Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is a crowd-pleaser, offering a balance of textures and flavors with the sweetness of cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the creaminess of the homemade poppy seed dressing. It's quick to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish, and it's versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, especially during the holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons honey, softened
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds
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Salt, to taste
For the Salad:
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4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
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1 cup chopped pecans
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½ cup dried cranberries
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4 green onions, chopped
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Season with salt to taste.
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In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pecans, cranberries, and green onions.
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Add the dressing to the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add fruits: Try adding diced apples or pears for an extra layer of sweetness.
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Use different nuts: Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.
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Make it dairy-free: Swap the mayo and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like avocado or vegan mayo.
Storage/Reheating
This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may cause the salad to become slightly soggy over time, so if you plan to store it, you can keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, leftover turkey is a perfect substitute for chicken in this salad, especially around the holidays.
How long can I store this chicken salad in the fridge?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to consume it within the first 2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
This recipe is not specifically low-carb due to the dressing and cranberries. However, you can modify it by using a sugar-free dressing and reducing the cranberries for a lower-carb version.
Can I use store-bought poppy seed dressing instead?
Yes, if you're short on time, feel free to use store-bought poppy seed dressing instead of making your own. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed.
How do I make the salad more filling?
You can add avocado slices, boiled eggs, or even some quinoa to make the salad heartier.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours before serving. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Can I freeze this salad?
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the ingredients, especially the dressing and cranberries.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are preferred for their sweetness, but you can use fresh cranberries if you prefer a tart flavor. If using fresh cranberries, consider adding a bit of sugar or honey to balance the taste.
What’s a good side dish to serve with this salad?
This chicken salad pairs well with fresh bread, roasted vegetables, or a light soup like butternut squash or tomato basil.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant and satisfying dish that's perfect for holiday meals or as a light dinner option. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a versatile recipe that everyone will enjoy. Whether served as a side or a main, it's sure to be a hit!
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
This refreshing Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing combines tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for light meals, holiday gatherings, or using up leftover turkey or chicken. Easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this vibrant salad is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Whisking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons honey, softened
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Salt, to taste
For the Salad:
4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup dried cranberries
4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined. Season with salt to taste.
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In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, cranberries, and green onions.
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Add the dressing to the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
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Variations: Add diced apples or pears for sweetness, or swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
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Make it dairy-free: Use avocado or vegan mayo in place of the mayo and sour cream.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate if storing to avoid sogginess.
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Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries: Dried cranberries provide sweetness, but fresh cranberries can be used for a tart flavor with added sugar or honey.
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