Get ready to elevate your lunch game with a delightful and healthy copycat recipe that’s a fresh take on one of Panera’s favourite seasonal salads. This Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring that you won’t regret preparing it for your next meal. We’ve made a few tweaks to the original, reducing the sweetness, but fear not – you can always add a touch of natural sweetness with no-sugar-added canned mandarin oranges or pineapple chunks. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup goat cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans
Poppyseed Dressing: (makes 4 2-tbsp servings)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
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Prepare the Poppyseed Dressing:
- Place all dressing ingredients in a mason jar, screw on the cover, and shake until well combined. Alternatively, place the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. This dressing can be refrigerated for 2-3 days.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, diced chicken, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and goat cheese.
- Drizzle 4 tablespoons (half the recipe) of the poppyseed dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
- Optionally, sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans over the top for an added crunch.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the salad into two portions and serve immediately. The flavors of the fresh ingredients combined with the creamy poppyseed dressing make for a truly satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Share Your Culinary Creation:
- If you try this recipe and fall in love with its flavors, don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece on social media. Tag me at [your social media handle] so I can join in on the celebration of your delicious creation!
This Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is not only a delightful homage to a popular chain restaurant’s seasonal favourite but also a healthier alternative that you can easily whip up at home. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this salad is bound to become a staple in your lunchtime repertoire. So, put on your chef’s hat, give it a try, and share the joy with friends and family. Happy cooking!