Description
A delightful and refreshing Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. This salad combines tender chicken breast, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and green onions, bound together with a honey-Dijon poppy seed dressing that is both tangy and sweet.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons honey (softened)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt, to taste
Salad
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the dressing is smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cooked chicken breast, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped green onions.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat all components evenly with the dressing. Adjust salt as needed for seasoning.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving cold.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken breast, either roasted or poached.
- To add extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans before adding to the salad.
- Can be served on a bed of lettuce or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust honey quantity based on desired sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry pecan salad, poppy seed dressing, easy chicken salad recipe, picnic salad, quick lunch
