Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing picnic dish, it combines tender chicken, juicy strawberries, and nutty pecans in a creamy, tangy 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
• 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

1. Step 1: Cut and chop the celery, green onion, and strawberries as described.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, green onion, chopped pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise or yogurt to reach your preferred creaminess.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the diced strawberries. For best freshness, you can wait to add the strawberries until just before serving, especially if you plan to store the salad.
4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 10–20 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the pecans lightly to enhance their flavor and add an extra crunch.
• Substitute mayonnaise with all Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or mixed greens to turn it into a hearty salad bowl.
• Use dried cranberries instead of strawberries for a different sweet twist.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the strawberries fresh and prevent the salad from becoming watery, add the strawberries right before serving. If reheating, note that this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so avoid heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time. Just shred it finely before mixing.

How long can I store this chicken salad?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the strawberries may start to lose freshness and the texture may change.

Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 683 reviews

This Strawberry Pecan Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with crisp celery, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. The addition of poppy seeds adds a subtle nutty crunch, making this salad perfect for a light lunch or a delightful picnic treat.

• Author: Elias
• 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

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

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut and chop all ingredients as specified—shred the chicken, chop celery and green onion, and dice the strawberries.
2. Mix Dressing and Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped celery, green onion, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to evenly coat all ingredients. Adjust the consistency by adding more mayo or yogurt as desired.
3. Add Strawberries: Fold in the diced strawberries gently to avoid mashing them. Alternatively, add strawberries just before serving if preparing ahead of time to maintain their freshness.
4. Chill or Serve: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes to enhance flavor melding and serve cold.

Notes

• For a lighter option, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
• Add strawberries last to prevent them from becoming mushy, especially if making ahead.
• Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld and improves texture.
• To make it gluten-free, ensure the Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
• Can be served on a bed of greens or inside sandwich bread or wraps.

Keywords: chicken salad, strawberry chicken salad, pecan chicken salad, poppy seed dressing, healthy chicken salad, no cook chicken salad