Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal with this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, featuring tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a delightful poppy seed dressing. Perfect for lunch or as a light dinner option.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, and romaine)

For the Poppy Seed Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, chopped celery, and red onion. Toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
2. Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble and Serve: Divide the mixed salad greens among serving plates or bowls. Top with the chicken mixture. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine if desired, or serve the dressing on the side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 and has a prep time of 15 minutes, with no cooking time required, resulting in a total time of approximately 15 minutes.

Variations

• Add Fruits: Include apple slices or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Nuts: Substitute walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Greens: Use kale or mixed greens instead of traditional salad greens for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for the best texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
2. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
   You can use avocado or a dairy-free yogurt for a healthier option.
3. Is this salad gluten-free?
   Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
   Yes, the dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
5. How can I make it vegan?
   Use plant-based chicken substitutes and vegan mayo or yogurt.
6. What other greens can I use?
   Arugula, kale, or spring mix work well as substitutes.
7. Can I freeze this salad?
   It’s not recommended to freeze the salad as the greens and dressing may not thaw well.
8. How do I make it spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for some heat.
9. What should I serve with this salad?
   It pairs well with crusty bread or a light soup.
10. How do I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
    You can increase or decrease the honey based on your taste preference.

Conclusion

The Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner. With its easy preparation and versatility, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the refreshing taste and nourishing ingredients in every bite!

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