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Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

A delightful salad that combines fresh flavors with nutritious ingredients, offering a balance of indulgence and health.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) Can use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced) Adds sweetness and health benefits.
  • ½ cup pecans (toasted) Enhances flavor and provides healthy fats.
  • to taste Mixed greens (such as arugula and spinach) Base of the salad.
  • ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced, optional) Adds a nice crunch and flavor.
Dressing Ingredients
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt For a healthier dressing alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Can substitute with avocado for a lighter option.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Can swap with lime juice for a tangy twist.
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds Adds texture and flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. If cooking chicken, boil or sauté seasoned chicken breasts for 15 minutes until fully cooked. Let it cool, then shred or chop.
  2. Tip: If your dressing is too thick, add a splash of water for a smoother consistency.
Toast the Pecans
  1. In a dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until they become fragrant. Keep an eye on them; they toast quickly!
Make the Dressing
  1. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, strawberries, red onion, shredded chicken, and toasted pecans.
Dress It Up
  1. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
Serve
  1. Plate your salad and enjoy it fresh!

Notes

For gluten-free, serve it without bread. You can tailor this recipe for various dietary needs by substituting ingredients.