Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Poppyseed Salad combining crisp romaine lettuce, tender chicken, fresh berries, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed with a sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 2 heads)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup toasted and chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, add 6 cups of chopped romaine lettuce as the foundation for your salad, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Add Protein: Layer 2 cups of cooked chicken, either cubed or shredded, over the lettuce to add hearty protein to your salad.
- Add Fruits and Vegetables: Sprinkle 1 cup of quartered fresh strawberries, 1 cup of fresh blueberries, and 1/3 cup of diced red onion evenly across the salad for a mix of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Add Crunch and Cheese: Top the salad with 1/2 cup of toasted and chopped pecans to add crunch, followed by 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast.
- Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Spoon or drizzle the desired amount of poppy seed dressing over the salad, gently tossing to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- To toast pecans, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries for optimal flavor and sweetness.
- The salad is best served immediately to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of the salad)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
