Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad combining juicy strawberries, tender chicken, crisp mixed greens, and a tangy creamy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or picnic treat, this salad balances sweet, savory, and zesty flavors with delightful textures in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh ripe strawberries, washed and sliced
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetarian mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and slice fresh strawberries. Cook chicken breasts if not precooked, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop salad greens if needed. Lightly toast slivered almonds in a dry pan until fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the Poppyseed Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together vegetarian mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired to balance flavors.
- Combine the Salad: In a large serving bowl, gently toss the mixed greens with sliced strawberries, shredded chicken, red onion, and toasted almonds. Pour the dressing over and gently toss again, taking care not to bruise the strawberries.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and slightly melted creaminess from the chicken’s warmth.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and crisp greens for best flavor and texture.
- Chill the dressing for 15 minutes before tossing to meld flavors.
- Adjust honey or vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- Slice strawberries just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Toast almonds carefully as they burn quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: strawberry chicken salad, poppyseed dressing, light lunch, summer salad, fruity chicken salad, creamy dressing
