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–+ servings
A bowl of copycat strawberry poppyseed salad with a fork.
Course Main Course, Salad

Copycat Panera Bread Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

By: Elysia Cartlidge
Servings 4 servings
This easy copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is loaded with fresh berries, juicy pineapple, mandarin oranges and toasted pecans topped with a lightly sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing. It's light and vibrant - everything you need this time of year - and a quick and healthy choice for busy nights! {Gluten-free}
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the salad

  • 4 (4 ounce) chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup blueberries, washed
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced into bite sized pieces
  • 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges packed in water or juice, drained
  • 1/2 cup roasted pecans, roughly chopped

Poppyseed Dressing

  • 1/4 cup light olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon grated sweet onion
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients until fully combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use. Before serving, whisk the dressing to bring it all back together. 
  • Build the salad on a large platter or divide ingredients amongst 4 large salad bowls. Start with the lettuce on the bottom, then scatter on the fruit and pecans. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with poppyseeds. Serve with poppyseed dressing. 

Notes

  • I only used half of the dressing for all 4 servings and found that to be plenty. You can use the remaining dressing for other salads too. The nutritional information is based on using only half of the dressing.
  • To cook chicken breasts: Season chicken breasts with your favorite seasoning, lightly brush with olive oil and bake in the oven at 375℉ for 25-35 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165℉. You can also pan sear the chicken breast in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat, about 4 minutes per side or grill it at medium high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
  • This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
  • For a less creamy dressing, reduce the Greek yogurt to 2 tablespoons.
  • If desired, toss the salad in a large bowl with tongs before serving to coat it evenly with the homemade poppyseed dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 433mgPotassium: 847mgFiber: 6gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 6252IUVitamin C: 64mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 2mg
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