This bright and fruity salad is a treat for the senses! It features fresh strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a zesty poppyseed dressing that’s just bursting with flavor.
Honestly, I love how refreshing it feels, especially on warm days. Toss in some grilled chicken for a hearty meal, and you’ve got a winner that’s both tasty and healthy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This provides a crunchy, fresh base. You can switch it up with spinach or mixed greens if you want a different texture or flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for sweetness. If they aren’t in season, try using raspberries or sliced peaches instead.
Blueberries: These little bursts of flavor add color and nutrients! You can swap them for blackberries or even grapes if needed.
Mandarin Oranges: Use canned ones for ease, but fresh segments can be juicier. If you’re avoiding citrus, consider apples or pears for sweetness.
Pineapple: Fresh is great, but canned works too. For a tropical twist, mango can be a nice alternative!
Pecans: They add a delightful crunch. Walnuts or almonds can be used if you prefer or if pecans aren’t available.
Grilled Chicken: Using grilled chicken gives protein and heartiness. Tofu or chickpeas are good vegetarian substitutes!
Feta Cheese: This adds a salty tang. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Poppyseed Dressing: You can buy it or make it easily at home with oil, vinegar, and poppy seeds. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a balsamic vinaigrette works well too.
How Can I Perfectly Layer My Salad Ingredients?
Layering your salad well can make a big difference in presentation and flavor. Follow these steps to do it right:
- Start with the romaine lettuce at the bottom to hold everything together.
- Next, add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges. Layer them evenly for even bites.
- Then sprinkle the pecans so they sit on top of the fruits, adding crunch.
- Finally, top it all with grilled chicken and crumbled feta, if using.
Drizzling the dressing last keeps everything fresh until serving. Toss gently before eating to mix flavors without breaking up the ingredients too much!
How to Make Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mandarin orange segments (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy to put together, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Just chop, layer, and dress—simple as that!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by adding the chopped romaine lettuce into a large mixing bowl. This will be the foundation of your salad, giving it the classic crunchy texture.
2. Add the Fresh Fruits:
Now, layer the sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin orange segments, and pineapple chunks evenly over the lettuce. Each fruit brings its own sweet flavor and vibrant color to the salad!
3. Sprinkle with Nuts:
Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans across the top of the salad. They’ll add a delightful crunch that complements the soft fruits beautifully.
4. Top with Chicken:
Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breast on top of all your beautiful layers. This is what makes the salad filling and perfect for a main dish!
5. Add Feta Cheese (Optional):
If you like feta cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, it’s a tasty addition that’s worth it!
6. Dress the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the top. This sweet and tangy dressing will bring all the flavors together.
7. Combine & Serve:
If you wish, toss everything gently to combine all the ingredients. When you’re ready to eat, serve the salad immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste of the fruits mixed with the crunch of the nuts and the savory chicken!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or peaches depending on what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different fruits may alter the overall flavor profile slightly, but they will still complement the salad beautifully!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, skip the grilled chicken and feta cheese. You can replace the chicken with chickpeas, and use a vegan poppyseed dressing instead. This will still give you a delightful and filling salad packed with flavors!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately to maintain freshness. Keep the lettuce and fruit in one container and the chicken, nuts, and dressing in another. This way, everything stays crisp! Use the leftovers within a day for the best taste.
Can I Make the Poppyseed Dressing at Home?
Yes, making your own poppyseed dressing is easy! Combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt in a jar. Shake well before using. This will give your salad a fresh flavor boost!
