This vibrant salad combines fresh strawberries, crunchy poppy seeds, and tender chicken for a tasty treat. It’s bright, colorful, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Whenever I make this salad, I feel like I’m having a little picnic, even indoors! The mix of sweet and savory is so refreshing—plus, who can resist those juicy strawberries? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. If you’re in a rush, shredded chicken from a grocery store is super convenient. For a healthier twist, grilled chicken is a great option too!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a vibrant sweetness, but if they’re not in season, you can use other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Canned or frozen strawberries work if fresh is not available—just be sure to drain them well!
Pecans: I enjoy the crunch that pecans give, but feel free to swap them with walnuts or even sliced almonds. If you want to keep it nut-free, omit them entirely.
Greek Yogurt: This adds creaminess to the salad, but if you prefer a lighter dressing, you can use all mayonnaise or substitute with a vegan mayo for a plant-based option.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Is Well-Mixed and Flavorsome?
Mixing the salad well is key to ensuring every bite is flavorful. Here’s how to do it:
- Gently fold the chicken and strawberries together first, being careful not to mush the strawberries.
- Add in celery, pecans, and green onions next, folding them gently to combine.
- For the dressing, whisk it well before pouring to ensure even distribution. Pour it over the salad and toss gently; this keeps your salad light and fresh.
- Chilling the salad helps the flavors blend beautifully, so don’t skip that step!
With these tips, your salad will be a hit every time! Enjoy your meal! 🍓🥗
Easy Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped or halved
- 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors time to meld, ensuring a tasty and refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, chopped celery, chopped pecans, and green onions. Gently mix them together to combine all the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Make sure you’re careful not to squish the strawberries!
4. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to taste your salad, and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and black pepper according to your preference!
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes it extra refreshing.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once chilled, serve your salad cold, either on its own or over a bed of lettuce. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite bread or crackers! Enjoy this delightful dish! 🍓🥗
FAQ for Easy Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this salad and will add great flavor. Just shred or chop it as needed before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but if you have some left, just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise. The Greek yogurt can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt. Enjoy a delicious vegan twist!
What Other Fruits Can I Add?
You can definitely enhance this salad with other fruits! Sliced grapes, blueberries, or even diced apples would work beautifully. Feel free to mix it up based on your preferences!
