Description

A flavorful Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing that’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect for lunches or parties. Easy to customize and enjoy!

Ingredients

Dressing Ingredients

Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, providing richness and a smooth texture.
Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
Dijon Mustard: Brings depth and a subtle hint of spice.
Poppy Seeds: Provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing the dressing together.

Step-by-Step Dressing Preparation

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the salt to suit your preference.

Core Ingredients of the Salad

Chicken Breast

Chicken serves as the heart of this salad, providing a hearty and protein-packed base. For the best flavor and texture:

Cook chicken breast using your preferred method—grilling, poaching, or roasting.
Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating.

Pecans

Pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the salad. Toasting them enhances their flavor even further. Simply spread the pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries contribute a pop of sweetness and tanginess, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. You can swap these for dried cherries, raisins, or golden raisins if you prefer.

Green Onions

Green onions provide a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the dish. They add a hint of sharpness and a lovely splash of green to the salad.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Salad Assembly

Prepare the Chicken: Cook and chop the chicken breast into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad.
Toast the Pecans: Toast the pecans until golden brown and fragrant, then chop them coarsely.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions.
Add the Dressing: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Season to Taste: Add a pinch of salt if needed, ensuring the flavors are balanced.

Notes

Storing and Reheating the Salad

Proper storage ensures that the Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad retains its freshness and flavor for as long as possible. While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can still be delicious when stored correctly.

Short-Term Storage

To store the salad for short-term use:

Transfer the salad to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerate immediately to maintain its freshness.
Consume within 3–4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Storing the Dressing Separately

If you anticipate leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the salad ingredients, especially the pecans and cranberries, from becoming soggy. Add the dressing just before serving for a fresh taste.