Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic. The combination of juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a poppy seed dressing makes it perfect for a light lunch or picnic treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 celery stalks, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 green onion, chopped thin
- 5-6 large strawberries, diced
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by chopping the celery, green onion, and strawberries as described.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, green onion, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust the mayo or yogurt for your preferred consistency.
- Step 3: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Alternatively, add the strawberries just before serving if you plan to prepare the salad ahead of time to keep them fresh.
- Step 4: Serve immediately or chill the salad for 10-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt.
- Try adding sliced almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch.
- If you like a sweeter salad, drizzle a little honey into the dressing mixture.
- Serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens or inside a whole wheat pita for a satisfying meal.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the strawberries from becoming mushy, consider adding them just before serving. If refrigerated with strawberries folded in, the salad is best eaten within the same day. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this salad?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries because frozen ones tend to release excess moisture and can make the salad watery.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day ahead but add the strawberries just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
PrintStrawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad that combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy pecans, sweet strawberries, and a tangy dressing made of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, enhanced with poppy seeds for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a light lunch or a picnic dish, this salad can be served immediately or chilled for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 celery stalks, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
- 1 green onion, chopped thin
- 5–6 large strawberries, diced
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut and chop the celery, green onion, strawberries, and pecans. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing and Combine: In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, salt, shredded chicken, celery, green onion, and chopped pecans. Stir well to combine and evenly coat the ingredients. Adjust the consistency by adding more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if necessary.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries to the mixture. To maintain strawberry freshness, you may choose to add them just before serving if the salad is prepared in advance.
- Chill and Serve: Serve the salad immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes to let flavors meld and serve chilled as a refreshing dish.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding.
- To keep the salad fresh longer, add strawberries just before serving.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with leafy greens, in sandwiches, or on crackers.
- If preferred, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo to make it dairy-free.
Keywords: Strawberry Chicken Salad, Pecan Chicken Salad, Poppy Seed Salad, Healthy Chicken Salad, Summer Salad
