Fresh Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad

Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad was born on a bright Saturday morning when the kitchen felt like a crossroads of plans and personalities. My neighbor stopped by with a bowl of sun-warmed strawberries from the local market, still smelling faintly sweet.

At the same time, my cousin was packing lunches for a weekend soccer tournament, asking for something fresh that wouldn’t feel heavy under the afternoon sun. The fridge held a leftover rotisserie chicken from the night before, and suddenly the pieces started lining up without effort.

Later that day, the dining table filled with different conversations. One friend talked about training for a spring 10K and wanting food that felt nourishing but not dull. Another was planning a baby shower menu and needed ideas that looked beautiful on a platter.

As I chopped celery and green onion, the sound of the knife against the board mixed with laughter drifting in from the living room. This salad came together quietly but confidently, each ingredient adding its own voice without overpowering the others.

It felt fitting for a meal shared across different needs and moods. This Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad isn’t tied to one occasion or one person. It slips easily into busy weekdays, relaxed weekends, and tables where everyone wants something fresh and satisfying.

Short Description

Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful mix of tender shredded chicken, sweet strawberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy poppy seed dressing perfectly balanced for a light and satisfying bite.

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
• ⅓ 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
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly, then dice them into even pieces. Chop the celery into ¼ inch slices and thinly slice the green onion.
Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, checking for bones or skin.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, pepper, and salt.
Stir until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look glossy and lightly thickened.

Step 3: Mix the Salad
Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, green onion, and pecans to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
If the mixture feels too thick, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to loosen it slightly.

Step 4: Add the Strawberries
Fold in the diced strawberries carefully to keep them intact. For make-ahead prep, wait to add strawberries until just before serving to maintain their fresh texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Serve immediately or chill for 10 to 20 minutes to let the flavors settle. The salad should look colorful, creamy, and lightly glossy when ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced mix of protein, fruit, and healthy fats

Quick preparation using rotisserie chicken

Light yet filling for lunch or dinner

Visually appealing with bright colors

Easy to adapt for different serving styles

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the salad
Stirring too aggressively can break down strawberries and turn the salad pink. Use gentle folding motions, especially after adding fruit.

Adding strawberries too early
Strawberries release juice as they sit. If preparing ahead, mix everything except strawberries and fold them in right before serving.

Using warm chicken
Warm chicken can thin the dressing. Let the rotisserie chicken cool fully before mixing.

Skipping seasoning adjustments
Strawberries vary in sweetness. Taste the salad and adjust salt or lemon juice to keep flavors balanced.

Too much dressing
If the salad looks heavy, add extra celery or chicken to restore texture and structure.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve over mixed greens or baby spinach

Spoon onto toasted sourdough or croissants

Pair with iced green tea or lemon water

Serve buffet-style for brunch or showers

Plate individually for light lunches

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days

Keep strawberries separate if making ahead

Stir gently before serving to refresh texture

This salad is best enjoyed cold and should not be reheated

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the salad without strawberries and add them just before serving for the best texture.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best. Frozen ones release too much moisture when thawed.

3. What can replace pecans?
Try sliced almonds or walnuts for similar crunch and flavor.

4. Is Greek yogurt necessary?
Greek yogurt adds lightness, but you can replace it with extra mayonnaise if preferred.

5. Can this salad be used for meal prep?
Yes, for short-term prep. Keep fruit separate and combine before eating.

Tips & Tricks

Dice strawberries slightly larger to keep them juicy

Toast pecans lightly for deeper flavor

Use lemon juice sparingly to avoid overpowering the fruit

Chill serving bowls for extra freshness

Add a pinch of sugar if strawberries are not fully ripe

Recipe Variations

Avocado Strawberry Chicken Salad
Add 1 diced ripe avocado just before serving. Reduce mayonnaise to 3 tablespoons to keep the texture balanced. The flavor becomes richer and creamier.

Honey Poppy Seed Version
Stir 1 teaspoon honey into the dressing. This adds gentle sweetness that pairs well with strawberries and pecans.

Dairy-Free Option
Replace mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with ¼ cup dairy-free mayo. Follow the same mixing steps and adjust salt as needed.

Wrap-Style Salad
Chop all ingredients slightly finer. Serve inside whole wheat wraps with extra greens for a portable meal.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Poppy Seed Rotisserie Chicken Salad fits naturally into moments that call for something fresh and uncomplicated. It works for shared tables, quiet lunches, and days when time feels limited but flavor still matters. The mix of textures keeps each bite interesting, and the colors alone make it inviting before the first taste.

I keep coming back to this salad because it adapts easily to the people around the table. From busy afternoons to relaxed gatherings, it offers ease without losing its charm. When food feels both thoughtful and simple, it tends to stay in rotation longer, and this one has earned its place.