Go Back

Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

A delightful chicken salad featuring a creamy poppy seed dressing, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken Salad, Easy Recipes, Family Dinner, Healthy Salad, Poppy Seed Dressing
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adds a creamy and rich base to the dressing.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream Enhances the tanginess of the dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Provides sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Offers a zesty kick.
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Adds unique texture.
  • to taste salt Essential for flavor enhancement.

For the Salad

  • 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped Provides lean protein.
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped Offers crunch and richness.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries Adds sweetness and chewiness.
  • 4 green onions, chopped Introduces freshness.

Instructions

Preparation of Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions.

Combine

  • Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors meld. Enjoy as is, in sandwiches, or over greens.

Notes

For best results, use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. Customize with diced apples or grapes for variation. Can be made ahead of time for convenience.