Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is a delightful fusion of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The grilled or roasted chicken adds lean protein, while the fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and color to the dish. The creamy poppyseed dressing is light yet flavorful, making each bite a burst of taste. With its refreshing nature and balance of textures, this salad is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to customize according to your preferences.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup pecans or almonds, toasted
1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the poppyseed dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon poppyseeds
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear them. Once cooked, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
In a small skillet, toast the pecans or almonds over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Set them aside to cool.
In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the poppyseed dressing until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion (if using), and the toasted nuts.
Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Top the salad with the sliced chicken and crumbled cheese (if using).
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes (if cooking the chicken)
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add fruits: Besides strawberries, you can include other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even citrus slices to give the salad a unique twist.
Add more crunch: For extra crunch, include some roasted sunflower seeds or a handful of croutons.
Use different nuts: Swap pecans or almonds with walnuts or cashews for a different texture and flavor.
Make it dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make this salad suitable for dairy-free diets.

Storage/Reheating

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent the greens from wilting. To store the chicken, you can place it in a separate container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken from a rotisserie?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe and makes the preparation even quicker. Just shred or slice the chicken and add it to the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the dressing ingredients and any nuts or toppings are gluten-free. Double-check labels if you’re using store-bought ingredients.

How can I make this salad more filling?

To make the salad more filling, you can add some quinoa, couscous, or roasted sweet potatoes. These additions will provide extra fiber and carbohydrates to keep you full longer.

Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! If you don’t like poppyseed dressing, you can use a balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or even a simple olive oil and lemon dressing.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Yes, you can swap the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even peaches or mango for a sweet, fruity flavor.

Can I make this salad without cheese?

Yes, if you don’t want to use cheese or need a dairy-free option, simply leave it out. The salad will still be delicious and flavorful.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for meal prep?

You can prep the chicken, dressing, and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh.

How can I add more protein to this salad?

To add more protein, you can add a hard-boiled egg, chickpeas, or even swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon.

How can I store the leftover dressing?

Store the leftover poppyseed dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is the perfect light, refreshing meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With a blend of fresh greens, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy poppyseed dressing, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner, this salad offers a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients with a burst of flavor. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your salad rotation.

Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A vibrant and refreshing salad with tender chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy poppyseed dressing, and a crunchy mix of nuts and cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or healthy dinner.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (if cooking the chicken)
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling or Pan-searing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can grill, bake, or pan-sear them. Once cooked, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
In a small skillet, toast the pecans or almonds over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Set them aside to cool.
In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the poppyseed dressing until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion (if using), and the toasted nuts.
Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Top the salad with the sliced chicken and crumbled cheese (if using).
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, you can add sunflower seeds or croutons to the salad.
If you’re dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Feel free to swap the strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or citrus slices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 330mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg