Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. The tender chicken combines beautifully with fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: Prepare all ingredients by shredding the chicken and chopping the celery, green onion, and strawberries as directed.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, green onion, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Adjust the amount of mayo or yogurt to reach your preferred consistency.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. If you plan to serve the salad later, you can wait to add the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 10 to 20 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
• Replace strawberries with dried cranberries or fresh grapes for a different fruity twist.
• Use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a milder tang.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the strawberries from making the salad soggy, add them fresh just before serving. Reheat is not recommended as this salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat before mixing with the other ingredients.

What can I serve with this chicken salad?

This salad pairs well with fresh bread, crackers, or wrapped in a lettuce leaf for a light, healthy meal.

Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

A refreshing and flavorful Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad combining tender shredded chicken with crunchy pecans, fresh strawberries, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, this salad offers a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 celery stalks, chopped into 1/4 inch pieces
• 1 green onion, thinly chopped
• 5–6 large strawberries, diced
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Cut and chop the celery, green onion, pecans, and strawberries into the specified sizes to ensure even texture and flavor distribution in the salad.
2. Mix Dressing and Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, green onion, chopped pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt. Stir everything well to coat the ingredients evenly. Adjust the creaminess by adding more mayo or yogurt if desired.
3. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. Alternatively, to keep them fresh and firm, you can add the strawberries just before serving, especially if preparing the salad ahead of time.
4. Chill and Serve: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for 10-20 minutes to meld the flavors. This chilling step enhances the creaminess and flavor integration. Enjoy cold.

Notes

• Adding the strawberries just before serving prevents them from becoming mushy.
• This salad can be served on its own, on a bed of greens, or as a sandwich filling.
• Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and yogurt to achieve your preferred creaminess and tang.
• For a crunchier texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding.

Keywords: Strawberry chicken salad, poppy seed chicken salad, pecan chicken salad, summer chicken salad, healthy chicken salad