If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly irresistible dish that bridges sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, look no further than this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. Every bite is bursting with juicy grapes, tart cranberries, crunchy celery, and buttery pecans, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s as good for a light lunch as it is for a picnic or party. Whether you serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce or tucked into a flaky croissant, this is one of those recipes that’s destined to become your go-to for gatherings or a special treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is how it showcases simple, familiar ingredients in a way that feels truly gourmet. Each component plays a key role, adding either crunch, sweetness, color, or creaminess to the finished salad.
- Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, diced): Tender, lean, and protein-packed, it’s the hearty base of your salad.
- Seedless red grapes (1 cup, halved): Juicy pops of natural sweetness that balance out the tangy dressing.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Chewy and tart, they bring a festive flair and a hint of color.
- Celery (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
- Pecans (½ cup, toasted and chopped): Buttery, toasty, and nutty, they offer texture and depth.
- Green onions (2, thinly sliced): A mild bite that keeps things bright and savory.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy backbone of the dressing.
- Plain Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Lightens the dressing while adding tang and extra protein.
- Poppy seed dressing (2 tablespoons): This sweet-tangy addition sets the salad apart and ties all the flavors together.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A touch of sharpness that lifts every bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Lettuce leaves or croissants for serving: Choose your favorite base for a light or hearty meal.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Produce
Start by dicing your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized cubes—perfect for capturing all that creamy dressing. Halve the seedless red grapes, finely chop the celery, toast and chop the pecans, and thinly slice the green onions. Having everything ready makes the mixing process a breeze and ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the diced chicken, halved grapes, dried cranberries, celery, pecans, and green onions. This colorful base is a preview of all the deliciousness that’s about to come together in your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, poppy seed dressing, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, luscious dressing. This step is where the magic happens—the poppy seed dressing gives a delightful sweetness and tang that makes this salad unforgettable.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until every ingredient is evenly coated. Take care not to crush the grapes or pecans, as their texture is key to the overall salad experience.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing for at least 30 minutes. This short chill time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready, serve on crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option, or pile generously onto croissants for an indulgent lunch.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Garnishes
Add an extra sprinkle of toasted pecans, a few whole cranberries, or a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or dill on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. These finishing touches not only make the salad look more inviting, they also add a little extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing with a cup of soup, a crisp green salad, or a handful of kettle chips for a well-rounded meal. Fresh fruit, such as apple or pear slices, also complements the sweet and savory notes of the salad beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the salad onto cucumber rounds or inside mini bell pepper halves for a stunning appetizer platter. For a brunch spread, serve it in lettuce cups or as a filling in buttery croissant sandwiches. You can even pile it high on toasted artisan bread for a beautiful open-faced tartine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended, as the creamy dressing and fresh grapes can become watery and lose their texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy the salad fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply serve it straight from the fridge or let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before enjoying. If you’re adding it to a warm croissant, the residual heat from the bread is all you need.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time. Just remove the skin and bones, then dice or shred the meat before adding it to your salad.
What can I substitute for grapes if I don’t have any?
Fresh apple or pear cubes work beautifully in place of grapes, adding a similar sweet crunch. Try to use sweet-tart varieties for the best flavor contrast.
Is there a way to make this salad lighter?
Yes! Simply replace all or part of the mayonnaise with additional plain Greek yogurt. You’ll get a tangy, creamy dressing with less fat and more protein.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
The Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it in lettuce cups or with certified gluten-free bread or crackers. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I prepare the salad a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing—it’s a true celebration of flavors and textures that’s easy enough for a weekday but special enough for company. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your recipe rotation!
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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful blend of tender chicken breast, sweet grapes, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp celery, all tossed in a creamy, slightly tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a refreshing salad or a hearty sandwich filling, this recipe is easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and offers a well-balanced combination of flavors and textures ideal for lunch, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons poppy seed dressing
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Serving
- Lettuce leaves or croissants for serving
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, halved seedless red grapes, dried cranberries, finely chopped celery, toasted and chopped pecans, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, poppy seed dressing, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill for optimal taste.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry pecan chicken salad on crisp lettuce leaves for a light meal or spread it on croissants for a more substantial sandwich option. Enjoy!
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance for the flavors to fully develop.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
- Apples or pears can be used as a substitute for grapes if preferred.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, serve the salad on lettuce leaves instead of bread or croissants.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
