Merken Experience the perfect blend of summer flavors with this Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad. Featuring tender shredded chicken, sweet berries, and a creamy dressing, this dish is both vibrant and refreshing.
Merken This salad is an ideal main course for warm days. The combination of crisp cucumbers and toasted almonds provides a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the poached chicken and the creaminess of the feta cheese.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g / 14 oz), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salad: 150 g (1 cup) strawberries (hulled and sliced), 1 medium cucumber (thinly sliced), 100 g (4 cups) mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine), 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), 50 g (1/3 cup) crumbled feta cheese (optional), 30 g (1/4 cup) toasted sliced almonds
- Poppy Seed Dressing: 60 ml (1/4 cup) plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove chicken, let cool slightly, and shred using two forks.
- Step 2
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 3
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, shredded chicken, strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- Step 4
- Drizzle with the poppy seed dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Step 5
- Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and toasted almonds.
- Step 6
- Serve immediately, or chill for 20 minutes for a colder salad.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Poaching the chicken keeps it incredibly moist, but for extra convenience, you can also use grilled or rotisserie chicken. For extra crunch, consider adding sliced radishes or sunflower seeds to the mix.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Substitute the feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile, or omit the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version. The dressing can also be adjusted by adding a bit more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
Serviervorschläge
To make this a heartier meal, serve the salad with a side of crusty bread. For a perfect beverage pairing, choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé, which both complement the fruity and tangy notes of the dish.
Merken Enjoy this light and wholesome American-style salad as a delightful lunch or a beautiful centerpiece for your next summery dinner party.
