This colorful salad features fresh strawberries, crunchy poppy seeds, and juicy grilled chicken. It’s a tasty mix that’s both refreshing and filling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of arugula and baby spinach for a peppery and fresh taste. If you can’t find them, feel free to substitute with romaine, kale, or any other leafy greens you enjoy.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a sweet touch. If they’re out of season, try using blueberries or even apple slices for crunch and sweetness!
Avocado: A ripe avocado is perfect for creaminess. If you’re allergic or don’t like it, you can skip it or use some cucumber for crunch instead.
Grilled Chicken: Chicken breasts are great in this salad, but you can use leftover rotisserie chicken for an extra quick option. Alternatively, tofu can be a tasty substitute for a vegetarian version.
Poppy Seeds: While poppy seeds add a unique flavor, you can use chia seeds or sesame seeds if you don’t have them. These will give a nice texture, too!
How Do I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken breast can be tricky, but the right method makes all the difference! Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out juicy and flavorful:
- Start with evenly sized chicken breasts for uniform cooking.
- Season simply with salt and pepper, or marinate a bit for extra flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This prevents sticking and helps get nice grill marks.
- Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side. Don’t move it around too much; let it sear properly.
- Check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part; it should be white and no juices should run pink. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad With Grilled Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula and baby spinach)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup almonds (sliced or slivered)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad will take about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes grilling the chicken, and 10 minutes mixing the dressing and assembling the salad. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grill the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat your grill to medium heat and place the chicken on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Once done, take it off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, milk, honey, poppy seeds, and apple cider vinegar. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If you want a thinner dressing, just stir in a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste!
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, sliced grilled chicken, and almonds. This combination will give your salad a bright and colorful look!
4. Add Dressing:
When you’re ready to serve, drizzle the poppy seed dressing over your salad. Toss it gently to combine all the ingredients, making sure everything is well coated with the dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh and vibrant strawberry poppy seed salad with grilled chicken!
Can I Use Different Greens for This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the mixed salad greens with your favorites, such as romaine, kale, or even a spring mix. Just ensure they are fresh and crisp for the best texture in your salad.
What if I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt, or even sour cream if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the ingredients fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This will prevent the greens from wilting!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The poppy seed dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before using, as it may thicken up a bit over time.
