Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing is a sweet, savory, and crunchy dish that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Juicy chicken, tart dried cranberries, crisp celery, and buttery pecans are tossed in a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing. It’s a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad that’s full of texture and flavor.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)celerydried cranberriespecanschopped red onion (optional)mayogreek yogurt (or more mayo)apple cider vinegarhoneypoppy seedsDijon mustardsalt and peppermixed greens, croissants, or sandwich bread (for serving)

directions

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

In a large bowl, combine chopped or shredded chicken, diced celery, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and red onion if using.

Pour the poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is well coated.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serve over a bed of greens, in lettuce wraps, or on croissants or sandwich bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time: 30 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.

Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy bite.

Include baby spinach or arugula for added greens.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Not suitable for freezing due to the creamy dressing.No reheating needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

What kind of chicken works best?

Grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken all work well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use all mayo or a dairy-free yogurt substitute.

Is the dressing sweet?

It’s slightly sweet from the honey and cranberries, balanced by vinegar and mustard.

Can I make it without nuts?

Yes, just omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, the salad itself is gluten-free. Just serve with GF bread or wraps if needed.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, balsamic vinaigrette or lemon herb dressing also pair well.

Can I add herbs?

Fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon make tasty additions.

Can kids eat this?

Yes, just chop ingredients finely and go easy on onions or mustard if needed.

What’s the best way to serve it?

Chilled in a sandwich, wrap, or on top of a salad plate.

Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing is a light, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s both wholesome and elegant. Packed with contrast in every bite—tender chicken, tart fruit, crunchy nuts—it’s a versatile go-to for any occasion. Try it once and it might just become your new favorite chicken salad.

Print