Description

A refreshing and wholesome Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad featuring tender rotisserie chicken, mixed greens, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious dinner option, with optional additions like apple, avocado, and feta cheese to enhance texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., baby spinach, arugula, or romaine)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
Optional: 1/2 sliced apple
Optional: 1/2 avocado, diced
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the salad base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cooked shredded or chopped chicken, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. If using optional ingredients such as sliced apple, diced avocado, or crumbled feta cheese, add them in at this stage to enhance flavor and texture.
Make the poppy seed dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the poppy seeds, and season the dressing with salt and pepper according to taste.
Toss the salad with dressing: Gradually drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently and evenly until all ingredients are coated in the dressing without bruising the greens or breaking up the chicken.
Serve and garnish: For an extra burst of flavor and presentation, top the salad with additional dried cranberries and toasted pecans if desired. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh, vibrant qualities.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken adds convenience and enhances flavor, but any cooked chicken will work.
To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
The salad is best served fresh; however, you can store components separately and combine just before serving.
Dried cranberries add sweetness; for less sugar, use fresh or dried unsweetened cranberries.
Adjust sugar in the dressing to your preferred sweetness level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry pecan salad, poppy seed dressing, rotisserie chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad recipe