Get ready to transform your home kitchen into a gourmet paradise with this mouthwatering Strawberry Poppyseed Salad that rivals Panera's iconic recipe! Imagine a vibrant symphony of crisp mixed greens, juicy strawberries, sweet blueberries, and crunchy pecans, all harmoniously dressed in a creamy poppyseed dressing that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This restaurant-quality salad isn't just a dish—it's an experience that promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup poppyseed dressing
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Rinse fresh strawberries and blueberries carefully. Slice strawberries into thin, uniform pieces, ensuring they are approximately 1/4 inch thick for even distribution throughout the salad.
- Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a slight crunch.
- In a large salad bowl, gently spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the additional ingredients.
- Artfully arrange the sliced strawberries and whole blueberries across the top of the greens, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the fruit, distributing them for balanced texture and flavor.
- Crumble the feta cheese delicately over the salad, allowing small chunks to fall naturally across the surface.
- Just before serving, drizzle the poppyseed dressing over the salad, using a light hand to ensure each ingredient is lightly coated without becoming soggy.
- Toss the salad gently with two large spoons or salad tongs, ensuring all ingredients are well combined while maintaining the salad's visual appeal.
- Serve immediately to preserve the freshness and crispness of the greens and prevent wilting.
Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure maximum flavor and visual appeal.
- Pat your greens completely dry to prevent a watery salad and help the dressing cling better.
- Toast pecans just until fragrant to enhance their flavor without burning.
- Add dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy greens.
- Use a light hand when tossing to maintain the salad's beautiful presentation.
- For extra freshness, chill your serving bowl and ingredients slightly before assembling.
- Experiment with different nut variations like candied pecans or sliced almonds for unique texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
