The sun was shining brightly as I strolled through my local farmer’s market. A vibrant display of fresh strawberries caught my eye, their color so inviting it was nearly irresistible. Right then, inspiration struck! I envisioned a light, refreshing dish that would make the most of those luscious berries. Thus, my Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad was born—a perfect blend of crispy textures and sweet, juicy flavors that are seriously satisfying.
This salad embodies everything I love about cooking at home: it’s quick to prepare, full of wholesome ingredients, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delightful centerpiece for lunch, a light dinner option, or even a potluck showstopper, this recipe has you covered.
In just 20 minutes, you can create a masterpiece that will leave fast food in the dust. So let’s dive into how to whip up this crowd-pleasing salad that’s as delicious as it is easy!
Why will you love this Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad?
Freshness Galore: The crisp celery and sweet strawberries come together beautifully, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep, this salad is a lifesaver for busy days.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, it adapts wonderfully to any occasion.
Nutty Crunch: The pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the tender chicken and juicy strawberries.
Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this salad makes for a guilt-free indulgence.
Elevate your meals with this perfect blend of flavors and textures, or explore more options in my delicious collection of healthy salads!
Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad Ingredients
Discover the flavors that make this dish special!
For the Salad
- Shredded chicken – adds a hearty protein base, perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Celery stalks – provide a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Green onion – contributes a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- Strawberries – their natural sweetness enhances the overall flavor profile of this salad.
- Chopped pecans – these nuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty richness to every bite.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – creates a creamy texture; for a lighter version, swap half for Greek yogurt.
- Greek yogurt, plain – boosts the creaminess while adding protein and tang.
- Dijon mustard – provides a subtle zing that ties the flavors together wonderfully.
- Lemon juice – adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the dressing.
- Poppy seeds – these tiny seeds are not just decorative; they add an unexpected, nutty crunch.
- Black pepper – a pinch enhances the flavors and brings a bit of warmth.
- Salt to taste – elevates all the ingredients, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from crafting a delightful Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad that will impress your family and guests alike!
How to Make Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad
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Chop Ingredients: Begin by chopping your celery stalks into 1/4-inch pieces and thinly slice the green onion. This ensures a delightful crunch and vibrant color throughout your salad.
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Mix Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to achieve a creamy dressing that’s both rich and zesty!
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Combine Base: Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and green onion into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Adjust the creaminess by adding more mayo or yogurt if desired.
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Fold in Strawberries: Carefully fold in the diced strawberries. If you’re preparing this ahead of time, consider waiting to add the strawberries until just before serving for optimal freshness.
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Chill or Serve: You can serve your salad immediately for a fresh experience or chill it in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes. Chilling enhances the mingling of flavors!
Optional: Garnish with extra pecans on top for a beautiful presentation and added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions that will elevate your salad experience!
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or replace with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without the nuts.
Consider toasting seeds in a dry skillet for added flavor. -
Yogurt-Only: Skip the mayonnaise entirely and use Greek yogurt only for a lighter dressing option.
It adds a tangy richness that’ll keep every bite feeling fresh. -
Fruit Swap: Trade strawberries for diced apples or pears for a different sweet crunch.
This change offers a delightful variation to the traditional flavor profile. -
Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like dill or basil for an aromatic twist that brightens up the salad.
These herbs create an unexpected yet delicious layer of flavor throughout. -
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a zesty heat.
Balance the spices with a bit more yogurt to maintain creaminess. -
Vegan Version: Use shredded jackfruit or chickpeas instead of chicken and replace yogurt and mayo with vegan alternatives.
This variation allows everyone to enjoy a hearty salad while keeping it plant-based. -
Tropical Twist: Introduce diced pineapple for an extra burst of juicy sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
Pair this with a splash of coconut milk in the dressing for a tropical flair! -
Crunch Boost: Add crispy bacon bits for a savory contrast that enriches every bite with delightful crunchiness.
This addition will satisfy any craving for a bit of umami goodness!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh strawberries and crunchy celery for the best texture and flavor. Avoid overripe strawberries, as they can make the salad mushy.
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Texture Matters: Shred the chicken finely to ensure it’s well-coated with the dressing. Large pieces can lead to an uneven distribution of flavors in your Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad.
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Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to suit your taste. A little extra yogurt can lighten up the dish while keeping it creamy.
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Add Strawberries Last: To maintain their integrity, fold in the strawberries just before serving if you want to prepare the salad in advance. This prevents them from breaking down too much.
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Taste and Season: Always taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavors. Each ingredient benefits from a little extra oomph!
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Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just remember to add the strawberries right before serving for that fresh burst!
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad ingredients are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can chop the celery, green onion, and prep the dressing (mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, and seasonings) up to 3 days in advance; simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and crisp. When you’re ready to serve, combine the shredded chicken, prepped vegetables, and dressing, then fold in the strawberries just before serving to maintain their sweetness and texture. With this method, you’ll have a delicious salad ready to go with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad?
Imagine a warm summer day where each bite bursts with flavor and freshness. Pairing enhances the delightful experience of this colorful salad.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: The crunch and garlicky goodness provide a hearty contrast to the light salad, perfect for a laid-back lunch.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs adds a nutritional boost and complements the sweet and savory elements seamlessly.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé elevates the dining experience, making every bite of salad taste even more vibrant.
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Stone Fruit Salad: Break out into a medley of peaches and plums to mirror the sweetness of strawberries, creating a refreshing palate cleanser.
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Avocado Toast: Creamy and rich, this popular delight brings a luxurious texture that beautifully pairs with the salad’s crispness.
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Lemonade Spritzer: The fizzy, citrusy drink adds a refreshing zing that ties together the light, summery flavors of your meal.
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Poppy Seed Muffins: Serve alongside for a delightful touch, echoing the poppy seed in the salad while adding a sweet note.
Each of these accompaniments adds unique textures and flavors, ensuring your meal is both balanced and unforgettable. Enjoy crafting your ideal spread!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad
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Fridge: Keep the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the strawberries.
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Freezer: While not recommended for this salad due to the texture of the strawberries, if you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but expect some texture changes upon thawing.
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Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
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Prepping Ahead: For best results, prepare the salad without strawberries and store it in the fridge. Add the strawberries just before serving to preserve their freshness and sweetness.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I know when strawberries are ripe?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red all over with no dark spots. They should be fragrant and slightly soft to the touch, indicating ripeness. Avoid any berries with white tips, as they are not fully ripe yet.
How should I store leftover Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad?
Keep your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the flavors and prevent the strawberries from becoming mushy. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Can I freeze Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad?
While it’s not the best idea to freeze this salad due to the texture of the strawberries, if you absolutely must, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume it within 2 months. Note that upon thawing, the strawberries’ texture may not be as appealing, so it’s best to freeze the salad without them and add them just before serving.
What if my salad is too dry?
Very! If you find your salad is lacking in creaminess, simply add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, stirring gently to incorporate. You can also adjust with a splash of lemon juice for added flavor. Keep tasting as you go!
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
Definitely, but you’ll want to swap out the pecans with a seed or seed butter. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives that will still give you that crunchy texture without the risk of nut allergies. Just be sure to double-check ingredient labels!
Can I use leftover roast chicken for this salad?
You bet! Using leftover roast chicken is a fantastic way to make this salad even quicker. Just shred the chicken and follow the same mixing steps. You’ll have a delicious meal prepped in minutes, putting fast food to shame!
Delicious Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop celery stalks into 1/4-inch pieces and thinly slice the green onion.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
- Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and green onion into the bowl with the dressing and stir gently.
- Fold in the diced strawberries carefully.
- Chill for 10-20 minutes or serve immediately.