Brimming with vibrant berries, tender chicken, and a silky poppy seed dressing, this Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is a celebration of bold colors, crisp textures, and fresh summer flavors all in one bowl. It’s the kind of salad that feels like a treat—just as lovely for a weekday lunch as it is for entertaining friends on a sun-dappled patio. Simple ingredients come together rapidly for a dish that’s equal parts nourishing and indulgent. Get ready to discover your new go-to salad!

Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about this salad is how every ingredient plays its part, bringing its own pop of flavor, color, and crunch to the dish. There’s nothing fussy here—just thoughtfully chosen elements that guarantee each bite is exciting.

Mixed greens: A mix of spinach, arugula, or spring greens provides the fresh, peppery base for your salad.
Cooked chicken breasts: Sliced or shredded, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken adds hearty protein while staying juicy and tender.
Fresh strawberries: Their sweet-tart juiciness brightens the salad and pairs perfectly with savory and creamy notes.
Fresh blueberries: These little bursts of sweetness make every forkful more interesting and colorful.
Fresh blackberries or raspberries: They lend a tangy bite and a lovely deep hue—use whichever you love or have on hand.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for just a touch of sharpness, these balance out the sweetness and add crispness.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese is a game-changer—choose your favorite for extra richness.
Candied pecans or sliced almonds: Nuts add the all-important crunch and a hint of caramelized flavor with each bite.

Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of your decadent dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: It brings a bright, fruity acidity that lifts all the flavors in the salad.
Honey: Just a touch of honey perfectly balances tart vinegar and mustard.
Poppy seeds: For that classic, ever-so-slightly nutty crunch and signature speckled look.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the homemade dressing.
Milk: Thins your dressing to the perfect pourable consistency.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dressing.

How to Make Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Poppy Seed Dressing

Begin by whipping up the star of the show: your creamy, irresistible poppy seed dressing! In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Whisk until smooth and blended, then add a splash of milk to achieve your perfect consistency—some like it thick, others a tad more pourable. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of your Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe.

Step 2: Layer the Salad Ingredients

Grab your largest, prettiest salad bowl. Start by laying down a generous bed of mixed greens for a fresh, crisp foundation. Top it with sliced or shredded cooked chicken, arranging the pieces for easy serving and eye appeal. Scatter on the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and your choice of blackberries or raspberries so every spoonful looks like a patchwork of summer. Add the thinly sliced red onions for a bit of aromatic excitement.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese across the berries and chicken for creamy, tangy pockets of flavor. Then, strew the candied pecans or sliced almonds on top—these add a wonderful, sweet crunch that plays so well with the tartness of the strawberries and dressing. The mix of textures will have everyone coming back for more!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

When you’re ready to serve, drizzle your luscious poppy seed dressing generously over the salad, or offer it on the side so guests can add as much as they like. Toss gently, just enough to combine without bruising the berries or greens. Suddenly, your Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe is bursting with flavor, color, and happiness—ready to enjoy immediately.

How to Serve Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of extra berries, a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil, or a sprinkle of extra nuts and cheese will make your Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. If you’re entertaining, edible flowers add an elegant, garden-party touch.

Side Dishes

While this salad is satisfying on its own, you can make it a meal by pairing it with crusty bread, herby focaccia, or a refreshing cup of chilled soup. For a lighter touch, serve with lemony sparkling water or a pitcher of iced herbal tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving this salad in individual mason jars for a picnic, or arrange it as a vibrant platter for a crowd. You can even tuck it into wraps for a portable lunch or pile it onto crostini for flavorful appetizers. However you serve it, the Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe truly shines.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, store the salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The greens and berries will stay crisp for up to 2 days, though the colors and textures are at their best on the day it’s made. Always wait to dress the salad until just before eating to keep everything lively and fresh.

Freezing

This particular salad isn’t freezer-friendly. While cooked chicken and some nuts freeze well, the tender greens and fresh berries lose their texture and vibrance after thawing. For best results, enjoy the Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe fresh—or simply prep components in advance and assemble right before serving.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary (or recommended!) for this recipe, since it’s all about fresh, cool, and crisp elements. If you’re using cold leftovers, give them a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and perk everything up before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a delicious shortcut that saves time and adds even more flavor to the Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe. Simply remove the skin, shred or slice the meat, and add it right into your salad.

What’s a good dairy-free alternative for the cheese?

If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan feta, or simply add extra nuts and avocado slices for creaminess. The salad is super flexible, so you can easily adapt it to your dietary preferences.

Can I make the poppy seed dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The homemade poppy seed dressing for the Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe can be made up to 4 days in advance. Just store it in a jar in the fridge and give it a good shake before using.

Are other berries suitable for this salad?

For sure. Feel free to swap in whatever berries look freshest at the market—blackberries, raspberries, or even sliced cherries all work. The goal is a juicy, colorful mix that pops against the greens.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the chicken and add extra cheese, nuts, or some protein-packed chickpeas to keep it filling and balanced.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something equal parts fresh, filling, and show-stopping, give this Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe a spot at your table. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re enjoying a quick solo lunch or sharing with friends. Dive in and taste the happy blend of colors, flavors, and that irresistible poppy seed dressing—you may never look at salad the same way again!

Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Berry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing recipe is a delightful mix of fresh greens, juicy berries, tender chicken, and crunchy nuts, all tossed together with a sweet and tangy homemade dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Mixed Greens:

4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix)

Cooked Chicken:

2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced or shredded)

Berries:

1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup fresh blackberries or raspberries

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
1/4 cup candied pecans or sliced almonds
For the Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, as needed)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Add milk to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer greens, chicken, berries, red onion, cheese, and nuts. Drizzle with dressing before serving or serve on the side. Toss gently to combine.