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    Home » Main Dish Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

    5 from 1 vote
    Posted June 15, 2019 by Wendy Polisi

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    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    If You Like This Post You May Also Like:

    • Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado
    • Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
    • Broccoli Slaw Recipe
    • Chicken Primavera

    Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

    This Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic! Sweet red grapes provide just the right balance for celery and red onion. The dressing is brightened with the addition of orange juice and has a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. Cashews are a delicious addition, but feel free to substitute whatever nuts or seeds you have on hand.

    Overhead photo of Poppy Seed Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuces sitting on a white plate with an orange wedge next to it.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

    This Orange Poppyseed Chicken Salad is light and refreshing, Using yogurt instead of mayo, this healthier chicken salad is perfect for lunch.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy
    Keyword: bright, summer
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 410kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces cooked chicken diced or shredded
    • 3 celery stalks diced
    • 2 cups red grapes halved
    • ½ cup diced red onion
    • ⅓ cup cashews chopped
    • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
    • 1 head Boston lettuce separated into leaves
    • Poppy Seed Dressing
    • ¼ 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
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

    Instructions

    • Combine chicken, celery, grapes, red onion, cashews and chives in a large bowl.
    • In a blender, combine yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, maple syrup, poppy seeds, salt and cayenne pepper. Process until smooth.
    • Toss dressing with the chicken mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour. Re-toss before serving.
    • Serve on a bed of Boston lettuce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 453mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1785IU | Vitamin C: 12.1mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3.3mg

    Other Chicken Salad Recipes to Try:

    • Southern Chicken Salad from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen
    • Chipotle Chicken Salad from Carlsbad Craving

    Filed Under:

    Chicken RecipesGluten Free Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

    Reader Interactions

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      Rating




    1. Robin Rue

      September 08, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      That sounds so good. I love your twist on this classic salad. It sounds delish.

      Reply
    2. Kristin & Megan

      September 08, 2016 at 5:11 pm

      Oh my goodness...I am absolutely drooooooling! What a delicious, fresh looking dish. Totally going on the old menu plan!

      Reply
    3. Rebecca Bryant

      September 08, 2016 at 8:26 pm

      What a yummy light lunch. Tea goes with everything from breakfast to dinner in our house.

      Reply
    4. Michelle Myers

      September 09, 2016 at 1:38 am

      Oh yum! I love all things orange, being a Florida gal, and this would make a lovely poolside lunch!

      Reply
    5. Kiwi

      September 09, 2016 at 2:09 am

      Wow this look so delish and healthy! I am gonna pin this!

      Reply
    6. MyTeenGuide

      September 09, 2016 at 2:16 am

      I can thrive on salads! This one looks amazing. I wish I could just literally grab this from my screen.

      Reply
    7. Blythe A.

      September 09, 2016 at 3:22 am

      I'm always on the hunt for different ways to prepare chicken. This salad reminds me of a salad from my favorite restaurant at college. They used poppy seeds and it was so good. Can't wait to try this new salad out at home.

      Reply
    8. Karen Coghlan

      September 09, 2016 at 3:43 am

      I love that this salad is not only beautiful but healthy.... It sounds delicious too...

      Reply
    9. caroline | thecarodiaries

      September 09, 2016 at 5:26 am

      This salad looks absolutely amazingggg (and I never crave salads! so that says something!)

      Reply
    10. Lesha

      September 09, 2016 at 6:59 am

      I don't eat meat, but the meat lovers in my life will love this salad recipe. Thank you for sharing! - HilLesha

      Reply
    11. Amanda Love

      September 09, 2016 at 10:21 am

      The salad looks amazing! I really love making salad for lunch so I make sure that I have plenty of recipes to choose from. I love the combination of flavors!

      Reply
    12. Nicole Escat

      September 09, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Wow, I wish I can make this too! My son loves chicken and I want to try this on him.

      Reply
    13. Veronica Pototska

      September 09, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      This salad has all the ingridients that I truly love! You really inspired me to cook it for lunch tomorrow!

      Reply
    14. Rose Sahetapy

      September 09, 2016 at 9:42 pm

      This is delicious! I can eat this salad like everyday. Your photos are amazing that really make me to just grab the salad out of the screen ☺️. Love all the ingredients.

      Reply
    15. Karina Romero Pacheco

      September 10, 2016 at 1:52 am

      Now that is a yummy salad. Healthy can be fun and delicious. I love adding fruit and fun dressings to my salad. Trying this one with my family.

      Reply
    16. Rachel Catherine

      September 12, 2016 at 2:12 am

      Yum! This looks incredible! I love how fresh it looks. What a great lunch option with the tea.

      Reply
    17. CourtneyLynne Storms

      September 13, 2016 at 12:13 am

      Omg can we say yum?!?! I'm always doesn for a yummy salad for dinner. Must make!

      Reply
    18. Shannon Graham

      September 02, 2017 at 3:27 am

      5 stars
      I have no doubt this is refreshing.

      Reply

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