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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Why You’ll Love It
This salad brings together sweet dried cranberries, buttery pecans, tender chicken, and a creamy poppy seed dressing into a bowl of comfort. It feels nourishing yet indulgent—bringing back the kind of home-cooked simplicity that helps reset the week. Rooted in Stuffani’s childhood memories of her mom’s simple yet loving meals, it’s both heartwarming and wholesome.
Ingredients That Elevate Every Bite
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine—your pick)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional but lovely add-ins:
- Thinly sliced apple
- Diced avocado
- Crumbled feta cheeses
Let’s Build It—With Heart
1. Build the base
Combine the greens, chicken, cranberries, and pecans in a bowl. Tuck in apple, avocado, or feta, if you’re adding the extras.
2. Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds and season to taste.
3. Bring it together
Slowly drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently—just enough so each leaf gets a bit of that creamy goodness.
4. Garnish and serve
Sprinkle a few extra cranberries or pecans on top. Serve immediately—the mix of textures and flavors is best fresh.
Make It Yours: Tips & Swaps
- Nut alternatives: Swap the pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Sweet alternatives: If you’re out of cranberries, raisins, dates, or fresh grapes bring sweetness.
- Chicken shortcut: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice.
- Crunch enhancers: Add sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or toss in some arugula for zest.
Serving & Storage
- Serving ideas:
- Dish it straight from the bowl for an effortless meal.
- Use it to fill wraps, pitas, or sandwiches.
- Pair with crackers or apple slices for a quick, protein-packed snack.
- Storage tips:
- Let it rest a few minutes before chilling to avoid soggy greens.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Revive tired leftovers with a squeeze of lemon and a handful of extra pecans.
Common Pitfalls (and How to Fix Them)
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Watery salad | Wet chicken/add-ins | Pat chicken dry; avoid juicy veggies |
| Bland flavor | Low seasoning | Add lemon, vinegar, or a pinch of salt |
| Too heavy | Rich dressing | Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt |
Why It Works
This salad isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability, simplicity, and nourishment. It turns whatever’s on hand into something that feels like home.
Final Thought
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures: sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy. It’s quick, customizable, and comforting—perfect for everything from workday lunches to relaxed gatherings. I hope this polished rendition inspires you to make it your own.
