Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Name: Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3.5 oz cooked chicken breast (sliced); 7 fl oz romaine or mixed lettuce (chopped); 1.4 oz fresh strawberries (sliced); 1.4 oz fresh blueberries; 1.4 oz canned mandarin oranges (drained); 1.4 oz canned pineapple chunks (drained); 0.5 oz chopped almonds or pecans (toasted (optional)); 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp skim milk; 0.3 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp apple cider vinegar; 0.07 oz poppy seeds (about 2 tsp)

By Tyla | Last modified on Mar 7, 2026

Featured in: Healthy

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Discover the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad, a harmonious blend of sweet fruits, crisp greens, and tender chicken. Each bite delivers a refreshing balance that’s perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner, effortlessly combining texture and taste.

This salad is elevated by the creamy homemade poppyseed dressing, which adds a delightful tangy sweetness that ties all the ingredients together beautifully. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy nutritious ingredients in a colorful bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh blend of fruits and vegetables creates a vibrant, flavorful salad.
Creamy poppyseed dressing enhances every bite with tangy sweetness.
Gluten-free and packed with protein from chicken and nuts.
Easy and quick to prepare, perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Cooked chicken breast (100g): Tender and thinly sliced strips add lean protein and savory flavor.
Romaine or mixed lettuce (200ml): Fresh, chopped greens provide a crisp and refreshing salad base.
Fresh strawberries (40g): Sliced, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Fresh blueberries (40g): Juicy and antioxidant-rich berries for a pop of flavor.
Canned mandarin oranges (40g): Drained segments contribute citrusy sweetness and moisture.
Canned pineapple chunks (40g): Tender, drained chunks bring tropical sweetness and texture.
Chopped almonds or pecans (15g, optional): Toasted nuts adding crunch and nutty aroma.
Mayonnaise (30ml): Provides creaminess and richness to the dressing.
Skim milk (15ml): Lightens the dressing, making it smooth and pourable.
Granulated sugar (8g): Balances acidity and enhances dressing sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar (10ml): Adds tang and brightness to the poppyseed dressing.
Poppy seeds (2g): Tiny seeds that give a subtle crunch and distinctive flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the salad base: In a large serving bowl, evenly arrange the sliced cooked chicken, chopped lettuce, fresh strawberries, and blueberries along with the drained mandarin oranges and pineapple chunks. This mix of sweet and savory ingredients provides a delightful texture and visual appeal.
Toast and add nuts (optional): If using, toast chopped almonds or pecans lightly in a dry pan until fragrant and golden. Sprinkle them over the salad to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Make the creamy poppyseed dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, skim milk, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds until smooth and emulsified. This creamy dressing perfectly balances tang and sweetness, lightly coating each ingredient.
Dress and serve immediately: Drizzle the prepared poppyseed dressing generously over the assembled salad. Toss gently if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their peak.

You Must Know

To keep the salad fresh and crisp, serve it immediately after dressing.
Omitting chicken easily makes this salad vegetarian without compromising flavor.
The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Storage Tips

Store salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing refrigerated and add just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with crusty gluten-free bread or a light soup for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra fresh berries or herbs like mint for an added burst of flavor.

Professional Tips

Use fresh, ripe strawberries and blueberries for optimal sweetness and texture.
Toasting nuts enhances their aroma and crunch; be careful not to burn them.
Adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to taste by varying sugar and vinegar amounts.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?: Yes, omit the chicken and swap mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, like vegan mayo, and use plant-based milk instead of skim milk.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?: Prepare and store components separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container and combine just before eating.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges?: Absolutely! Fresh mandarins will add a delicious citrus brightness but ensure they are peeled and segment membranes removed for best texture.
What can I substitute for poppy seeds?: If unavailable, you can omit poppy seeds or use chia seeds for a similar crunchy texture, although the flavor will differ slightly.
How long can the salad be stored once dressed?: It’s best consumed immediately after dressing. If stored, textures may degrade within a few hours due to moisture absorption.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this salad?: Yes, feel free to experiment with seasonal fruits like raspberries or nuts like walnuts to customize flavors.