Description
This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is crisp, creamy, and balanced with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tender chicken. Quick, healthy, and perfect for lunch or family dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, or romaine)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 apple sliced
Optional: 1/2 avocado, diced
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine salad greens, cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Add optional ingredients like apple, avocado, or feta if using.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
3. Stir in poppy seeds, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad gradually and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Top with extra cranberries and pecans if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes for extra flavor.
For lighter dressing, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Best served fresh but dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, healthy lunch recipes, clean eating salad, family-friendly chicken salad, heart-healthy salad dressing