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To make the Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad with Chicken, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese These ingredients bring great taste and color to your meal. Baby spinach is tender and packed with vitamins. Strawberries add a sweet note that brightens the salad. Cooked chicken breast gives the dish protein and heartiness. Red onion offers a mild sharpness, while feta cheese adds a creamy and salty touch. For the dressing, you will need: - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing ties everything together. Poppy seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Olive oil forms the base of the dressing and helps coat the salad. Balsamic vinegar gives a tangy kick, while honey sweetens the mix. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Together, these components create a light and refreshing dressing that complements the salad perfectly. To make this salad, start with a large bowl. First, add 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Next, add 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries. Then, include 1 cup of diced cooked chicken breast. Finally, toss in 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Mix these ingredients gently. This combination brings bright colors and fresh flavors. Now, let’s make the dressing. Grab a small mixing bowl. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth. This step adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad base. Toss it all gently to coat every piece. This way, every bite bursts with flavor. Next, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds on top. Serve the salad right away for the best taste. If you prefer, chill it for about 10 minutes to mix the flavors. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty strawberry spinach poppy seed salad! When picking strawberries, look for bright red ones. They should smell sweet and juicy. Avoid any that feel mushy. For spinach, choose fresh, vibrant leaves. They should feel firm and crisp. Check for any signs of wilting or yellowing leaves. Always select the best quality for the best taste in your salad. If you want to change the dressing, try using a lemon vinaigrette. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and a bit of mustard. You can also use yogurt for a creamy taste. Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. These changes give your salad a unique twist. This salad pairs well with grilled bread or garlic toast. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, add some quinoa or brown rice. A light soup can make a great starter. These options enhance your dining experience with layers of flavor. {{image_2}} You can add a nice crunch to your salad by including nuts or seeds. Walnuts and almonds work well. Just chop them roughly and sprinkle them on top. They add flavor and healthy fats. Plus, the crunch contrasts nicely with the soft spinach and strawberries. If you want to change the protein, there are many options. Grilled shrimp or tofu can be great substitutes. You can also use turkey or even chickpeas for a tasty twist. Each protein brings a new flavor to the dish. Feel free to experiment with what you like best. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the chicken. You can replace it with extra veggies or beans. Try adding diced avocado or roasted chickpeas for protein. This keeps the salad filling and delicious. You won't miss the chicken with these tasty swaps. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the dressing from the salad base. This helps keep the greens crisp. If you mix everything, the salad may become soggy quickly. Use plastic wrap or a lid to seal the container well. Eat your leftovers within two days for the best taste. After that, the salad may lose its freshness. If you notice a change in smell or color, it is better to discard it. Trust your senses; they guide you well in the kitchen. To revive the salad’s flavor, add a splash of fresh dressing before serving. Toss the salad gently to mix everything again. This helps bring back the bright flavors. You can also add fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for extra zing. Enjoy the vibrant taste every time! Yes, you can make this salad in advance. Prepare the salad base without the dressing. Combine the spinach, strawberries, chicken, and onion in a bowl. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This way, the salad stays fresh and crisp. You can chill it for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix well. You can use several options instead of chicken. Cooked shrimp or grilled tofu works well. If you want a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or black beans. These choices add protein and flavor. You can also try hard-boiled eggs for a different twist. Each option will give your salad a unique taste. Store the salad dressing in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Before using it again, give it a good shake. If it thickens, add a little water or olive oil to loosen it up. This way, you can enjoy fresh dressing whenever you need it. This salad blends fresh spinach, tasty strawberries, and protein-rich chicken. Making it is easy with simple steps. You can try different dressings or toppings to match your taste. It’s fun to add nuts or try a vegetarian option. Store leftovers properly for the best flavor later. Enjoy this fresh and healthy salad anytime!

Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad with Chicken

Elevate your meal prep with this delicious Berry Bliss Spinach Chicken Salad! Packed with fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, and savory chicken, it's a perfect blend of flavors. Tossed in a homemade poppy seed dressing, this salad is not only easy to make but also a feast for the eyes. Discover the complete recipe and enjoy a refreshing, nutritious dish that's ready in just 15 minutes. Click to explore more delightful recipes!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, diced chicken, and red onion.

    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well blended.

      Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

        Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and poppy seeds on top of the salad.

          Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2-4