Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing 🥗 – Sweet, Savory, and Simply Irresistible

When you’re looking for something fresh, filling, and full of flavor and texture, look no further than this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing. Whether you need a quick lunch, a potluck showstopper, or a light yet satisfying dinner, this recipe is a winner on every level.

Combining tender chicken, crunchy toasted pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries over a bed of vibrant greens, this salad is already a treat. But what truly brings it together is the creamy poppy seed dressing—a homemade blend of mayo, milk, apple cider vinegar, and just the right amount of sweetness to balance every bite.

And best of all? It comes together in just minutes using pantry staples and rotisserie chicken—or leftovers from last night’s dinner.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad

• Balanced Flavors: Sweet cranberries, salty chicken, nutty pecans, and creamy dressing in every bite.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes or less—perfect for busy days.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Customizable: Add fruit, cheese, or extra crunch to make it your own.
• Gourmet Look, Minimal Effort: It looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to make.

This is the kind of salad that feels indulgent but is light and wholesome. Ideal for brunches, meal prep, or a make-ahead lunch that doesn’t get soggy.

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🛒 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this show:

🥗 Salad Base:

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken
  Shredded or chopped—use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover baked chicken. Lean and filling!
• 6 cups Mixed Salad Greens
  A blend of spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula works beautifully. The greens offer freshness and structure.
• 1 cup Dried Cranberries
  Their natural tartness balances the richness of the chicken and dressing.
• 1 cup Toasted Pecans
  Toasted for extra crunch and flavor. Adds a buttery, nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the other elements.

🧀 Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced Apples – Crisp and refreshing
• Feta Cheese – Adds tang and creaminess
• Avocado – Creamy and nutrient-rich

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🥄 Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing:

• ⅓ cup Mayonnaise
  Acts as the creamy base. Use regular or light based on preference.
• ¼ cup Milk
  Thins out the dressing slightly while keeping it creamy. You can use any type of milk, even dairy-free.
• 2 Tbsp Sugar
  Balances the tanginess and adds subtle sweetness.
• 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  Brings acidity and brightness to the dressing.
• 2 tsp Poppy Seeds
  These tiny seeds add texture and a classic touch to this sweet-tart dressing.
• Salt & Pepper
  To taste. Always taste and adjust after mixing!

Pro Tip: Make extra dressing—it pairs beautifully with spinach, strawberry salads, and even grilled chicken wraps.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine:

• 6 cups mixed greens
• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup toasted pecans

Toss gently to distribute evenly.

Tip: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.

2. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Once smooth, stir in:

• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Shortcut: Store it in a mason jar and shake before serving!

3. Assemble and Toss

Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Add more or less dressing based on your preference.

4. Add Optional Toppings

Top with:

• Thinly sliced apples
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Sliced avocado

Finish with a sprinkle of extra cranberries or pecans if desired.

5. Serve Immediately

Plate in individual bowls or serve family-style. This salad is best served freshly tossed.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

This chicken salad is versatile enough for any time of day:

• Lunch: Serve in a wrap or over quinoa.
• Dinner: Add a slice of crusty bread or a baked sweet potato on the side.
• Brunch: Pair with muffins or fruit salad.
• Meal Prep: Store components separately and toss just before eating.

Presentation Tip: For entertaining, layer ingredients in a trifle bowl or platter and drizzle the dressing just before serving.

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🔁 Variations & Customizations

Option	What It Adds
Grilled Chicken	Smoky flavor, ideal for summer
Spinach Only	More iron and less bitterness
Goat Cheese	Creamy, tangy alternative to feta
Mandarin Oranges	A citrusy burst of sweetness
Honey in Dressing	Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup

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❄️ Storage Tips

• Dressing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Prepped Salad Components: Store individually in containers and combine when ready to serve.
• Assembled Salad: Best eaten fresh; however, it will keep for 1 day if undressed.

Meal Prep Hack: Layer salads in jars—start with dressing, then chicken, cranberries, pecans, and top with greens.

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🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayo and plant-based milk like almond or oat.

What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is the easiest, but grilled, baked, or poached chicken all work well.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Absolutely. It will be tangier and higher in protein—just add a splash of olive oil for richness.

Is this salad low-carb?
Yes—without the dried cranberries and with low-sugar dressing modifications, it can easily be made keto-friendly.

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