Save This Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is the ultimate celebration of fresh, summery flavors. Combining tender shredded chicken with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the cool crunch of cucumbers, it offers a vibrant balance that is both light and incredibly satisfying. Drizzled with a creamy, homemade poppy seed dressing, it is an ideal choice for a nutritious lunch or a refreshing main course on a warm afternoon.
Save The secret to this salad lies in the contrast of textures—the creaminess of the Greek yogurt dressing perfectly complements the snap of the cucumbers and the delicate crunch of toasted sliced almonds. It is a dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes, making it perfect for hosting or simple meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 150 g (1 cup) strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 100 g (4 cups) mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 50 g (1/3 cup) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 30 g (1/4 cup) toasted sliced almonds
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove chicken, let cool slightly, and shred using two forks.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- 3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, shredded chicken, strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- 4. Toss
- Drizzle with the poppy seed dressing and toss gently to coat.
- 5. Garnish
- Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and toasted almonds.
- 6. Serve
- Serve immediately, or chill for 20 minutes for a colder salad.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For ultimate convenience, you can use grilled or rotisserie chicken instead of poaching your own. If you are poaching, ensure the water just covers the breasts to keep them moist while cooking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To add extra crunch, try incorporating sliced radishes or sunflower seeds. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese and replace the Greek yogurt with a plant-based alternative. You can also substitute the feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier tang.
Serviervorschläge
This salad pairs beautifully with a piece of warm, crusty bread to soak up any remaining dressing. For beverages, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
Save With its delightful mix of textures and bright, zesty flavors, this Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe rotation. Enjoy a meal that feels like a summer breeze in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness. Store the dressing, cooked chicken, and vegetables in separate containers for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Combine and toss gently when ready to eat.
- → What are good substitutes for strawberries?
Raspberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, or sliced peaches work wonderfully in this salad. Choose fruits that offer a balance of sweetness and slight acidity to complement the creamy dressing and chicken.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free sour cream or coconut cream, use vegan mayonnaise, and substitute feta with dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely. The poppy seed dressing will remain delicious and flavorful.
- → Can rotisserie chicken be used instead of poaching?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken saves time and delivers excellent flavor. Shred approximately 300-350g of rotisserie chicken meat, removing skin and bones. This is a convenient alternative that maintains the same quality and taste.
- → What makes the poppy seed dressing creamy?
The combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates the creamy base, while honey and apple cider vinegar add sweetness and tang. Poppy seeds provide texture and subtle nutty flavor. Adjust the consistency by adding more yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- → Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. However, always verify that purchased ingredients like mayonnaise and dressings are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination, especially if serving someone with celiac disease.