Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad came to mind on a warm afternoon when the house was full of little footsteps and voices drifting from room to room.
A visit to the small farmers’ stand earlier that day had left me carrying a basket of strawberries so vibrant that I knew they deserved a spot in something refreshing for lunch. Their sweetness seemed like the perfect counterpoint to tender rotisserie chicken already waiting on my kitchen counter.
Back home, familiar sounds filled the space my husband turning pages of his book, my grandchildren searching the pantry for a snack, and the gentle breeze lifting the curtains.
As I chopped the celery and green onion, the aroma of shredded chicken mixed with the brightness of fresh produce in a way that felt both simple and inviting. The strawberries rested nearby, adding a cheerful splash of color to the counter.
When everything finally came together in the bowl, the mix of creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and ruby-red berries made the salad look almost celebratory. My grandchildren leaned in with curiosity, eager for a taste before we even sat down. Sharing that meal created the kind of soft, easy moment that lingers, the kind built from simple flavors and the pleasure of gathering around something wholesome.
Short Description
Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a bright, refreshing blend of tender chicken, strawberries, crunchy celery, pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing that comes together quickly for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 celery stalks, chopped into ¼ inch pieces
- 1 green onion, thinly chopped
- 5 to 6 large strawberries, diced
- â…“ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
Tools Needed
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Small serving bowls or plates
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Cut and chop all ingredients according to the measurements. Dice the strawberries, slice the green onion, and chop the celery into ¼ inch pieces so every bite has balanced texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing and Base
Place the shredded chicken, celery, green onion, pecans, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until the chicken is evenly coated and the dressing looks creamy and smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, add an extra tablespoon of Greek yogurt to adjust the consistency.
Step 3: Fold in the Strawberries
Carefully fold in the diced strawberries. If you plan to serve the salad later, you may wait to add the strawberries just before serving to keep them firm and bright.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
You may serve the salad immediately, or chill it for 10 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld slightly. The texture should be creamy with pops of crunch and freshness throughout.
Step 5: Plate and Enjoy
Spoon the salad into bowls, serve it over mixed greens, or pair it with toasted bread. The colors should look vibrant and the aroma lightly sweet from the strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright flavors from fresh strawberries
Protein-rich and balanced for everyday meals
Quick assembly using rotisserie chicken
Creamy dressing with a refreshing finish
Works as a main dish or light lunch
Ideal for warm days or casual gatherings
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overmixing the strawberries
Strawberries can break apart and make the salad watery.
Solution: Fold them in gently at the very end or add them right before serving.
Using warm chicken
Warm meat softens the dressing and affects texture.
Solution: Let the rotisserie chicken cool before shredding and mixing.
Adding too much lemon juice
Excess acidity can overpower the sweetness of the strawberries.
Solution: Start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and adjust gradually.
Skipping the pecans
The salad loses its crunch and contrast.
Solution: Replace pecans with almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds if needed.
Not drying the strawberries after washing
Extra moisture dilutes the dressing and softens the salad too quickly.
Solution: Pat strawberries dry thoroughly with a paper towel before dicing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing lunch.
Pair with toasted sourdough or whole grain crackers.
Offer alongside a cup of light soup such as vegetable or tomato.
Present in a large bowl for a family-style meal.
Add avocado slices on top for an extra creamy layer.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep strawberries separate if preparing ahead to maintain freshness.
Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing.
Do not freeze, as strawberries and dairy break down when frozen.
Add nuts just before eating to keep them crunchy.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked and cooled shredded chicken breast works well. Rotisserie chicken simply adds convenience and flavor.
2. Can I make this salad dairy free?
You can replace mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with dairy free alternatives made from cashews or coconut.
3. Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting is optional but enhances flavor. A quick 4 to 5 minutes in a 350°F oven works beautifully.
4. Can I substitute another fruit for the strawberries?
Blueberries, diced apples, or halved grapes are excellent alternatives.
5. How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?
Dry the strawberries thoroughly and use cooled chicken before mixing.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Add a pinch of honey to enhance sweetness if your strawberries are slightly tart.
Mix half mayonnaise and half yogurt for a lighter but creamy texture.
Use freshly cracked pepper for a more pronounced flavor.
Add extra poppy seeds if you prefer more texture in the dressing.
Recipe Variations
Honey Almond Strawberry Chicken Salad: Swap pecans for sliced almonds and add 1 teaspoon honey to the dressing. Prepare the salad the same way, folding in strawberries at the end.
Savory Herb Chicken Salad: Replace strawberries with diced cucumbers and mix in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill. Reduce the poppy seeds to ½ tablespoon and keep the same dressing method.
Berry Trio Chicken Salad: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Add them gently at the end to preserve shape and texture.
Citrus Chicken Poppy Salad: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and replace lemon juice with 2 teaspoons orange juice. Fold in strawberries last and chill before serving.
Final Thoughts
Preparing this salad brought a gentle sense of ease to the afternoon, the kind that comes when familiar ingredients come together with just a touch of creativity. The sweetness of the strawberries paired with the tender chicken made the kitchen feel lively, and the colors alone lifted the mood of everyone passing by.
Sharing this dish with my family made the moment even more memorable, especially when the children commented on how cheerful it looked on the table. Meals like this remind me how simple preparations can carry a bit of joy into the day. I hope this Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad brings the same lightness and warmth into your home.
Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 celery stalks chopped into ¼ inch pieces
- 1 green onion thinly chopped
- 5 to 6 large strawberries diced
- â…“ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and chop all ingredients, ensuring strawberries, celery, and green onion are cut to even sizes.
- Mix chicken, celery, green onion, pecans, mayo, Greek yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt until creamy.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries, or add them just before serving if preparing ahead.
- Serve immediately or chill the salad for 10 to 20 minutes for better flavor and texture.
- Plate the salad over greens, in bowls, or with toasted bread, keeping the colors vibrant and fresh.
