Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread features fresh, juicy strawberries, tender grilled chicken, crunchy poppy seeds, mixed greens, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing, delivering a vibrant and refreshing combination of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Salad bowl
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Grill pan or skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl (for dressing, optional)
- Whisk (for dressing, optional)
- Salad servers or large spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, baby spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup fresh mandarin orange segments
- 1/4 cup sliced red onions
- 1/3 cup sliced toasted almonds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- For the poppyseed dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt
- Black pepper
Fresh strawberries and other fruits like blueberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges should be washed thoroughly and dried to prevent excess moisture from making the salad soggy. Grilled chicken breasts need to be seasoned with salt and black pepper before cooking to enhance flavor and ensure tenderness. Toasted almonds and poppy seeds add a necessary crunch, so avoid substituting these to maintain the authentic texture. Measure the poppyseed dressing ingredients precisely for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Your copycat menu of the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread will be complete with these ingredient tips for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Rinse and dry mixed salad greens; place in large salad bowl.
- Slice strawberries and set aside.
- Add strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, mandarin orange segments, and red onions to greens.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds and poppy seeds.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk poppyseed dressing until smooth.
- Add sliced chicken to the salad.
- Drizzle salad with desired amount of prepared dressing.
- Gently toss salad to coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread copycat menu combines fresh fruit, mixed greens, and grilled chicken with a flavorful poppyseed dressing for a balanced and delicious meal. You can substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option, ensuring protein remains a key component. When fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen berries can be used after thawing, though they may result in a slightly softer texture. If poppy seeds are unavailable, chia seeds or sesame seeds offer a similar crunch and visual appeal. The dressing can be whisked directly in the salad bowl for quicker preparation without sacrificing flavor.
Tips
Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded for uniform grilling to prevent undercooking or overcooking. When preparing the poppyseed dressing, whisk thoroughly to emulsify the mayonnaise and liquids for a smooth texture. Rinse and thoroughly dry mixed greens before tossing to avoid sogginess in your salad. Your strawberry poppyseed salad will achieve optimal flavor balance by adding dressing just before serving to keep the fruits fresh and the greens crisp.
Nutritions
Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread offers a nutrient-dense meal rich in lean protein from grilled chicken, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The mixed greens provide a low-calorie source of dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants from berries and citrus fruits enhance immune support and reduce inflammation. Toasted almonds and poppy seeds add heart-healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and calcium, contributing to overall wellness. Your meal includes a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients, optimizing both flavor and nutrition.
Storage
Store your Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, ideally consuming it within 24 hours. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. To preserve the texture of the grilled chicken and fruits, avoid freezing and ensure thorough refrigeration at or below 40degF (4degC).
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with roasted turkey breast or grilled shrimp for a different protein twist. Swap the mixed greens with baby kale or butter lettuce to alter the salad's texture and nutritional profile. For a lighter dressing, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to maintain creaminess while reducing fat content. Toasted pecans or walnuts can replace almonds for a nutty flavor variation that complements the fruit elements.
Allergies
This Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken contains common allergens such as almonds, which may trigger nut allergies, and eggs present in the mayonnaise-based poppyseed dressing. Poppy seeds can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so you should exercise caution if you have known seed allergies. Cross-contact risks with other ingredients like chicken or certain fruits are less common but still possible.
Why this recipe?
Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread combines fresh strawberries, crisp greens, and tender grilled chicken topped with a sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing, creating a balanced flavor profile that appeals to health-conscious diners. The salad offers a satisfying mix of textures and nutrient-rich ingredients like vitamin C-packed strawberries and lean protein, making it both tasty and nourishing. You can recreate this popular dish at home to customize ingredients, control portions, and enjoy a fresh, restaurant-quality meal without dining out. This copycat recipe allows you to savor a beloved menu item with the convenience and freshness of a homemade salad.