If you are craving a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweetness, tang, and a hint of crunch, look no further than this Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing. This salad is a heartwarming explosion of flavors and textures—juicy grilled chicken, juicy berries bursting with freshness, crisp greens, and a luscious homemade poppy seed dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s the kind of meal that feels like sunshine on a plate, ideal for warm days but delightful any time you want a light yet satisfying dish. This recipe is practical enough for a quick lunch yet elegant enough to impress guests at your next gathering.

Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient shines on its own while coming together to create a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color that’s visually stunning and utterly delicious.

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: Provides the hearty, protein-packed base for the salad; grilled or rotisserie both work wonderfully.
1 cup baby spinach leaves: Adds a tender, slightly earthy touch and vibrant green color.
1 cup mixed salad greens: Enhances texture variety and freshness.
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced: Brings juicy sweetness and beautiful red hues.
1 cup blueberries: Bursting with antioxidants and a juicy pop of flavor.
1 cup raspberries: Offers a delicate tartness and lovely texture contrast.
1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty undertone if you choose to include them.
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional): Gives a creamy, salty layer that pairs beautifully with the sweet berries.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the poppy seed dressing.
1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing while adding a tangy richness.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright acidity that balances the creaminess and sweetness.
2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and complements the berries perfectly.
1 tablespoon poppy seeds: Adds a charming crunch and visual interest to the dressing.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors.

How to Make Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grilling the chicken breast infuses it with that irresistible smoky flavor and creates a juicy interior. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the juices run clear, then let it rest for a few minutes to lock in moisture before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for a tender, flavorful protein that complements the sweetness of the berries perfectly.

Step 2: Whisk the Poppy Seed Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and poppy seeds. Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. This tangy, sweet, and crunchy dressing truly brings the salad to life, tying all the elements together in the most delightful way.

Step 3: Assemble the Greens

Using a large salad bowl or a beautiful serving platter, create a bed by layering baby spinach leaves and mixed salad greens. The freshness and variety of greens offer the perfect canvas in both taste and appearance for this vibrant salad.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Berries

Scatter the shredded grilled chicken evenly over the greens, then layer the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on top. This colorful layering ensures every forkful includes a little bit of everything – savory chicken, crisp greens, and bursts of juicy fruit.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the homemade poppy seed dressing over the entire salad. Gently toss everything together to coat the salad evenly without bruising those delicate berries. This step allows each bite to have a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 6: Add Optional Toppings and Serve

If you love a little extra texture and richness, sprinkle sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the salad just before serving. These options add crunch and creaminess that contrast beautifully with the fresh ingredients. Then, dig in and enjoy the refreshing taste of your Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing!

How to Serve Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

Garnishes

To elevate your Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing, consider fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced red onion rings as garnishes. Mint adds a refreshing herbal note while red onions introduce a subtle sharpness, both enhancing the layers of flavor and creating a stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a light main dish but pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or a side of quinoa salad. If serving for a crowd, add some grilled corn or roasted vegetable skewers on the side for a complete summer feast that balances textures and temperatures delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, try serving the Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing in endive leaves or hollowed-out avocado halves. Individual mason jar salads are also fun and portable, perfect for picnics or packed lunches. Presentation can truly make this fresh salad feel like a special occasion treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the dressing contains mayonnaise and yogurt, it’s best eaten within 1 to 2 days for optimal freshness. Keep the salad components separate if possible and dress just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the fresh berries and creamy dressing, which will not hold up well after thawing. To enjoy similar flavors later, freeze shredded cooked chicken separately and prepare fresh dressing and berries when ready to serve.

Reheating

The chicken can be gently reheated if you prefer a warm protein, but the salad itself is best served chilled or at room temperature to maintain crisp greens and juicy berries. If reheating, do so carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries for this salad?

Fresh berries are ideal to maintain the best texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Is there a dairy-free version of the dressing?

Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and use a vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy consistency while accommodating dietary preferences.

Can I make this salad vegan?

To make it vegan, omit the chicken and feta cheese and add plant-based protein like grilled tofu or chickpeas. Also use vegan mayonnaise and yogurt for the dressing to keep it flavorful and creamy.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

For best results, prepare the chicken and dressing a day ahead but assemble the salad just before serving. This keeps the berries fresh and the greens crisp.

What other nuts work well instead of almonds?

Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios all provide wonderful crunchy contrast and complement the flavors nicely if you want to switch up the nutty element in the salad.

Final Thoughts

This Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing is a personal favorite that never disappoints. Its vibrant colors, refreshing fruits, and luscious dressing make it a delightful dish to enjoy solo or share with friends and family. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your warm-weather meal rotation because fresh, flavorful food like this just feels too good to pass up!

Summer Berry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Summer Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a refreshing, colorful dish perfect for warm weather. It combines tender grilled chicken, fresh berries, crisp greens, and a creamy, tangy poppy seed dressing for a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal as a light lunch or a healthy dinner option.

Instructions

Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken breast.
Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breast on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the salad base: In a large salad bowl or serving platter, spread the baby spinach leaves and mixed salad greens as the bed for your salad.
Add main ingredients: Layer the shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries evenly over the greens.
Dress and toss: Drizzle the poppy seed dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine all ingredients without bruising the berries.
Add toppings: If desired, sprinkle sliced almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the top for added crunch and creaminess.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Notes

You can substitute grilled chicken with store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
Almonds and feta cheese are optional but add texture and flavor.
Adjust honey in the dressing to suit your preferred sweetness level.
This salad is best served fresh, but leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and omit feta cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling and mixing
Cuisine: American