Introduction: Indulge in the delectable fusion of flavors with our Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad accompanied by a tantalizing Poppy Seed Dressing. This wholesome recipe perfectly balances sweetness with savory, crunch with tenderness, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Bursting with vibrant colors and rich textures, this salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a plethora of nutritional benefits.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the chicken. If using leftover chicken, ensure it is diced into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, cook chicken breasts until fully cooked, then allow them to cool before dicing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, finely chopped celery, and diced red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, arrange a bed of mixed greens on individual plates or a serving platter.
- Spoon the chilled Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad onto the bed of greens, distributing it evenly.
- Garnish with additional pecans or dried cranberries if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup of salad
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 20g
Smart WW Points: 7 points per serving
Additional Tips:
- To make this salad more substantial, consider adding diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness and crunch.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise entirely or use a combination of both for a creamier texture.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Experiment with different types of nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor profile.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the dressing according to your desired level of sweetness.
Indulge in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that our Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing has to offer. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a flavorful side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.