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### **Instructions**
#### 1. **Cook the Chicken (if needed):**
If you’re not using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper and either grill, roast, or pan-sear them until fully cooked. Let them cool before chopping or shredding.
#### 2. **Make the Poppy Seed Dressing:**
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), honey, vinegar, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard if using. Add a pinch of salt and adjust to taste. The dressing should be creamy, slightly sweet, and have a nice pop of tang.
#### 3. **Assemble the Salad:**
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, green onions, and celery. If you’re adding diced apples or grapes, toss them in now as well.
#### 4. **Add the Dressing:**
Pour the poppy seed dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss everything until well coated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
#### 5. **Chill and Serve:**
For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
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### **How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad**
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:
– **On a bed of greens:** Serve it over fresh mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy lunch.
– **As a sandwich or wrap:** Stuff it into a croissant, pita, tortilla, or whole grain bread for a heartier meal.
– **With crackers or sliced veggies:** Great for parties or light snacking — serve it as a dip-style spread.
– **In lettuce cups:** For a low-carb, fresh option, serve scoops of chicken salad in crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
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### **Why You’ll Love This Salad**
1. **Sweet and Savory Harmony:**
The sweetness of cranberries and honey perfectly balances the savory chicken and crunchy pecans. Every bite is layered with flavor and texture.
2. **Make-Ahead Friendly:**
This chicken salad actually tastes better after chilling, making it perfect for meal prep, parties, or busy weeknight dinners.
3. **Healthy, Satisfying, and Protein-Packed:**
With lean chicken as the base and nutrient-rich add-ins like pecans and celery, it’s both filling and full of wholesome goodness.
4. **Customizable to Your Tastes:**
Want it creamier? Add more mayo or yogurt. Prefer more crunch? Toss in extra celery or apples. You can easily tailor this salad to your preferences or what you have on hand.
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### **Tips for the Best Chicken Salad**
– **Toast the Pecans:** Toasting pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes enhances their flavor and adds even more crunch.
– **Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience:** A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fast and flavorful shortcut.
– **Keep it Fresh:** If using apples or grapes, add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a bright flavor contrast.
– **Let It Chill:** While you can eat this salad right away, it’s even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit.
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### **A Fresh Twist on Classic Chicken Salad**
This **Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing** takes a classic comfort dish and gives it a fresh, flavorful update. It’s light, bright, and absolutely packed with contrasting textures and flavors. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Simple to make and even easier to love — give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to chicken salad recipe!
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