Save Last June, my sister dropped by unexpectedly with a pint of strawberries from her weekend farm market trip. We stood in my kitchen eating them straight from the carton while brainstorming what to make for lunch. The poppy seed dressing I'd whisked together on a whim turned this random assortment of ingredients into something we couldn't stop eating.
I've served this at three baby showers now, and every time someone asks for the recipe before they even finish their first serving. My friend Sarah texted me the next day saying her family had already requested it for their weekly rotation.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Poaching keeps the meat incredibly moist and tender, perfect for shredding into delicate pieces
- Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are deep red and slightly fragrant since they're the star of the show
- English cucumber: Fewer seeds and thinner skin mean no peeling required, plus that satisfying crunch
- Mixed salad greens: A combination of spinach for substance and arugula for peppery bite works beautifully
- Red onion: Thinly sliced adds just the right amount of sharp contrast to the sweet dressing
- Greek yogurt: Creates that luscious creamy texture while keeping things lighter than traditional mayo bases
- Poppy seeds: Those tiny little pops of texture and nutty flavor make the dressing feel special
- Toasted almonds: Toast them yourself for a deeper flavor that store bought versions just can't match
Instructions
- Cook the chicken perfectly:
- Place chicken breasts in a saucepan with enough water to cover, add a pinch of salt and bring to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer for about 12-15 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before shredding with two forks into bite sized pieces.
- Whisk up the magic dressing:
- Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until completely smooth and taste it to adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.
- Build your beautiful salad base:
- In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens, shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion. Arrange everything in sections rather than tossing it first so it looks gorgeous on the table.
- Bring it all together:
- Drizzle about half the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add more dressing as needed, then sprinkle with crumbled feta and those toasted almonds right before serving.
Save This salad became my go to for bringing dinner to friends with new babies. Something about the bright colors and fresh flavors feels like sunshine on a plate, even when people are too tired to cook.
Make It Your Own
I've made countless variations based on what's in my fridge or what looked best at the market. The recipe is wonderfully forgiving and welcomes substitutions.
Meal Prep Magic
Keep components separate in airtight containers and the salad stays fresh for three days. The dressing actually develops more flavor after sitting overnight.
Perfect Pairings
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy dressing beautifully while letting the strawberries shine. For something non alcoholic, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works just as well.
- Grill the chicken instead of poaching for those beautiful char lines and extra smoky flavor
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts if almonds aren't your thing
- Double the dressing recipe and keep it in the fridge for quick weekday lunches
Save Every time I make this salad now, I think of that random afternoon with my sister and how the best recipes often come from just working with what you have.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut. Simply shred it and use approximately 2 cups of shredded meat. This saves you 15 minutes of cooking time.
- → How far in advance can I prepare this?
You can prepare the individual components up to 4 hours ahead and store them separately. Assemble and dress just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent sogginess.
- → What can I substitute for the poppy seed dressing?
A balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or champagne vinaigrette work beautifully. You can also use a store-bought poppy seed dressing for convenience.
- → Is this salad suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese and substitute the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and use vegan mayonnaise in the dressing for a completely dairy-free version.
- → What vegetables can I add or swap?
Radishes, sunflower seeds, bell peppers, avocado, or celery add wonderful crunch and flavor. Cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs like mint or basil also complement the strawberries beautifully.
- → What wine pairs well with this salad?
Sauvignon Blanc and dry rosé are ideal pairings. Their crisp acidity and light body complement the fresh strawberries and creamy dressing without overwhelming the dish.