This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is bursting with fresh fruit and tender chicken. Delicious poppyseed dressing drizzled over this salad makes each bite simply amazing. Give this copycat Panera strawberry poppyseed salad a try today!
There is just something about Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad that we all love. It is light and not heavy at all but also filling. We love this salad in the warmer weather when fruit is in season and you just don’t want to eat a bunch of heavy foods.
This is the perfect meal for a bridal luncheon, brunch and really anything! We make this for quick lunch recipe during the week. The easy salad recipe looks so fancy but takes just minutes to prepare.
If you love fun salads, also try Big Mac Salad, Panera Fuji Apple Salad, Spinach Strawberry Salad and Chick-fil-a Spicy Southwest Salad Recipe.
What's in this post: Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Why This Recipe Works
You will see just how simple this delicious salad is to make. From the salad to the dressing ingredients, it is all very easy.
This is the perfect summer salad making this copycat Panera Strawberry poppyseed salad recipe served at all of our summertime BBQ’s.
Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken Breast – You can also use a rotisserie chicken
- Olive Oil – Use any oil that you prefer. Avocado oil is always a good choice
- Minced Garlic – If using fresh garlic, learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Romaine Hearts – Feel free to use Baby Kale or any chopped salad
- Pineapple, diced – Gives the perfect tropical flavor. If buying a whole fresh pineapple, learn How to Cut Pineapple. You can also use canned pineapple chunks
- Strawberries, Sliced – Fresh strawberries are best for this salad
- Blueberries – Fresh blueberries are best
- Mandarin Oranges – Make sure to drain the juice before mixing into the salad
- Chopped Toasted Pecans – Adds the perfect crunch to this salad
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Additions and Variations
Feel free to add what you prefer on this strawberry salad. Here are some additions that we have tried and loved.
- Sliced Almonds
- Chopped Walnuts
- Chopped Onion
- Feta Cheese
- Goat Cheese
How to Make Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe
Step 1 – Marinade the chicken in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. I like to do this for at least 1 hour but overnight is ideal.
Step 2 – Grill the chicken over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3 – Set aside and allow the chicken to cool slightly. Then slice the chicken.
Step 4 – Add the romaine lettuce, spinach and fruit to a large mixing bowl. Toss well until all the ingredients are well combined in a large bowl.
- Step 5 – In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Step 6 – Top the salad mixture with the chicken, pecans, additional poppy seeds and drizzle with the poppy seed salad dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Chicken – Allow time for your chicken to marinade for the best flavor. We recommend marinating for at least an hour for the best results. You can even make the chicken ahead of time and easily top this salad for a quick weeknight meal. You may want to make Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
- Chop Ingredients – Chop the ingredients in bite size pieces so it is easy to serve and enjoy.
- Salad Dressing – We like to serve this salad with the salad ingredients tossed with the dressing. But you can leave the dressing on the side so everyone can add their own amount.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for all your summertime cookouts. The fresh strawberries and fresh blueberries taste the best during the summer, but we have made year round. We love to serve with Steak Kabobs Recipe, Grilled Chicken Kabobs and Grilled BBQ Pork Chops.
This light and healthy side dish is even delicious served with Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to make this salad ahead of time is by chopping the salad vegetables and fruit ahead of time. You can also prepare the salad dressing about 2 days in advance. Then when you are ready to serve toss all the ingredients together.
This is a seasonal salad offered at Panera during the spring and summer months. That is why we love making it at home so we can enjoy it all year round.
This salad is best served when made. If you plan on having leftovers prepare the salad and do not toss with the salad dressing. This way you can store the salad and then add the dressing when ready to serve.
More Easy Panera Recipes
Quick and Easy Soup
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Quick and Easy Soup
CopyCat Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
We love to hear from you. If you make this Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe, please leave us a comment.
Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Salad:
- 3 romaine hearts chopped
- 3 cups spinach fresh
- 1 pineapple diced
- 16 ounces Strawberries Sliced
- 1 Cup blueberries
- 1 can mandarin oranges drained
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted pecans
- 1 Tbsp Poppy seeds
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Poppy Seeds
- 3 Tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Marinade the chicken in the balsamic vinegar, oil olive, minced garlic, salt and pepper for at least 1 hour but overnight is ideal.
- Grill the chicken over medium heat for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through.
- Set aside and allow the chicken to cool slightly. Then slice the chicken.
- Add the romaine lettuce, spinach and fruit to a large mixing bowl. Toss well until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Add more milk if needed to make a pourable consistency.
- Top with salad mixture with the chicken, pecans, additional poppy seeds and drizzle with the homemade poppy seed salad dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This is a wonderful salad that can be easily adapted, as you wish. I happened to have some feta cheese, but no pineapple, so I skipped the pineapple, added the feta, and it was great! I’ve also made it exactly as written. Excellent! I’ve gotten rave reviews on it. Thank you for posting.
I’m so glad you enjoyed and that it’s still delicious with the variations! Thank you for sharing and thank you so much for the positive review!
This is my new favorite summer salad! The recipe was easy and the dressing was so good. The marinade for the chicken I have even used for other meals.
Thanks for sharing – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
The 3 cups of spinach????? Do you mix it with the romaine?? Please advise. Thank you.
Yes, in step 4 you toss the Romaine lettuce, spinach and fruit together in a large mixing bowl.
Easy make ahead salad for lunch or dinner with a crusty bread. I bought a bottle of Marzetti Sweet Poppyseed Dressing and did not top with poppyseeds. Delicious!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing!