Scrumptious Strawberry Chicken Salad with Homemade Poppy Seed Dressing

It’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks it will be summer. June has arrived, and with it-strawberry season! The changing of seasons is a good time to change up the dinner menu. As much as I love casseroles and soups, I know that when it’s 75 degrees outside a salad can be a more reasonable choice. This recipe has so much flavor while being both filling and light. I hope you enjoy this spin on one of my favorite Pioneer Woman recipes!

PC: Maria Magee

Ingredients for the Salad:

2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise
2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
10 oz. baby spinach or spring mix
1 lb. strawberries, sliced
2 oranges, peeled and sliced(canned Mandarin oranges work, too!)
4 oz. goat or feta cheese, crumbled
1 ½ cups pecans, toasted

Ingredients for the Dressing:

¼ cup fresh lemon juice(about 2-3 lemons)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
3 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
2 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
Pepper to taste

Directions:

For the dressing:

Combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine. You can also whisk the ingredients in a bowl and pour it into a salad dressing container. Just make sure it is mixed thoroughly before you drizzle it onto the salad! Set aside.

For the salad:

Over medium heat, pour about 2 tbsp. olive oil into a large skillet.

Slice chicken breasts in half and season both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.

Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.

Allow it to cool and then on a cutting board, thinly slice the chicken.

In a large bowl, add the spinach.

Drizzle a tablespoon or two of dressing on and toss.

Then add the strawberries, oranges, goat cheese, pecans, and chicken.

Drizzle the with your preferred amount of the remaining dressing and toss.

*Makes 4-6 servings

Tips:

You can leave the chicken out if you prefer a vegetarian dish or would like to serve it as a side. The salad is still amazing without it!
If you’re short on time, chopped rotisserie chicken works great in place of the sautéed chicken breast!