Save to Pinterest Last July, my kitchen was stifling hot and turning on the oven felt like a personal offense against summer. I'd picked up too many strawberries at the farmers market, my AC was struggling, and dinner needed to happen without adding any more heat to the apartment.
I served this to my sister on her birthday, mostly because I'd forgotten to plan anything proper and she'd always been the easy one to feed. She took one bite, went quiet for a suspiciously long time, then asked if I'd finally hired a personal chef.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Poaching keeps them incredibly tender and shredding them while slightly warm helps the meat absorb the dressing better
- Strawberries: Pick ones that are deep red and smell fragrant, they're the sweetness that holds everything together
- Cucumber: Thin slices add this refreshing crunch that cuts through the creamy dressing
- Mixed salad greens: A mix of spinach and arugula gives you peppery notes alongside the mild sweetness
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, it brings just enough bite to keep things interesting
- Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: This combo makes the dressing luxuriously creamy without being heavy
- Honey: The secret that bridges the gap between tangy vinegar and savory yogurt
- Poppy seeds: They add this subtle crunch and look beautiful scattered throughout
- Toasted almonds: Don't skip the toasting step, it transforms them from bland to absolutely essential
Instructions
- Poach the chicken:
- Place the chicken in a saucepan covered with water seasoned with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Let it rest briefly before shredding with two forks.
- Whisk the dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Build the salad base:
- In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- Dress and finish:
- Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Top with crumbled feta if using and the toasted almonds.
Save to Pinterest My friend Sarah requests this every time she comes over now, which is funny because she swore she hated fruit in savory dishes for years. Watching her convert has been one of my small culinary victories.
Make Ahead Magic
I've learned to prep the chicken and dressing the night before, storing them separately in the fridge. The greens stay crisp if you add a paper towel to the container, and everything comes together in five minutes when you're ready to eat.
What I've Learned About This Salad
The first time I made this, I used regular onions instead of red ones and the whole thing tasted strangely aggressive. Red onions bring this mild sweetness that regular onions just don't have, and now I won't bother making the substitution.
Serving Suggestions That Actually Work
This salad has become my go-to for potlucks because it travels beautifully if you pack the dressing separately. People assume it took way more effort than it actually does.
- Crusty bread on the side makes it feel like a complete meal
- A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé elevates the whole experience
- Add sliced radishes if you want extra crunch and color
Save to Pinterest Somehow this salad manages to feel light and substantial all at once, the kind of food that leaves you satisfied without needing a nap afterward.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the chicken prepared for the salad?
The chicken breasts are poached in water seasoned with salt and pepper, then shredded once cooled for a tender texture.
- → What gives the dressing its distinctive flavor?
A mix of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard creates a creamy and tangy dressing with subtle sweetness.
- → Can the cheese be substituted or omitted?
Yes, feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or omitted entirely for a dairy-free option without compromising taste.
- → What adds crunch to this salad?
Toasted sliced almonds provide a nutty crunch, with optional additions like radishes or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it appropriate for gluten-sensitive individuals.