This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy. With juicy chicken, tart cranberries, crisp celery, and toasted pecans all tossed in a homemade poppy seed dressing, this salad makes the ultimate lunch or light dinner — served on greens, croissants, or even crackers!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, for flavor)
⏱ Total Time: 45 minutes
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 4
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 🍗 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 🥬 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 🧅 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 🍒 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 🌰 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 🍏 Optional: 1/2 cup chopped apple for freshness
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 🍶 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 🍋 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 🍯 2 tsp honey
- 🌱 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 🧂 Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2️⃣ Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, add chicken, celery, onion, cranberries, pecans, and optional apples. Toss gently.
3️⃣ Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
4️⃣ Chill or Serve
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld (optional) — or serve immediately!
5️⃣ Enjoy Your Way
Serve on lettuce leaves, croissants, sandwiches, or crackers.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect make-ahead lunch that’s fresh and satisfying 🕒
- Sweet, savory, nutty, and creamy in every bite 😋
- Versatile: great as a salad, sandwich, or wrap 🌯
- Easy to customize with what you have at home 🧺
💡 Helpful Tips
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes to boost their flavor 🌰
- Use rotisserie chicken for max flavor and convenience 🍗
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for meal prep!
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