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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

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  • Author: clara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Lunch, Salad
  • Method: No Bake/No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is creamy, crunchy, and just a little sweet, thanks to dried cranberries and a touch of honey in the poppy seed dressing. Toasted pecans give it a nutty crunch, and the chicken makes it hearty enough for a full meal. Serve it on croissants, in wraps, or over fresh greens!


Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted

  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (or 2 tbsp red onion)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

 

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

  • Salt & pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Make the dressing:
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, honey, vinegar, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  2. Combine the salad:
    In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cranberries, toasted pecans, celery, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

  3. Chill and serve:
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together. Serve chilled on a sandwich, in lettuce cups, or over salad greens.


Notes

  • Swap mayo for all Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

  • Add chopped apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.

  • This salad keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days — perfect for meal prep!