This Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is bright, delicious, and ideal for the spring and summer seasons! Crafted with succulent strawberries, tender chicken, crispy toppings, and the FINEST poppy seed dressing.
Table of Contents
If you’re in the mood for something fresh, colorful and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is about to be your new favorite! The ideal mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy, all combined in a light, homemade poppy seed dressing that tastes far superior to anything you’d find in the store. Juicy strawberries, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy toppings all mixed together for a meal-sized salad that the entire family will adore!
Why You’ll Adore This
- Flavor-packed – everything is finely chopped to ensure you get a perfect blend of ingredients in each bite!
- Quick and simple – this entire salad comes together easily in about 15 minutes, making it ideal for hectic days when you want something fresh and fulfilling.
- Adjustable – you can easily tailor this to your preferences, whether you’re adjusting based on available ingredients or dietary needs.
- Perfect for meal prep – this salad stores well in sealed, airtight containers, making it great for lunches!
Ingredients You’ll Require
- strawberries – the highlight of this recipe! Sweet, juicy, and fantastic for complementing the tangy dressing.
- leafy greens – I used a blend of fresh baby spinach leaves and arugula for this salad.
- chicken – tender diced or shredded chicken breast provides protein and makes this salad hearty. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also great for convenience.
- red onion – adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that gives this salad a bit of zing. For a milder taste, soak small red onion slices in cold water for a few minutes.
- avocado – ripe avocado adds a creaminess to this salad that balances the savory flavors while contributing healthy fats.
- almonds – toasted slivered almonds offer a satisfying crunch and nutty taste to this salad. Toasting truly enhances their richness, so don’t skip this step!
- feta cheese – crumbled feta unites everything and is salty, creamy and slightly tangy.
- poppy seed dressing – a blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.
How to Prepare Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
- Toast the almonds. In a small skillet over medium heat, add the slivered almonds. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar with a lid, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until fully combined and emulsified. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the spinach and arugula. Top with the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, red onion, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta.
- Dress and serve. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just prior to serving and toss gently to mix. Serve right away and enjoy!
Tips for the Ultimate Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
- Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries – the sweeter the strawberries, the better the overall taste!
- Don’t bypass toasting the almonds – toasted almonds provide a significant flavor boost and crunch to this salad.
- Allow the dressing to sit for a few minutes – this helps the flavors to meld together, enhancing the salad’s overall taste.
- Thinly slice the red onion – this prevents it from dominating the salad. For a milder bite, soak small red onion slices in cold water for a few minutes.
- Add avocado as the last step – this helps prevent the avocado from becoming mushy when mixing the salad.
- Serve right after dressing – this maintains the greens fresh and crisp. No one desires a soggy salad!
- Season your chicken well – if cooking fresh chicken, add a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. My air fryer chicken breast would taste fantastic in this salad!
Variations
- Change the protein – chicken works perfectly here, but consider using grilled chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or air fryer chicken. Grilled shrimp, salmon, leftover turkey, or chickpeas are excellent plant-based options.
- Alter the cheese – feta is traditional in this salad, but alternative choices include goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, mozzarella pearls or shaved parmesan.
- Make it heartier – to make this salad more substantial, consider adding cooked quinoa, farro, brown rice, or even a bit of orzo pasta.
- Mix up the fruit – you can also incorporate blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges, apples, pears, or even dried cranberries to add variety.
- Substitute the nuts – almonds provide great texture, but try candied walnuts or pecans, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
- Add creaminess – if you enjoy a creamy texture, try adding additional slices of avocado, a spoonful of creamy goat cheese, or one to two tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the poppy seed dressing.
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Preparation and Storage
- To Prep – you can easily prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble. Slice strawberries and onions, cook the chicken, toast the almonds, and make the dressing ahead of time.
- To Store – this salad can be kept undressed in a sealed, airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Just keep the dressing in a separate container and mix it in just before serving. Add the avocado fresh to avoid browning.
More Spring Salads
Hope you all enjoy this Italian Chopped Salad recipe! If you love this salad as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!
Toast the almonds. In a small skillet over medium heat, add the slivered almonds. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar with a lid, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until fully combined and emulsified. Set aside.
Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, add the spinach and arugula. Top with the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, red onion, toasted almonds and crumbled feta.
- Dress and serve. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving: 1/4th of recipe | Calories: 512kcal | Carbohydrates: 20.7g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 32.1g | Saturated Fat: 6.2g | Cholesterol: 95.5mg | Sodium: 389.2mg | Fiber: 6.1g | Sugar: 12.7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**Title: A Refreshing Spin: Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Poppy Seeds**
Chicken salad is a timeless dish relished by many for its adaptability and taste. However, incorporating a few distinctive ingredients can transform this classic dish into something remarkable. One such variation is the Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Poppy Seeds. This delightful mix unites the savory flavor of chicken with the sweet and tart taste of strawberries, all elevated by the delicate crunch of poppy seeds. Here’s a deeper exploration of this refreshing dish and how you can create it at home.
**Ingredients and Nutritional Highlights:**
The essential elements for this salad include cooked chicken, fresh strawberries, poppy seeds, mixed greens, and a light dressing. Each ingredient offers its own health benefits:
1. **Chicken**: A fantastic source of lean protein, chicken provides vital amino acids that assist in muscle growth and repair.
2. **Strawberries**: These colorful berries are abundant in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They contribute a natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to the salad.
3. **Poppy Seeds**: Although small, poppy seeds are loaded with nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They impart a subtle nutty note and a desirable crunch.
4. **Mixed Greens**: A blend of spinach, arugula, and lettuce delivers a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
5. **Dressing**: A light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a hint of Dijon mustard balances the flavors without overpowering them.
**Preparation Steps:**
To make the Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Poppy Seeds, follow these straightforward instructions:
1. **Cook the Chicken**: Begin by grilling or poaching boneless, skinless chicken breasts until thoroughly cooked. Once cooled, shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Prepare the Strawberries**: Rinse and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
3. **Combine the Salad**: In a large bowl, mix the mixed greens, cooked chicken, and sliced strawberries.
4. **Create the Dressing**: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
5. **Mix and Serve**: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Top with poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
6. **Optional Enhancements**: For extra taste, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds, or avocado slices.
**Serving Ideas:**
This salad makes an excellent choice for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a crusty baguette or whole-grain crackers. For a more filling meal, consider pairing it with a bowl of soup or a side of roasted vegetables.
**Conclusion:**
Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Poppy Seeds is a delightful dish that merges savory and sweet elements beautifully. It’s not only delicious but also brimming with nutrients, making it a healthy option for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply searching for a new salad to enjoy, this recipe is sure to impress. Relish the vibrant flavors and the satisfying crunch of this distinctive salad!
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