Strawberry Chicken Salad

Perfectly balancing sweet and savory while celebrating the best of summer produce, this delightful strawberry chicken salad combines juicy strawberries, succulent chicken and crisp vegetables with a tangy homemade poppy seed dressing.

Crunchy sugar snap peas and toasted pecans add satisfying texture to the recipe, while a bed of baby spinach (one of the healthy superfoods) forms the perfect foundation. Best of all, this chicken and strawberry salad is easy to prepare, making it ideal for everything from casual family dinners to elegant summer gatherings.

Ingredients for Strawberry Chicken Salad

• Limeade concentrate: A few tablespoons of thawed limeade concentrate add sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken marinade.
• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean protein source in this salad.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is used to saute the chicken, and it’s also used in the dressing to form a smooth and creamy consistency.
• White vinegar: White vinegar forms the base of the tangy poppy seed dressing.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the acidity of the vinegar in the dressing.
• Seasonings for the dressing: Dried minced onion, ground mustard, salt and poppy seeds add texture and flavor to the creamy and slightly sweet salad dressing.
• Baby spinach: Fresh baby spinach serves as the base of the salad, as well as being one of the tastiest ways to get more leafy greens in your life.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness and color to the salad.
• Sugar snap peas: Fresh sugar snap peas provide a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color to this chicken salad with strawberries.
• Red onion: A small red onion offers a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the sweet strawberries.
• Pecans: Pecan halves add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Toasting them enhances their flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

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In a large bowl, combine the limeade concentrate and pepper. Add the chicken strips, ensuring they’re well coated, then cover and refrigerate for two hours.

Editor’s Tip: For a fuss-free marinade, use a resealable plastic bag. This allows the marinade to coat the chicken more evenly.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

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Drain and discard the marinade. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat, then saute the chicken until it’s no longer pink. Remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the dressing

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In a blender, combine the vinegar, sugar, onion, mustard and salt. While processing, gradually add the canola oil in a steady stream until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Stir in the poppy seeds.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

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In a large serving bowl, combine the fresh baby spinach with the strawberries, snap peas, red onion, chicken and 1/2 cup of the dressing, tossing to coat.

Step 5: Finish and serve

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Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the salad, then serve immediately with additional dressing on the side.

Editor’s Tip: For an added touch, reserve a few whole strawberries and pecan halves to arrange on top of the salad just before serving.

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Strawberry Chicken Salad Variations

• Add some cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad for added creaminess and flavor.
• Swap out the greens: Substitute the baby spinach with mixed greens or romaine for a different base to this strawberry chicken salad.
• Use different nuts: Swap the pecans for toasted almonds or walnuts for a variation in flavor and crunch.
• Try a different protein: Grilled shrimp or flaky salmon works well with the strawberries and lime flavors in this salad. If you prefer to keep things vegetarian-friendly, try grilled tofu or chickpeas.

How to Store Strawberry Chicken Salad

For the best results, store the strawberry chicken salad components separately. Keep the greens and vegetables—minus the toasted nuts—in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store the dressing separately in a jar for up to a week.

Can you make chicken strawberry salad ahead of time?

Yes—making this salad in advance can save on time! Prepare the chicken and dressing up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge. Chop the vegetables and store them separately, in airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Strawberry Chicken Salad Tips

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Can you use fresh lime juice instead of limeade concentrate?

Yes, you can use fresh lime juice mixed with a bit of sugar to replicate the sweetness and tanginess of limeade concentrate. For this recipe, use 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice and about 1 tablespoon of sugar to replicate the sweetness of the limeade concentrate.

How can I prevent the strawberries from making my strawberry chicken salad soggy?

Wash the strawberries and pat them dry thoroughly before adding them to the salad. If you’re prepping the salad in advance, you’ll want to keep the sliced strawberries separate and only add them to the salad just before serving.

What other fruits can you add to the salad?

In addition to strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges or sliced apples can all be added to the salad for added flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to toast pecans for this salad?

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for three to five minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and crispy. Alternatively, you can also toast them in the oven—if you’re unsure, here’s how to toast pecans.