Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

This Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors that will brighten up your meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch at home, this salad features tender chicken paired with the sweetness of strawberries and the crunch of pecans. With just about 10 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that stands out from traditional salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only about 10 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy days.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberries, pecans, and poppy seeds creates a unique flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course, appetizer, or even stuffed in tomatoes for a fun twist!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh produce, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is essential for efficiently chopping vegetables and fruits.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your salad has the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 c shredded chicken
• 2 celery stalks, chopped into 1/4 in. pieces
• 1 green onion, chopped thin
• 5-6 large strawberries, diced
• ⅓ c chopped pecans

For the Dressing

• ¼ c mayonnaise
• 2 T Greek yogurt, plain
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 T poppy seeds
• ½ tsp pepper
• salt to taste

How to Make Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting and chopping all ingredients as specified. This makes mixing easier later on.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients except the strawberries. Stir well to combine everything evenly and coat with dressing. Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise or yogurt to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Add Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced strawberries. If you prefer them fresh at serving time, you can wait until just before serving to add them in.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can serve this salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-20 minutes for enhanced flavors before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad!

How to Serve Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

This Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is not only a delightful dish but also very versatile when it comes to serving options. Whether you are hosting a gathering or preparing a family meal, here are some creative ways to serve this salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve it chilled on a bed of leafy greens for a refreshing meal.
• Pair with whole grain crackers or toasted baguette slices for added crunch.

Stuffed in Tomatoes

• Hollow out large tomatoes and fill them with the chicken salad for an eye-catching presentation.
• This method adds a juicy burst of flavor with every bite.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for easy, low-carb servings.
• This option is perfect for lighter meals or picnics.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Spread the salad between slices of your favorite bread for a tasty sandwich.
• Add slices of avocado or cucumber for extra freshness.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include the salad on a charcuterie board alongside various cheeses and fruits.
• It makes for an appealing appetizer at parties.

How to Perfect Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh strawberries and crunchy pecans enhance the overall taste.
• Adjust mayo and yogurt – Experiment with the ratio of mayonnaise to Greek yogurt for creaminess that suits your preference.
• Chill before serving – Letting the salad chill enhances flavors by allowing all ingredients to meld together.
• Add herbs – Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the flavor profile.
• Customize with fruits – Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or apples for added sweetness and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad can complete your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful salad well.

1. Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the salad’s textures.
2. Cucumber Salad – A light cucumber salad adds refreshing crunch and balances flavors wonderfully.
3. Quinoa Pilaf – A savory quinoa pilaf provides protein and pairs well with the chicken salad’s sweetness.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring out earthy flavors that complement the dish nicely.
5. Fruit Salad – A simple fruit salad offers a sweet contrast and enhances the freshness of your meal.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges provide satisfying crunch alongside the creamy chicken salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad even more delightful.

• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin the salad’s flavor. Always opt for fresh fruits and veggies for the best taste.
• Overmixing the Salad: Mixing too vigorously can mash the strawberries and change the texture. Gently fold in ingredients to maintain a light, fresh salad.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper can lead to blandness. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning for optimal flavor.
• Using Too Much Dressing: Overdressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less dressing and add more gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving without chilling may result in a less refreshing dish. Allow it to chill for 10-20 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

• Not recommended, as freezing may alter texture and flavor of fresh ingredients.

Reheating Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a pan, stirring gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad.

How can I customize my Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad?

You can add fruits like blueberries or apples for extra sweetness, or incorporate leafy greens for added crunch.

Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken, making it a quick meal option.

What other nuts can I use besides pecans?

Almonds or walnuts would also work well if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

How do I make Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad more filling?

Consider adding quinoa or couscous to make it heartier while keeping it nutritious.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is not just easy to prepare but also full of vibrant flavors and textures. It’s perfect as a light lunch or dinner option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts for a personal touch!

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Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in a refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad that transforms your meal into a delightful experience. This easy-to-make salad brings together tender shredded chicken, juicy strawberries, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing enhanced with poppy seeds. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch at home, this dish bursts with flavor while being nutritious and satisfying. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this impressive salad that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 5–6 large strawberries, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 green onion, chopped
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, plain
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients by chopping strawberries, celery, and green onion.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, green onion, and pecans.
3. Prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Gently fold in the diced strawberries or add them just before serving for extra freshness.
6. Chill for 10-20 minutes or serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg