Description
Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad that combines juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, tender shredded chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and crisp mixed greens, all tossed in a tangy natural strawberry poppy seed dressing. This vibrant salad offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, perfect for a light lunch or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuces and spinach)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried cranberries
Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing (natural)
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon plant-based mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural) or maple syrup (natural)
- Pinch of salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice the fresh strawberries, chop the smoked turkey bacon into small crispy chunks, thinly slice the red onion, and measure out the pecans and mixed salad greens.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, chopped turkey bacon, thinly sliced red onion, and sun-dried cranberries. Gently toss to evenly distribute all ingredients without bruising the delicate greens or berries.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together strawberry puree, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, plant-based mayonnaise, honey or maple syrup, and salt until well combined.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the strawberry poppy seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently yet thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the sweet and tangy dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for maximum freshness or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld while keeping textures crisp.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries and greens for the best flavor and texture.
- Poach or grill chicken breast to ensure tender, juicy meat perfect for shredding.
- Prepare the strawberry poppy seed dressing ahead and refrigerate to save time.
- Lightly toast pecans to enhance nuttiness and add extra crunch.
- Adjust dressing quantity to maintain a vibrant yet non-soggy salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: strawberry salad, chicken salad, poppy seed dressing, pecan chicken salad, healthy salad, light lunch
