Name: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the salad:; 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, chopped or shredded; 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine); 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional); 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional); For the poppy seed dressing:; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp poppy seeds; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that I love to make when I want something light but still hearty. Juicy chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and crisp greens come together beautifully with a creamy, tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing. It’s one of those salads that feels like a full meal while still being incredibly refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this salad because it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors—sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy all in one bite. It’s quick to put together, easy to customize, and works great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. The poppy seed dressing ties everything together with just the right balance of tang and sweetness, and the chicken keeps it filling without being heavy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

Cooked chicken breast or thighs (shredded or chopped)
Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
Dried cranberries
Chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
Red onion (thinly sliced)
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Sliced apple or pear (optional for extra sweetness)

For the poppy seed dressing:

Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Honey or maple syrup
Apple cider vinegar
Poppy seeds
Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper

directions

I start by whisking together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. I adjust the sweetness or tanginess to my taste and set it aside.
In a large salad bowl, I layer the greens, chicken, cranberries, pecans, red onion, and any optional ingredients like cheese or fruit.
I drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
I serve the salad immediately or chill it for a few minutes if I want it extra refreshing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes me 10–15 minutes to prepare if the chicken is already cooked. If I need to cook the chicken fresh, I add another 15–20 minutes depending on the method.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or use grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience. I also like making a wrap with the same ingredients or serving the salad over quinoa or couscous for a grain bowl version. When I want a dairy-free option, I skip the cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt in the dressing.

storage/reheating

I store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge if I’m making it ahead. The ingredients stay fresh for up to 3 days. Once dressed, I try to eat it the same day to keep the greens crisp. Leftover chicken and dressing can also be used in sandwiches or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, this is one of my favorite ways to use up leftover grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken. It makes prep even quicker.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely. I store the poppy seed dressing in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. I shake it well before using.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

I toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant, stirring often so they don’t burn.

Is there a substitute for poppy seeds?

If I’m out of poppy seeds, I skip them or add chia seeds for a different texture. The dressing still tastes great without them.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, I just leave out the chicken and add chickpeas, tofu, or extra nuts and cheese for protein.

Conclusion

Cranberry pecan chicken salad with poppy seed dressing is a delicious and satisfying meal that I keep in rotation all year long. It’s bright, balanced, and full of textures that make each bite exciting. Whether I’m making a quick lunch or prepping for a gathering, this salad always delivers flavor and freshness.