Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet? Look no further than our Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppyseed Dressing! This delightful recipe combines tender shredded chicken, juicy strawberries, and crunchy pecans all nestled on a bed of crisp mixed greens. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a light yet satisfying meal, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of only 35 minutes, you can whip up this stunning dish in no time. Get ready to elevate your salad game and discover a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces, removing the green tops and stems.
- Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base layer, creating an even foundation for the salad.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly over the mixed greens.
- Distribute the sliced strawberries across the top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad for added crunch and texture.
- Drizzle the poppyseed dressing evenly across the entire salad, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Gently toss the salad to mix ingredients without bruising the greens or strawberries.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and crispest textures.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Look for berries that are bright red and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken Ahead: If you’re short on time, consider cooking the chicken in advance. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save even more time!
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to mix and match your greens! Spinach, arugula, or kale can add unique flavors and textures to your salad.
- Perfectly Toasted Pecans: Keep an eye on the pecans while toasting them; they can burn quickly. Stir them frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your salad fresh and crisp, drizzle the poppyseed dressing just before serving. This prevents the greens from wilting.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an extra kick, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado to the salad for added creaminess and flavor.
- Make It a Meal: This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 245kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
