Description
Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad is a refreshing and colorful salad combining juicy fresh strawberries, tender cooked chicken breast, creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and crispy smoked turkey bacon twists. Tossed with baby spinach or mixed greens, chopped red onion, and a light yet creamy poppyseed dressing with a hint of apple cider vinegar, this salad offers a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or picnic, it delivers balanced nutrition and a vibrant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced or quartered
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon twists, crisped and chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Poppyseed Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken breast thoroughly by poaching or gently pan-cooking until fully done. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. Crisp the smoked turkey bacon twists in a pan or oven until golden and crunchy, then chop into smaller pieces.
- Wash and Slice the Strawberries: Gently rinse fresh strawberries under cold water. Slice thinly or quarter depending on their size to maintain freshness and juiciness.
- Assemble the Greens and Veggies: Place a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens on your serving plate or bowl. Add finely chopped red onion for a mild zesty balance.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped smoked turkey bacon twists, sliced strawberries, shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and the greens. Gently toss to combine all components evenly.
- Drizzle with Poppyseed Dressing: Pour the prepared or store-bought poppyseed dressing over the salad. Toss lightly again to coat all ingredients with the dressing, creating a mildly sweet and tangy flavor blend.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better flavor melding.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess and keep salad fresh.
- Choose ripe, firm strawberries for vibrant color and sweetness.
- Poach or gently cook chicken to avoid dryness.
- Prepare poppyseed dressing ahead of time; it tastes better after resting a few hours.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container up to two days, preferably with dressing separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: strawberry salad, poppyseed dressing, chicken salad, healthy lunch, fresh salad, smoked turkey bacon