This refreshing Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is a cheerful mix of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy feta cheese. It’s like a summer party in a bowl!
I love how the sweet strawberries and tangy poppyseed dressing mix perfectly together. Plus, it’s so colorful, I pretend I’m eating a rainbow. 🌈 Who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: It’s crisp and fresh, perfect for salads. If you want something different, try using spinach, mixed greens, or kale for a change in flavor and texture.
Fruits (Strawberries, Blueberries, Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple): Fresh is best, but frozen fruits are great if that’s what you have. You can swap any fruit for others you enjoy. Apples, grapes, or even peaches work well!
Pecans: Toasting brings out their rich flavor. Don’t have pecans? Walnuts or sliced almonds make great substitutes. You can also skip nuts if you’re nut-free!
Grilled Chicken: Chicken adds protein but can be left out for a vegetarian salad. Consider replacing it with chickpeas or quinoa for protein.
Poppyseed Dressing: Mayonnaise gives creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a healthier option. You can reduce sugar if you prefer a tangier dressing or use honey instead.
How Do I Make the Perfect Poppyseed Dressing?
Making poppyseed dressing is easy and adds a lovely sweetness to your salad. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with mayonnaise for creaminess—measure ½ cup into a bowl.
- Add ¼ cup sugar; if you like it less sweet, adjust to 2-3 tablespoons.
- Pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, which gives the dressing its name!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste—this balances the sweetness.
- Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed!
This dressing is versatile—you can store any leftovers in the fridge and use it for other salads too!
Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced (optional for protein)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Poppyseed Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’re adding grilled chicken, you may need an extra 15 minutes for cooking it. Overall, you’ll have a delicious salad ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and pineapple chunks. If you like a little kick, feel free to add in the thinly sliced red onion as well. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up slightly without bruising the delicate fruits.
2. Make the Poppyseed Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth. This dressing will give your salad a lovely sweetness!
3. Combine and Serve:
If you’re using grilled chicken, now’s the time to top your salad with the sliced chicken breasts. Drizzle the poppyseed dressing over your salad and toss everything together gently to coat the ingredients evenly without mashing the fruit. Finally, sprinkle the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese on top to give the salad a delicious crunch and extra flavor.
4. Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately as a light meal or refreshing side dish. If you’re not serving it right away, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy to keep everything fresh. Enjoy your colorful and healthy strawberry poppyseed salad!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any of the fruits for your favorites or what you have on hand. Peaches, apples, or raspberries all make excellent substitutions. Just keep the proportions the same for a balanced flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Mayonnaise for the Dressing?
No worries! You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for mayonnaise. It will give you a creamy texture with a tangy flavor. If you use yogurt, you may want to add a drizzle of olive oil to maintain creaminess.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat. The dressing can last in the fridge for about a week.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare all the components a day ahead—just keep the dressing separate. Chop the lettuce, fruit, and any optional ingredients, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together and add the dressing!
