Recipe: Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad

I’ve got a DELICIOUS healthy copycat recipe for you —

It’s a fresh and easy take on one of Panera’s favorite seasonal salads. I know you’ll love it. 

We’ve taken the sweetness down a bit in this revamped version, but if you really want to add it back in: add a few tablespoons each of no-sugar-added canned mandarin oranges or pineapple chunks.

Make this for lunch, you won’t be sorry!

Chicken Salad Ingredients:

(makes 2 servings)

• 4 big handfuls (cups) mixed salad greens

• 1 cooked chicken breast, diced

• 4 large strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ½ cup (75 g) blueberries

• ¼ cup (30 grams) goat cheese crumbles  

• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped toasted pecans

Poppyseed Dressing Ingredients:

(makes 4 2-tbsp servings)

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup (55 g) plain Greek yogurt

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp poppy seeds

Directions:

1. First, make the dressing: Place all of the ingredients in a mason jar, screw on the cover, and shake until well combined. Or, place the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. This dressing will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

2. Make the salad: Place the salad greens, chicken, strawberries, blueberries, and goat cheese in a large salad bowl. Drizzle 4 Tbsp (half the recipe) of the salad dressing over the top of the salad and toss well. If using, sprinkle the pecans over the top.

3. Divide into two portions and serve. Yum!

Tag me @dr_saara_haapanen if you try this recipe 👩‍🍳

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by VeselovaElena from Getty Images

Recipe: Strawberry Salsa

💃Just say yes to strawberry salsa! This sweet and spicy treat is PERFECT for outdoor barbeques and pool parties.

Serve this over fish or chicken, or as a sweet and spicy dip.🍓

Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pint (300 g) strawberries, hulled and diced

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

• ¼ cup minced red onion

• 1 lime, juiced 

• ½ cup loosely packed cilantro, minced (or to taste)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and gently stir. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to give the flavors a chance to combine. 

2. Taste and adjust the seasonings. If it needs a little sweetness, add a ½ tsp or so of honey. Enjoy!

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Svetl from Getty Images Pro