Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad
Chicken salad of any kind has a special place in my heart. it’s so versatile to meal prep for the week and the flavor possibilities are endless. as we slowly step into spring, this strawberry poppyseed chicken salad is sure to become your new favorite because of its brightness and freshness.
the inspiration:
This strawberry poppyseed chicken salad is inspired by spring produce, of course. it has bright and sweet strawberries alongside floral fresh tarragon, crunchy celery, sharp shallots and a hint of orange to bring out the flavor of the strawberries. you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to easily whip this up. serve alongside crackers, in a sandwich, in a wrap or serve in little slider rolls for the perfect spring showers and events.
the ingredients:
- shredded chicken: make sure its finely shredded so all ingredients and flavors can absorb uniformly.
- fresh orange: freshly-grated orange zest enhances the flavors in this chicken salad.
- shallot: minced shallot adds a craveable sharpness and “edge,” to the salad.
- fresh celery: adds a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
- avocado oil mayo: this is my favorite brand.
- fresh herbs: fresh tarragon add freshness and a unique floral note to the dish that pairs ideally with the strawberries and chicken.
- touch of honey: helps deepen the strawberry flavor and balance the salad.
- poppyseeds: for that quintessential spring flavor.
how to serve:
this strawberry poppyseed chicken salad can be served a few different ways either for entertaining, a simple dinner or meal prep:
- baby shower: serve chicken salad alongside fresh fruit salad and pasta salad.
- meal prep: prep chicken salad in a pyrex to add to bowls, wraps, stuffed avocados or sandwiches for the week. Just note that the strawberries lose a bit of color after day 2.
- picnic lunch: stuff chicken salad in pita halves with fresh arugula and avocado.
- simple lunch: serve chicken salad scooped alongside crackers with more fresh strawberries.
- double protein: serve chicken salad alongside a scoop of my delicious classic pastured egg salad for the perfect sampler.
Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups cooked and finely shredded chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- ¾ cup avocado oil mayo I prefer Chosen Foods
- ½ teaspoon mineral salt
- 10 grinds of freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon poppyseeds plus more to garnish
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon fresh tarragon finely minced
- 2 Tablespoons shallot finely minced
- ½ cup celery finely minced
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup strawberries minced finely
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the chicken, mayonnaise, honey, orange zest, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Gently fold in remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Chill until very cold, at least 1-3 hours, for flavors to meld.
- Chicken salad will keep well overnight but make sure to serve within 1 day to keep the strawberries bright red. Chicken salad will keep fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
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