’s Album+5

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.​Reddit+2Julia’s Album+2Julia’s Album+2
2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions.​Easy Family Recipes+3Julia’s Album+3Julia’s Album+3
3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.​Powell Family Cooking
4. Serve: The salad can be served immediately, but for enhanced flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.​
• Prep Time: 20 minutes​Log in or sign up to view+10Powell Family Cooking+10Julia’s Album+10
• Cook Time: 10 minutes​Reddit+4Powell Family Cooking+4This Moms Menu+4
• Total Time: 30 minutes​Easy Family Recipes

Variations

• Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.​
• Fruit Additions: Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and texture.​
• Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.​
• Yogurt Dressing: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and healthier dressing option.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate and affect the texture upon thawing.​Powell Family Cooking
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.​

FAQs

What can I use instead of pecans?

You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.​

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.​

Is there a substitute for sour cream in the dressing?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream, offering a tangy flavor and added protein.​

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time.​

How can I make this salad healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for a light mayonnaise. Additionally, you can add more veggies like spinach or arugula.​

What should I serve with this chicken salad?

It pairs well with croissants, whole-grain bread, or over a bed of mixed greens.​Powell Family Cooking

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta or goat cheese would complement the flavors nicely.​

How do I prevent the pecans from getting soggy?

Toast the pecans before adding them to the salad to enhance their crunch and flavor.​Powell Family Cooking+1Easy Family Recipes+1

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all individual ingredients used are certified gluten-free.​

Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Certainly! Diced apples, grapes, or even mandarin oranges can add a sweet and juicy element.​

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re using up leftover chicken or turkey, or simply looking for a refreshing salad option, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or as a topping for greens.

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