When I think about a mixed salad that fills the belly and tantalizes the taste buds, I immediately picture Panera Bread’s Strawberry Chicken Salad. It’s a refreshing mix that complements a wide range of dishes. If you’re planning a meal focused around this delightful salad, consider pairing it with a warm, crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough. The soft interior and crusty exterior balance the crisp, fresh greens beautifully.
Looking for something lighter? A cup of tomato basil soup enlivens the palate and adds a comforting touch. And let’s not forget dessert; a small piece of lemon pound cake provides a sweet, zesty contrast to the salad’s savory flavors.
Now, let’s get into why this Strawberry Chicken Salad deserves a spotlight in your kitchen repertoire.
I remember the first time I tried the Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was craving something light yet filling. With strawberries, chicken, goat cheese, and a sprinkle of cashews, this salad was a burst of sunshine on a plate. Over the years, I’ve experimented with the ingredients and made it my own.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can whip it up for a quick lunch or elevate it for a dinner party. Whether you’re preparing for a picnic or just treating yourself after a long day, this salad never disappoints. Let’s dig deeper into what makes this recipe work so well.
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Why This Recipe Works
1. Fresh Ingredients Matter
Using fresh fruits and vegetables keeps the salad vibrant and flavorful. The combination of strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple creates a lively color palette while adding to the dish’s overall sweetness.
2. Protein-Packed
The boneless, skinless chicken breasts offer a protein boost. This keeps you feeling satiated without sacrificing health. A scoop of crumbled goat cheese contributes a creamy texture that takes this salad to the next level.
3. Flavor Harmony
The balance of flavors is impeccable. You have the tanginess from the balsamic dressing, the sweetness from the fruits, and a pinch of saltiness from the goat cheese and cashews. Every forkful is a delightful experience, smooth on the palate.
4. Easy to Make
If you’re short on time, this salad delivers. It can be prepped in under 30 minutes. Toss everything together, and you’re done! For busy weeknights or unexpected guests, it’s a reliable recipe to have on hand.
How Does It Taste?
The taste of the Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad is a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. The crunch from the lettuce and roasted cashews provides a satisfying bite.
Sweet strawberries and pineapple give a fruity punch while the eggs and cheese add creaminess. Drizzle on the citrus poppy seed dressing, and voila! You get sweet, savory, and zesty all in one bowl.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Variations?
This recipe shines for several reasons. First, it combines a medley of seasonal fruits that typically don’t belong together in a salad. The inclusion of both strawberries and blueberries alongside pineapple creates unexpected flavor dynamics, which keep things interesting.
Second, the dressing truly makes a difference. While many dressing variations lean on store-bought options, this homemade citrus poppy seed dressing marries the various ingredients seamlessly. The use of champagne vinegar, orange juice, and honey creates a sweet and tangy accompaniment that elevates the palate.
Lastly, the added crunch from roasted cashews provides a unique twist. Nuts and salads are nothing new, but cashews? They add a creamy element that you won’t find in traditional recipes.
The Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 cups torn butter lettuce leaves: Soft and tender base.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein to fill you up.
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For cooking and enhancing flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Sweet and juicy addition.
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, thinly sliced: Adds tropical sweetness.
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries: Juicy and bursting with flavor.
- 3/4 cup canned mandarin oranges, drained: For a touch of citrus.
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese (optional): For creaminess.
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews: Adds crunch and richness.
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar: Tangy element.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: For flavor depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: To enhance overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: For a hint of spice.
For the Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil: Base of the dressing.
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar: For tartness.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice: Bright and tangy.
- Juice of 1/2 lime: Extra citrus zing.
- 1/4 cup honey: Natural sweetness.
- 1 shallot, finely diced: For extra flavor contrast.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Amplifies the savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Terrific aroma to uplift flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder: Provides depth and a slight kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: For seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: To complete the flavor.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds: For a slight crunch and visual appeal.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through. Remove and set aside to cool. Once cooled, slice into thin strips.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, honey, shallot, garlic, orange zest, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the poppy seeds last and stir gently.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, add the torn butter lettuce. Drizzle with a small portion of the dressing. Next, layer in strawberries, blueberries, pineapple slices, mandarin oranges, and sliced chicken. Sprinkle goat cheese and cashews on top.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the salad together. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or dressing if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest produce for the best flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
- Chicken Options: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken for a lighter option.
- Scale It Up: Multiply for larger gatherings.
How Do You Store This Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the greens.
Sides for Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad
1. Tomato Basil Soup
A warm, rich flavor that counters the lightness of the salad.
2. Garlic Bread
Crispy and garlicky, it complements without overshadowing the salad.
3. Fruit Platter
Seasonal fruits extend the freshness of the meal.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Lettuce: Replace with romaine or spinach.
- Cheese: Swap goat cheese for feta or mozzarella.
- Chicken: Use tofu, chickpeas, or canned chicken.
- Fruit: Substitute apples or peaches for strawberries.
Equipment
- Large Salad Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken and Salad
- 8 cups torn butter lettuce leaves
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 3/4 cup canned mandarin oranges drained
- 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese optional, for creaminess
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews
- 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
- 3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 shallot finely diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon orange zest for an added citrusy aroma
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until it’s cooked through. Remove and set aside to cool. Once cooled, slice into thin strips.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, champagne vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, honey, shallot, garlic, orange zest, mustard powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the poppy seeds last and stir gently.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the torn butter lettuce. Drizzle with a small portion of the dressing. Next, layer in strawberries, blueberries, pineapple slices, mandarin oranges, and sliced chicken. Sprinkle goat cheese and cashews on top.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss the salad together. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or dressing if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest produce for the best flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
- Chicken Options: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken for a lighter option.
- Scale It Up: Multiply for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Skip the chicken and cheese. Add chickpeas or lentils.
2. How can I make the dressing creamy?
Mix in Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
3. Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, but drain excess moisture.
4. How can I vary the nuts?
Swap cashews for walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Conclusion
The Panera Bread Strawberry Chicken Salad is a celebration of flavors, textures, and ease. Whether for a cozy lunch or a dinner party, it brings bright, health-conscious choices to the table.
Enjoy the process and share with loved ones. Bon appétit!