Oh, hey there, friend! Today, I’m super excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite summer meals: **Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing**. This salad is like a burst of sunshine in a bowl, and it’s perfect when you’re looking to impress friends or simply enjoy a little culinary self-care.
I remember the first time I made this delightful dish. It was a warm summer evening, and I had a couple of friends over for a casual get-together. I wanted to prepare something light and refreshing, and this salad was a huge hit! The combination of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and that irresistible poppy seed dressing had everyone going back for seconds. So, if you’re looking for a dish that brings joy and flavor together, you’ve come to the right place!
What’s in Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?
Let’s take a closer look at the star players in this vibrant salad:
Romaine Lettuce: This crispy green forms the base of our salad. I love romaine because it holds up so well with the dressing and adds a satisfying crunch.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Diced, succulent chicken adds protein and heartiness. I often use leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and perfectly tart, strawberries are really the highlight of this salad! They add a refreshing taste that elevates the entire dish.
Blueberries: These little gems not only add a pop of color but also bring their own burst of fruity flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Red Onion: Thinly diced red onion offers a touch of sharpness that balances out the sweetness in the salad.
Pecans: These crunchy nuts add a delightful texture and nutty flavor. Feel free to toast them if you want an extra depth of flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a tangy creaminess that I just can’t resist. If you’re not a feta fan, goat cheese works wonderfully too!
Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds not only give the dressing its name but also add a unique flavor and a bit of visual flair!
Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: These two combined serve as the creamy base for our dressing. The yogurt lightens things up a bit, which I always appreciate!
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a zesty tang that brightens everything up!
Honey: This natural sweetener balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the overall flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Because we need a little seasoning to tie everything together!
Is Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad packs a nutritional punch:
– **Lean Protein:** The chicken provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
– **Vitamins galore:** Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being and a healthy immune system.
– **Healthy fats:** Pecans provide healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health while adding a delightful crunch.
– **Gut-friendly:** Greek yogurt is great for digestion, thanks to its probiotics.
However, keep an eye on the dressing portions if you’re watching your calorie intake. While the ingredients are wholesome, the mayonnaise and honey do add to the calorie count. Using a lower-fat yogurt or reducing the amount of honey can help keep things lighter!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4 people and here’s what you’ll need:
– 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup strawberries, sliced
– 1 cup blueberries
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing?
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious salad!
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced chicken, sliced strawberries, blueberries, red onion, and pecans. Toss gently to mix everything evenly.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s smooth and well combined.
3. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and, if you’re feeling a bit extra, add some more strawberries for good measure.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the smiles on your friends’ faces, or chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to let those flavors meld together even more!
Fresh Tips and Twists for Your Salad Creation
– **Add a splash of citrus:** A teaspoon of lemon juice or orange zest in the dressing can elevate the flavor even more!
– **Swap out fruits:** Don’t have blueberries? You could try raspberries or even diced apples for a new twist.
– **Add some crunch:** Want more texture? Try adding sliced almonds or even a handful of crispy bacon bits for that extra crunch.
– **Meal prep friendly:** This salad is great for meal prep! You can keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for optimal freshness.
Well, there you have it! I honestly can’t recommend this salad enough. It’s not only a beautiful dish to serve, but it’s also a delight to eat. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so be sure to try it and drop me a note about your experience! Happy cooking!
