Healthy Living: Panera Inspired Strawberry, Poppy Seed and Chicken Salad

Happy Wednesday Friends! Do you love Panera as much as I do? Unfortunately the closest one to me is almost an hour drive.  After I fell in love with their Strawberry Poppy Seed and Chicken Salad and started having cravings, I came up with this copycat recipe. It is so healthy and refreshing and not only easy to make but cheaper! 


Panera inspired strawberry poppy seed and chicken salad


Here's what I used:
2 cups chopped lettuce ~~ I used my favorite Ruby Red, but Panera uses Romaine.
1 cup sliced strawberries 
1 mandarin orange 
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup grilled or roasted chicken ~~ Left over or rotisserie chicken is perfect.
1/4 cup pecans ~~ optional

Poppy seed vinaigrette
Mix all ingredients in cruet & shake:
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp Alessi white balsamic pear infused vinegar 
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp sugar or honey 
*For a slight minty flavor and added tasty antioxidants try adding 1/2 tsp dried mint or one finely chopped fresh sprig

Here are some other salads you may enjoy:

Black Bean Taco Salad
Secret Garden Greek Salad

What's your favorite summer salad? Share the love and come again soon! 


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MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR FEATURING THIS POST:

  

                                                                                                                                                                    

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Would you like to comment?

  1. My mouth is watering. Maybe this would give a new love for veggies.

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  2. Lots of good fruit, too! It's my favorite from Panera--next to the Asiago cheese bagels of course!

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  3. Yum-so fresh and light for summer! Thanks for sharing at Fridays Unfolded!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

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  4. Thanks for the recipe, especially for the poppy seed dressing. This would be great to bring to a potluck.

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  5. Hi Julie, You are very welcome & thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Pinned it!
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/257690409903746197/

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  7. That looks really great. I will be featuring this tonight at my Sizzle into Summer party. Please stop by and pick up an I've Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com

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  8. What a fresh, tasty looking salad. This recipe is perfect for bringing a little bit of Panera into my own home. Thank you for linking at the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you again next week.

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