Description
This Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing mix of fresh fruits, tender chicken, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful dinner option, this salad combines a variety of flavors and textures for a satisfying and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups chopped lettuce (romaine and/or iceberg)
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1½ cups chopped fresh pineapple
- 1½ cups mandarin oranges
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
Poppyseed Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Arrange the chopped lettuce in a large salad bowl to create the fresh and crunchy bed for your ingredients.
- Add the Toppings: Layer the chopped cooked chicken breast, strawberries, fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, blueberries, and toasted pecans in even layers over the lettuce to create a colorful and flavorful salad.
- Make the Dressing: Add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, freshly squeezed orange juice, granulated sugar, minced onion, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper into a jar. Secure the lid tightly, then shake vigorously until the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared poppyseed dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe berries and fruit.
- To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook chicken breast can be grilled, roasted, or poached before chopping, depending on preference.
- Adjust sugar in dressing to your desired sweetness level or substitute with honey or another sweetener for variation.
- This salad is best served immediately for freshness, but dressing can be stored separately for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting pecans and preparing chicken if not already cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
