If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful balance of sweet and savory, you’re in for a real treat with this Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. Juicy grilled chicken, vibrant berries, crunchy pecans, and a luscious, creamy poppy seed dressing come together in a dish that feels both light and satisfyingly indulgent. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a stunning dish for your next gathering, this salad is sure to become a favorite on your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making this salad shine. Each item brings its own texture and flavor — from the juicy berries that add sweetness and color to the crisp romaine that provides a refreshing crunch. The dressing ingredients are pantry staples that magically transform the salad into something unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps cook the chicken evenly without overpowering the flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that keeps this salad satisfying and nutritious.
- Steak-flavored grill seasoning: Infuses the chicken with a smoky, savory depth that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Chopped romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing bed for all the other ingredients to shine.
- Chopped strawberries: Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, they brighten every bite.
- Blueberries: Add a pop of color and natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Raspberries: Their slight tartness introduces complexity and contrast to the salad.
- Pecan halves: Offer a satisfying crunch and a buttery flavor that rounds out the dish.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the poppy seed dressing, giving it smoothness and body.
- Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the vinegar and complements the berries’ natural sweetness.
- Milk: Lightens the dressing and helps achieve a pourable consistency.
- White vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy kick, elevating the dressing’s flavor profile.
- Poppy seeds: Add a touch of subtle nuttiness and pretty specks that make the dressing visually enticing.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss the chopped chicken breasts with the steak-flavored grill seasoning to coat them evenly. Cook the chicken pieces in the skillet until they are golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. The seasoning will give the chicken a smoky, savory flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet berries.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, white vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This poppy seed dressing is creamy but light, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that highlights the berries and chicken without overwhelming them.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce with the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pecan halves. Add the warm chicken pieces on top, then drizzle the poppy seed dressing generously over the salad. Gently toss everything together so the dressing coats each ingredient without bruising the berries.
How to Serve Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra pecans or a few fresh berries on top make a beautiful and inviting garnish. You can also add thin slices of red onion or some crumbled feta for a savory twist, if you’re feeling adventurous. These little touches add color and texture, making your salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad is quite substantial on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread or garlic crostini. If you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside a chilled soup such as gazpacho or a light fruit smoothie for a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe in individual glass bowls or mason jars. Layer the ingredients to showcase the vibrant colors, then add the dressing just before serving. It’s a charming presentation that turns a simple salad into something extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to maintain freshness. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and berries intact.
Freezing
Since fresh berries and greens do not freeze well, it’s best not to freeze any leftovers of this Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately if you want to prep ahead.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked chicken gently in a microwave or stovetop just until warmed through before adding it back to the fresh salad. Avoid reheating the full salad with dressing to prevent sogginess. Fresh is truly best with this recipe!
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries in the Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe?
While fresh berries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if necessary—just thaw and drain them well to avoid sogginess in your salad.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo alternative to make the dressing lighter or accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing creaminess.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating to keep the salad fresh and vibrant throughout the week.
Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes! Grilling chicken adds a lovely charred flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the berries in this Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe.
What type of pecans work best for this recipe?
Raw or roasted pecan halves both work well, but lightly toasted pecans will offer extra crunch and a deeper nutty flavor that complements the dish nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures that’s easy enough for a weekday meal but special enough for entertaining. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate — refreshing, satisfying, and just downright delicious. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, eager to share it with loved ones.
Print
Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing combines juicy grilled chicken with a medley of fresh berries and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade poppy seed dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner, this salad offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making healthy eating delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz. boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons steak-flavored grill seasoning, or any all-purpose seasoning spice mix
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
For the Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken breasts and season with the steak-flavored grill seasoning or your preferred all-purpose seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, milk, white vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pecan halves. Add the cooked chicken on top.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the poppy seed dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Divide the salad among four plates or bowls and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- You can substitute pecan halves with walnuts or almonds for different nutty flavors.
- For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- This salad is best served fresh; however, you can prepare the dressing and chicken in advance to save time.
- Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a creamy texture contrast if desired.
