This bright and refreshing salad features juicy strawberries, crunchy nuts, and poppyseed dressing that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for sunny days or a tasty lunch break!
I love how colorful it looks on the plate; it’s like a work of art! Throw in some grilled chicken, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying meal that’s feel-good delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Greens: Using romaine and spring mix gives a great balance of crunch and softness. If you don’t have these, spinach or arugula works well to keep it fresh.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal, but frozen ones that are thawed can be used in a pinch. Just remember to drain excess water!
Pineapple: While fresh pineapple adds a great flavor, canned ones are convenient. Look for ones in juice, not syrup, for a lighter option.
Pecans: Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds can be substituted.
Chicken: Grilled chicken is fantastic, but rotisserie chicken makes this quick and easy. You could even leave it out for a vegetarian version!
Poppyseed Dressing: Store-bought is a time-saver, but homemade is easy too! Mix mayo, vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds for a quick version. You can also use a light vinaigrette if you prefer.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Tastes Amazing?
To maximize flavor in your salad, start with fresh ingredients. The crunchiness of your mixed greens and the freshness of the fruits are key. Here’s how to create a tasty blend:
- Wash and dry your greens well. Wet greens can make your salad soggy.
- Make sure your fruit is ripe and sweet, adjusting based on your taste.
- Don’t forget to toast your pecans! Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Drizzle dressing lightly at first. You can always add more, but it’s hard to remove it!
- Toss gently to avoid bruising the delicate greens and fruits.
How to Make Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spring mix)
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to put together, making it a perfect option for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Greens:
Start by washing your mixed greens thoroughly. Once cleaned, take a large salad bowl and add the mixed greens as the base of your salad. This will give you a nice, crisp foundation.
2. Add the Fruits and Nuts:
Now, it’s time to make your salad colorful and fruity! On top of the mixed greens, layer the sliced strawberries, blueberries, pineapple chunks, and mandarin oranges. Don’t forget to sprinkle the toasted pecans on top for a nice crunch!
3. Layer the Chicken:
Take your sliced chicken breast and arrange it neatly over the mixed fruits and nuts. This will not only make your salad hearty but also add protein to keep you satisfied.
4. Add Onion (If Using):
If you like a bit of extra flavor, thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad. This step is optional, but it can really brighten up the taste!
5. Dress the Salad:
Now it’s time to drizzle the poppyseed dressing all over the salad. Be generous! After that, season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh pepper to enhance the flavors.
6. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss everything together in the salad bowl, making sure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. You want all those yummy flavors to mix beautifully!
7. Enjoy Your Salad:
Your fresh and colorful Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is ready to serve! Dish it out immediately, and enjoy every bite of this delightful salad.
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out strawberries, blueberries, or pineapple for your favorite fruits. Apples, peaches, or raspberries would work great too. Just make sure you still balance sweet and tart flavors for optimal taste!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and opt for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or roasted tofu. Also, choose a vegan poppyseed dressing or make your own using olive oil, vinegar, and poppy seeds!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately to keep the greens fresh. Place the mixed greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the fruits and dressing in separate containers. Reassemble the salad when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make the Poppyseed Dressing at Home?
Yes, making poppyseed dressing at home is simple! Just mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup), 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon poppy seeds. Adjust the sweetness to your liking and enjoy!
