Get ready to experience a culinary explosion that will transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary feast! This Strawberry Summer Salad is not just another recipe – it's a vibrant symphony of flavors that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the savory crunch of bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy poppyseed dressing that will have you craving more with every single bite. Perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or when you want to impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish that takes just 35 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the fresh strawberries under cold water and remove the stems. Slice the strawberries into thin pieces and set aside.
- Next, if you haven't done so already, cook the bacon until it's crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel to drain excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you're using leftover chicken, ensure it's heated through if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens. You can use a pre-packaged mix or a combination of your favorite greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine.
- To the bowl of mixed greens, add the sliced strawberries, diced chicken, and crumbled bacon. If you like, sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad. Start with half of the dressing and toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients. Add more dressing to taste if desired.
- Once everything is well mixed, serve the salad immediately. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style in the large bowl.
- Enjoy your Strawberry Summer Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Poppyseed Dressing as a refreshing meal or side dish!
Tips
- Choose ripe, bright red strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- For extra crispy bacon, use thick-cut bacon and cook it slowly to render out the fat.
- If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent wilting.
- For a lighter version, you can use grilled chicken breast and turkey bacon.
- Make the salad more substantial by adding quinoa or couscous to the base.
- Experiment with different types of nuts like pecans or walnuts for variety.
- Store any leftover ingredients separately to maintain freshness.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
