This bright and fresh salad features sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a light poppyseed dressing. It’s a perfect mix of fruity and nutty flavors that makes your taste buds dance!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: Using romaine and spinach gives a great base. If you don’t have these, spring mix or arugula can work well too. Go for fresh greens for a crisp texture.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best for brightness. If they’re out of season, try raspberries or mandarin oranges for a different flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a nice bite, but canned works too, just rinse off any syrup. If you’re avoiding pineapple, consider using mango for sweetness.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch, but walnuts or sliced almonds can be great substitutes. Toasting them enhances their flavor!
Chicken: Grilled or rotisserie chicken is easy and adds protein. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, chickpeas or grilled tofu are good protein sources.
Feta Cheese: Feta is optional but adds a salty kick. For a dairy-free option, try using avocado or omit it altogether.
How Do You Prepare the Perfect Salad Layering?
Layering your salad correctly helps with flavor and presentation. Follow these simple steps:
- Start with a good foundation: Begin with mixed salad greens. This gives a crisp base.
- Add your fruit: Layer strawberries, blueberries, orange segments, and pineapple on top of the greens. This keeps the fruits from getting mushy.
- Sprinkle on nuts: Add chopped pecans next for a wonderful crunch and to prevent sogginess.
- Top with protein: Placing the sliced chicken last ensures it stands out visually and stays fresh.
- Finally, drizzle the dressing: You can toss the salad gently or keep it layered and serve dressing on the side.
This technique not only looks appealing but also allows each bite to combine all flavors perfectly! Enjoy!
How to Make Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine and spinach)
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (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. You can serve it right away, or if you have time, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes will enhance the flavors. Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base:
Start by washing and drying your mixed salad greens. In a large salad bowl, layer the greens to create a nice base. This will be the foundation for all your delicious toppings.
2. Add the Fruits:
Next, top the greens with the sliced strawberries, blueberries, orange segments, and pineapple chunks. These fresh fruits add color, flavor, and sweetness to your salad.
3. Sprinkle the Crunch:
Evenly distribute the chopped pecans over the salad. They provide a lovely crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft fruits and creamy dressing.
4. Layer the Chicken:
Now it’s time to add the protein! Place the sliced cooked chicken breast right on top of the other ingredients. This makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
5. Optional Cheese Boost:
If you’re a fan of feta cheese, crumble some over the top of the salad. It adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruits!
6. Drizzle with Dressing:
Finally, take your poppyseed dressing and drizzle it evenly over the salad. This will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
7. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss the salad to mix everything together, ensuring that the dressing coats all the delicious ingredients. Serve immediately, or if you’d like it a bit chilled, pop it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful, refreshing salad!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad with your favorite fruits. Berries, apples, or even peaches work great. Just be sure to keep the total amount of fruit roughly the same for the best balance of flavors.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent the greens from wilting, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving. If the salad gets too wet, simply toss it with additional greens!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Sure! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, just store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving for maximum freshness.
What Can I Use Instead of Poppyseed Dressing?
If you don’t have poppyseed dressing on hand, a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette would be delicious alternatives. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor profile of the salad.
