Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing is not just a dish; it’s an experience filled with crunch, sweetness, and a delightful dressing that feels like a hug from the inside. quick and easy salad alternative Imagine biting into tender chicken, surrounded by the tartness of cranberries and the nutty crunch of pecans—it’s a flavor explosion that dances on your palate!

This salad is perfect for those sunny picnics or when you need to impress guests at your next brunch. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a gathering; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. It’s not just food; it’s a celebration on a plate, making every bite feel special!

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken recipes recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a satisfying protein boost; adjust based on your crowd size.
• Dried Cranberries: Opt for unsweetened cranberries to balance the sweetness of the poppy seed dressing perfectly.
• Chopped Pecans: These add crunch and richness; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
• Mixed Greens: A combination of baby spinach and arugula works wonders for texture and flavor.
• Poppy Seed Dressing: You can either buy it or whip up your own using mayonnaise, honey, and poppy seeds.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness and color; soak in water briefly if you want to mellow the taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked through (no one likes dry chicken!).

Step 2: Cool and Chop

Once your chicken is done baking, let it rest for about five minutes. This allows juices to redistribute. Then chop it into bite-sized pieces because nobody wants to wrestle with huge chunks while trying to look classy.

Step 3: Prepare the Greens

In a large bowl, toss together your mixed greens and thinly sliced red onion. This mixture will be the beautiful base of your salad—a canvas ready for culinary art!

Step 4: Add the Flavor Bombs

Sprinkle in dried cranberries and chopped pecans over your greens. These little bites of joy will add both sweetness and crunch, elevating your salad from basic to fabulous.

Step 5: Dress It Up

Drizzle generously with poppy seed dressing—homemade or store-bought—and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Don’t be shy; this dressing is what makes everything sing!

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your beautiful salad onto plates or serve family-style in one big bowl. Enjoy immediately while dreaming about how you’re now basically a gourmet chef.

This cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing isn’t just another salad—it’s an adventure waiting on your plate! Whether you’re serving it at lunch or enjoying it as dinner after a long day, it’s sure to bring smiles all around! another cranberry-inspired salad.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then cook up your pasta while preparing a luscious poppy seed dressing. This method keeps things efficient and ensures everything comes together like a well-rehearsed dance.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey if you’re feeling adventurous, or toss in some diced apples for an extra crunch. Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds, and season with your favorite herbs for a personalized twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to keep that delightful texture intact.

I once made this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad for a family gathering, and my cousin declared it “the dish of the year,” which is quite the honor considering his usual culinary critique consists of raising an eyebrow!

FAQs :

What ingredients are in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing features tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp greens. For the dressing, you’ll need mayonnaise, poppy seeds, honey, and a touch of vinegar. This combination provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make this salad a standout choice for lunch or dinner.

How can I make the dressing for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad?

To prepare the poppy seed dressing for your Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, combine mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, and poppy seeds in a bowl. Whisk until well blended and smooth. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired. This creamy dressing complements the salad’s ingredients perfectly and elevates its taste.

Can I use different nuts in the salad?

Yes! While pecans add a rich flavor to Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Both options will provide a different texture while still enhancing the overall taste of the salad. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts. For more inspiration, check out this vegetarian options recipe.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the greens fresh, you may want to add them just before serving. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit, making it even more delicious.

Conclusion for Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a deliciously balanced dish that combines protein from chicken with sweet and crunchy elements from cranberries and pecans. The creamy poppy seed dressing ties everything together beautifully. This salad is not only tasty but also versatile for meal prep or entertaining guests. Enjoy this nourishing recipe as part of your healthy eating habits today!

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans over a bed of mixed greens. The creamy poppy seed dressing ties it all together, making it perfect for picnics, brunches, or meal prep. Quick to prepare, this salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, guaranteed to impress your guests.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
• 6 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
• ½ cup poppy seed dressing
• ½ medium red onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
2. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and sliced red onion.
4. Add cranberries and toasted pecans on top of the greens.
5. Drizzle with poppy seed dressing and toss gently to coat.
6. Serve immediately on individual plates or family-style in a large bowl.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating diced apples or swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds based on preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.