Grilled chicken salad is a great dinner, and if you double the batch you can take some for lunch the next day! Oh, and be sure to make enough of our sweet and spicy toasted pecans! If you want a more simple salad, give our Caesar dressing a try, simple to whip up in a big batch, so you can make a quick salad any night!

3 Reasons You’ll Love This Salad:

1. Burst of Freshness – Packed with juicy strawberries, blueberries, and mandarin oranges, it’s a refreshing, vibrant dish.
2. Light Yet Satisfying – With grilled chicken and a flavorful poppyseed dressing, it’s a perfect balance of protein and sweetness.
3. Easy & Customizable – Simple ingredients make it quick to prepare, and you can easily swap items to fit your preferences.

What you will need to make this Panera Poppy Seed Strawberry Salad:

Chicken Breast: Provides a hearty, protein-rich element that balances the lightness of the greens and fruit. The seasoning enhances its flavor

Seasonings for Chicken

Granulated Garlic: Adds a mild, savory depth.

Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet warmth.

Dried Thyme: Lends an earthy, herbaceous note.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a touch of tanginess.

Dijon Mustard: Offers a subtle sharpness and creaminess.

Sriracha Sauce: Introduces a hint of heat to balance sweetness.

Dressing Ingredients

Olive Oil: The base for a smooth, silky vinaigrette.

Champagne or White Wine Vinegar: Brings bright acidity that lifts the salad.

Orange Juice: Adds citrusy sweetness and brightness.

Orange Marmalade: Intensifies the citrus profile with sweetness and slight bitterness.

Honey: Naturally sweetens the dressing and balances acidity.

Poppy Seeds: Add texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.

Salad Components

Feta: Adds creamy, tangy richness that contrasts with the sweet fruit.

Toasted Pecans: Provide crunch and a nutty, buttery flavor.

Spinach: A nutrient-dense, mild green that serves as a neutral yet fresh base.

Strawberries: Juicy, sweet, and slightly tart, they are the star of the salad.

Clementine Oranges: Add bright citrus notes and juicy bursts of flavor.

How to make the Panera Poppy Seed Strawberry Salad:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Mix the Marinade – In a bowl, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Sriracha, olive oil, and lemon juice (if using).
2. Add Dry Seasonings – Stir in granulated garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them.
4. Let It Soak:
   • At Least 30 Minutes: Allows the flavors to infuse.
   • Overnight (Best for Deep Flavor): Cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours for maximum tenderness.

1. In a small bowl, or mason jar, add the oil, vinegar, juice, marmalade, honey and whisk.
2. Stir in poppyseeds and season with salt and pepper.
3. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Assemble the rest of the salad ingredients:

Now: Grill the Chicken:

Why This Combination Works

This salad balances sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy elements. The fruits and dressing bring sweetness, while the chicken and greens provide substance. Feta and pecans add richness and crunch, making the dish both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for a light yet filling meal.

Substitutions & Tips:

• Protein Swap – Use shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
• Nut-Free Option – Replace pecans with sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.
• Dressing Alternative – If you don’t have poppyseed dressing, try a honey-lime vinaigrette.
• Make-Ahead Tip – Prep the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh.