Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

Name: Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces cooked chicken (diced or shredded); 3 celery stalks (diced); 2 cups red grapes (halved); 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/3 cup cashews (chopped); 2 tablespoons chopped chives; 1 head Boston lettuce (separated into leaves); Poppy Seed Dressing; 1/4 cup plain yogurt (dairy or non-dairy); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard; 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice; 1 teaspoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice; 1 tablespoon poppy seeds; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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I made this Poppy Seed Chicken Salad one night on a whim, and it has been a weeknight summer favorite ever since. Here I pair tender chicken with grapes, red onion, celery, cashews, and chives and dress them in a dressing that adds a refreshingly vibrant bite. This is an irresistible chicken salad recipe that you will turn to again and again.

¾ Overhead photo of Poppy Seed Chicken salad on a white plate sitting on a bed of lettuce with an orange wedge. Another plate of chicken salad and a glass of ice tea are behind it.

First Published: October 9, 2016... Last Updated: June 15, 2019

This Chicken Poppy Seed Salad Deserves to Be a Summer Weeknight Staple!

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this time of year.

On one hand, I love that all that summer has to offer. But I also feel like I sometimes get so caught up in all the things I want to DO kids that I over program us and ultimately forget to enjoy things.

This year, I’m making a special effort to make sure I slow down and savor these days.

I find that taking the time to enjoy a simple lunch together with family and friends is a great way to remember what is important and connect with the world around me. It is amazing how simple time together can give you a refreshing perspective on life.

Since it is so hot here, I like to keep things cool and serve recipes like today’s Orange Poppyseed Chicken Salad. I grew up in the south, but this isn’t my mother’s chicken salad!

Instead of the eggs, pickles and mayo she used, I've used grapes, cashews and a light citrus dressing. I like to serve it over a bed of fresh lettuce, but you could also serve it with toasted bread for a chicken salad sandwich.

I love that I can easily make this salad ahead of time. Then all I have to do once my guests arrive is serve it.

It frees me up to enjoy myself, making it the perfect light lunch to celebrate life with family and friends.

How to Make Poppy Seed Chicken Salad:

One of the best things about chicken salad is that even if you can't cook, it is a cinch to throw together.

Step 1: In a large bowl combine chicken, celery, grapes, red onion, cashews, and chives.

Photo of red grapes, chives, cashews, red onion, and chopped celery in a white bowl sitting on a white napkin against a wooden background.

Step 2: In a blender combine yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, maple syrup, poppy seeds, salt, and cayenne pepper. Process until smooth.

Step 3: Add dressing to the chicken mixture and toss. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Photo of poppy seed dressing being poured over chicken, celery, red grapes, and red onion.

Step 4: Serve on a bed of Boston lettuce.

Overhead photo of Poppy Seed Chicken Salad on a white plate sitting on a bed of lettuce with an orange wedge.

Tip

For super-tender chicken, use Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken to make this recipe.

Variations for This Recipe

Use lemon juice or lime juice in place of the orange juice in the dressing.
Use diced red apples in place of the grapes.
Add crumbled goat cheese on top.
Use dried cranberries in place of the grapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes. This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for three or four days.

Can I use mayonnaise in place of Greek yogurt?

Yes! I've done this many times when I was out of Greek yogurt.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just use non-dairy plain yogurt. Alternatively, you can you mayonnaise.

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