Description
Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish combining tender chicken, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Tossed with a luscious natural poppy seed dressing made with apple cider vinegar and a natural gelling agent, this easy-to-make salad delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a nutritious and satisfying meal ideal for lunches, light dinners, or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 3 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts by poaching, grilling, or baking until tender and juicy. Allow them to cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces, ready to combine with the other ingredients.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp but not burnt. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, then crumble into smaller pieces for a smoky flavor boost in the salad.
- Make the Poppy Seed Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slowly stir in the natural gelling agent until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a smooth and clingy dressing perfect for coating the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, fresh strawberries, chopped pecans, crumbled turkey bacon, shredded plant-based cheese, thinly sliced red onions, and mixed greens. Drizzle the prepared poppy seed dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve Fresh: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors at their peak. The salad can be refrigerated briefly but is best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Chill the poppy seed dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding.
- Lightly toast the pecans to boost their nutty flavor and add crunch.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess and ensure the salad is perfectly coated.
- Cook chicken and bacon in advance to speed up assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Strawberry salad, chicken salad, poppy seed dressing, pecan salad, healthy salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, fresh summer salad
