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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Bake/No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a fresh, flavorful twist on a classic. Tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp veggies are tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner!


Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

  • 2 celery stalks, diced

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

  • 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, pecans, celery, and red onion.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

  4. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or as a sandwich filling or wrap.

  5. Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.


Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.

  • Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

  • Add sliced apples or grapes for extra sweetness.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg