Description

Enjoy a vibrant Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad filled with crisp mixed greens, juicy strawberries, toasted pecans, and tender cooked chicken. Tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with plant-based dairy and natural ingredients, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and fresh flavors ideal for lunch, light dinners, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
1/2 cup toasted pecans

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup plant-based dairy cream cheese or yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tablespoon honey (natural)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts by poaching, grilling, or baking until juicy and tender. Let cool, then dice or shred into bite-size pieces suitable for the salad.
Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based dairy, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, chicken, and toasted pecans. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away for optimal freshness and texture, or cover and chill for up to a few hours before serving.

Notes

Use the freshest strawberries and greens for best flavor and texture.
Add dressing gradually to avoid over-saturating the salad.
Toast pecans carefully to prevent burning.
Keep salad chilled before serving to enhance crispness and flavor.
Adjust dressing sweetness or tanginess to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salad serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: strawberry salad, poppy seed dressing, pecan chicken salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, plant-based dressing