Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken and Poppy Seed Dressing

Why you’ll love this strawberry spinach salad recipe:

Sweet, savory, and refreshing, this strawberry spinach salad recipe is proof that healthy foods don’t have to be complicated or boring! 

• Full of flavor and texture – Juicy chicken breasts are infused with citrus and given a boost of flavor with savory herbs. Then, they’re paired with sweet strawberries, fresh spinach, and a poppy seed-infused dressing that adds the perfect crunch. 
• Easy – This is a light meal you can have on the table in just 45 minutes! The dressing is easy to prepare in advance, and the chicken cooks on the grill, reducing the amount of dishes. 
• Customizable – This spinach and strawberry salad can easily be customized with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Feel free to get creative! 

 

Key Ingredient Notes:

Poppy Seed Dressing:

• Plain Greek Yogurt – Provides a creamy base for the dressing, adding a tangy flavor and smooth texture while also contributing a little extra protein.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – The acidity balances out the richness of the yogurt, giving the dressing a refreshing tanginess. Feel free to use white vinegar instead! 
• Honey – This adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
• Poppy Seeds – You can find poppy seeds with the spices in your local grocery. They’re tiny black seeds with a nutty flavor and a subtle crunch. 
• Dry Mustard – Dry mustard adds just a hint of spice. It’s subtle but adds lots of depth to the flavor! 

Grilled Chicken:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – I like to use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use thighs instead. 
• Fresh Lemon Juice – This infuses the chicken with a bright, citrus flavor and is key to making it extra tender. 
• Seasonings – Dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder add a savory, herbaceous flavor to the chicken. 

Salad: 

• Baby Spinach – This serves as the base of the salad, offering a tender texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Strawberries – Sliced strawberries add sweetness and vibrant color, creating a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and creamy dressing.

How to make this strawberry spinach salad:

1. Make the dressing

• Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. 
• Whisk until smooth. 
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
• Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. 

2. Prepare the chicken

• Preheat the grill to medium heat. 
• Lightly oil the grates using a paper towel soaked in oil. Or, if you’re using a charcoal grill, pile one side with more charcoal than the other to create two levels of heat.
• Pour the lemon juice into a shallow bowl, and mix the seasonings in a second bowl. 
• Dip the chicken breasts in the lemon juice, piercing them with a fork. 
• Place the chicken on a large plate, and sprinkle the dry rub on both sides. 
• Cook the chicken on indirect heat for about 8 minutes on each side. 
• Transfer the chicken to the direct heat (or the hotter side), and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear. You’ll know your chicken is completely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees!

3. Assemble the salad

• Place a quarter of the spinach on a plate. 
• Add the grilled chicken on top. 
• Sprinkle the strawberries over the chicken, and drizzle the cold poppy seed dressing over the dish. 
• Enjoy! 

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Combine the ingredients for the dry rub, and store them in an airtight container for a few months. It works well to add flavor to other recipes, too! 
• Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Pour it over the salad just before serving. 
• Marinate the chicken in lemon juice in an airtight container or sealable bag up to 2 hours in advance. 
• Prepare the grilled chicken up to 3-4 days in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, warm it up before serving, or add it to your strawberry spinach salad cold! 

Strawberry  Spinach Salad Recipe Variations

Many mix-ins and toppings can pair well with a spinach and strawberry salad. Feel free to get creative, and experiment with different flavors and textures.

• Vegetables – Try adding chopped vegetables like cucumbers, celery, mushrooms, or red onions for extra nutrients, flavor, and a bit of crunch. 
• Croutons – These add a satisfying crunch! If you have time, make a batch of homemade croutons, or buy a bag of your favorite store-bought variety to keep this recipe quick. 
• Cheese – Add a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan for a tangy taste. 
• Nuts and Seeds – Sprinkle some pepitas, sunflower seeds, toasted sesame seeds, or sliced almonds onto the salad for added texture and healthy fats. 

Storing Tips:

Salad greens do not keep well once they’ve been tossed with dressing. It’s best to eat this salad while it’s fresh! 

Strawberry Spinach Salad FAQS

More Easy Salad Recipes

• Leftover Steak Salad
• Taco Salad (with Doritos)
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Radish Salad
• Strawberry Walnut Salad