This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a great option for a quick lunch or as a fancy starter for dinner. Here’s how to make this fresh and flavorful salad:

Salad Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup pecans, toasted
Optional additions: sliced apples, feta cheese, or avocado

Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients:

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.

2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds and season with salt and pepper.

3️⃣ Combine and Toss:
Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.

4️⃣ Add Optional Ingredients:
If desired, add sliced apples, feta cheese, or avocado to the salad for extra flavor and texture.

5️⃣ Serve:
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra cranberries and pecans if desired.

🍴 Enjoy:

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a delicious mix of flavors and textures—tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and the tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s perfect for a light, satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for toasting pecans)
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per serving (depending on optional additions)

This salad is a fresh, vibrant option that’s as healthy as it is delicious! Enjoy!