Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A delightful dish featuring fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that’s perfect for a light lunch or picnic.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adds creaminess to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Provides a tangy note that enhances the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey Brings sweetness, balancing the savory components.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a slight kick to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Offers a unique crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
- Salt to taste Salt Essential for bringing out the flavors.
For the Salad
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped The star of the salad, providing protein.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped Adds a rich, nutty flavor and crunch.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries Contributes a sweet chewiness.
- 4 green onions, chopped Infuses freshness and a mild onion flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds until combined and smooth. Adjust the taste with salt according to your preference.
Assembly
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions. The contrast between the crunchy pecans and the sweet cranberries is truly delightful!
Mixing
- Pour the freshly made poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Serving
- This salad can be served right away for a fresh meal or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
To take your Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing to the next level, consider preparing the dressing in advance and storing it separately until serving, squeezing in a bit of lemon juice for added brightness, or using leftover rotisserie chicken. You can also mix in baby spinach or arugula for added nutrition.