Name: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped; 4 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if desired); 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional); 1/2 apple, thinly sliced or 1/2 cup halved grapes (optional); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp poppy seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

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Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is my go-to when I want something fresh, flavorful, and a little bit fancy without much effort. It’s loaded with tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp greens, all tossed in a tangy-sweet poppy seed dressing that ties everything together. It’s light yet satisfying and works perfectly for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it hits every texture and flavor note — juicy, crunchy, sweet, savory, creamy, and crisp. It’s super easy to throw together using either leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie, and the poppy seed dressing brings everything together with just the right balance of tang and sweetness. Whether I’m serving it at a brunch or packing it up for a week of lunches, this salad always feels like a treat. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

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 rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
Mixed salad greens or baby spinach
Dried cranberries
Chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)
Red onion, thinly sliced
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Apple slices or grapes (optional for extra sweetness)

For the poppy seed dressing:

Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Poppy seeds
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Make the dressing:
I whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. I taste and adjust the sweetness or tang to my liking.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, I combine the greens, chicken, cranberries, pecans, red onion, and cheese (if using). I toss gently to mix.
Dress and serve:
I drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly to coat everything evenly. I like to top it with extra pecans and cranberries for a nice finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

Variations

Sometimes I add quinoa or farro to bulk it up into a grain salad. I’ve also swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds and used fresh strawberries or mandarin oranges for a fruity twist. For a creamier version, I stir a little Greek yogurt into the dressing or use a creamy poppy seed dressing instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store the dressing and salad separately if I’m making it ahead. The assembled salad keeps well in the fridge for 1–2 days (without dressing), and the dressing lasts up to a week in an airtight container. I don’t recommend reheating — it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes — I’ve used canned chicken in a pinch. I just drain it well and shred it before adding it to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead?

Absolutely. I prep all the components and keep them separate until ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prepping lunches.

Is the poppy seed dressing sweet?

It’s mildly sweet with a tangy balance from the vinegar and mustard. I adjust the honey or maple to my preference.

What greens work best?

I like using a mix of baby spinach and arugula for a blend of mild and peppery flavors, but any spring mix or chopped romaine works too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes — I just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The salad still has plenty of flavor without it.

Conclusion

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant, delicious way to make lunch or dinner feel fresh and satisfying. With a perfect mix of textures and flavors, this salad is both simple and elevated — one I keep coming back to whenever I want something light but full of personality. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just myself, this one never disappoints.