Best Homemade Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe with a Flavorful Twist

Photo bythe handing dog

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing: A Sweet and Savory Delight

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy, making it a go-to dish for any occasion. From the tender, juicy chicken to the delightful crunch of pecans and the sweet pop of dried cranberries, each bite brings a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. Tossed in a homemade poppy seed dressing that adds a creamy, tangy finish, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your home.

I discovered this amazing recipe through The Handing Dog Facebook group, a wonderful community where members share their favorite recipes. The unique combination of ingredients caught my eye, and after making it, I knew I had to share it with you. If you love easy, flavorful meals, this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping for the week.

The Story Behind the Recipe

Chicken salad has always been one of those dishes I turn to when I need something versatile yet satisfying. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different combinations of ingredients, but this Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe stands out as a true gem. The sweetness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the rich crunch of pecans, while the creamy poppy seed dressing brings everything together in a deliciously smooth harmony.

I found this particular recipe through a post in The Handing Dog group on Facebook. This group is full of passionate home cooks, and it’s become one of my favorite places to find new recipe inspirations. If you’re not already a member, I highly recommend checking them out for more fantastic ideas and tips!

A Brief History of Chicken Salad

Chicken salad has been a staple in many cultures, with its origins traced back to the United States in the mid-1800s. It’s said that the first version of chicken salad was created as a way to use leftover chicken, tossed together with mayonnaise and other ingredients. Over time, countless variations have emerged, adding fruits, nuts, and different dressings to suit different tastes.

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad puts a modern twist on the traditional version by incorporating dried cranberries and pecans for a sweet and crunchy texture, making it perfect for those looking to elevate their everyday chicken salad.

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons honey (softened)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• Salt, to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups chicken breast, cooked and chopped (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 4 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste, adjusting based on your preference.
2. Make the Salad: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions.
3. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until well coated. Taste, and add more salt if needed. Serve immediately or chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld together even more.

Cooking Tips and Variations:

• Protein Substitutes: For a lighter option, you can swap out the chicken for turkey, or for a vegetarian twist, try using chickpeas or tofu.
• Add More Crunch: If you love an extra crunch in your salads, consider adding celery or apples to the mix.
• Make it Low-Carb: Skip the honey in the dressing for a low-carb version, or substitute it with a low-carb sweetener like stevia.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for weekly meal prep. Simply store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect combination of texture, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this salad is sure to please. The blend of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries, all tied together with a creamy poppy seed dressing, makes this dish unforgettable.

If you enjoyed this recipe, I encourage you to join The Handing Dog Facebook group, where I found this delightful recipe. You’ll find a wealth of inspiration from passionate home cooks like yourself! Don't forget to leave a comment below and share this recipe with friends. Follow me for more delicious recipes!