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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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
  • 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.