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Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad – A Panera‑Inspired Lunch

Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad – A Panera‑Inspired Lunch


  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Try this fresh strawberry chicken salad inspired by Panera. Sweet, savory, and perfect for a quick lunch that feels like a treat!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • For the dressing:
    • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Toast the almonds: In the same skillet, add a splash of oil and toast almonds for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, feta, and basil. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
  6. Top and serve: Arrange sliced chicken on top of the salad. Sprinkle with extra feta if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
  • Toast almonds just until fragrant; they’ll brown quickly.
  • Adjust the dressing’s sweetness by adding more honey or reducing it for a tangier bite.
  • For a vegan version, swap Greek yogurt for a plant‑based yogurt and omit feta.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: strawberry chicken salad panera