Description
Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad is a bright and refreshing dish combining tender chicken, juicy strawberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and a vibrant poppy seed dressing made with natural ingredients. Perfect for lunch, light dinners, or entertaining, it features a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup plant-based dairy/cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup natural grape juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
- Toast the Pecans: While the chicken cooks, toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to bring out their nuttiness. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed salad greens, sliced fresh strawberries, and thinly sliced red onions. Gently toss to mix the flavors and distribute colors evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together natural grape juice, apple cider vinegar (natural), natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, honey (natural), olive oil, poppy seeds, and natural gelling agent. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly for a perfect consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss again to coat all ingredients evenly. Top with sliced chicken and toasted pecans. Add plant-based cheese crumbles if desired for a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Toast pecans just before serving to enhance crunch and aroma.
- Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Shake dressing well before each use as the natural gelling agent settles.
- Adjust dressing sweetness by adding more honey or grape juice to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Strawberry chicken salad, poppy seed dressing, pecan salad, healthy chicken salad, gluten free salad
