Spinach Blueberry Salad with Chicken and Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

Introduction

This Spinach Blueberry Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner. Combining fresh baby spinach with sweet blueberries, tangy dried cranberries, and savory chicken creates a balanced, flavorful meal in minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces baby spinach
• ½ pint blueberries, rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds, salted
• 1 shallot, finely diced (about ⅓ cup)
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• Poppyseed dressing, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, add the fresh baby spinach.
2. Step 2: Add the blueberries, halved cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and finely diced shallot to the spinach.
3. Step 3: Arrange the sliced cooked chicken on top of the salad. You can place the ingredients in sections before tossing.
4. Step 4: Pour your desired amount of poppyseed dressing over the salad. Start with less and add more as needed.
5. Step 5: Toss the salad gently to combine all ingredients and dressing evenly.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately for the freshest flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans instead of sunflower seeds.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or mint to brighten the salad further.
• Try a homemade poppyseed dressing or substitute with balsamic vinaigrette.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to keep them fresh—particularly the dressing and chicken. The salad itself is best eaten the same day, but prepared ingredients will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve again, combine and toss with fresh dressing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead but toss the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp and avoid sogginess.

What can I use if I don’t have poppyseed dressing?

A light vinaigrette such as balsamic, lemon, or honey mustard dressing pairs well as an alternative to poppyseed dressing.

Spinach Blueberry Salad with Chicken and Poppyseed Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 120 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A vibrant and refreshing Spinach Blueberry Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy blueberries, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and tender chicken breast, all tossed in a tangy poppyseed dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner option that balances sweetness, crunch, and protein.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Base

• 8 ounces baby spinach
• ½ pint blueberries, rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (preferably salted)
• 1 shallot, finely diced (about ⅓ cup)

Protein

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced (rotisserie chicken recommended)

Dressing

• Poppyseed dressing, to taste

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Instructions

1. Add spinach: Place fresh baby spinach in a large mixing bowl as the base of your salad.
2. Add fruits and vegetables: Add rinsed blueberries, halved cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and finely diced shallot over the spinach in the bowl.
3. Add protein: Arrange the cooked and sliced chicken breasts on top of the mixed salad ingredients. You can place ingredients in sections to make tossing easier later.
4. Dress the salad: Pour your preferred amount of poppyseed dressing over the salad—start with less and add more as desired.
5. Toss and serve: Gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat with dressing and combine flavors. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful protein option.
• Adjust the amount of poppyseed dressing to your taste preference to avoid overwhelming the fresh ingredients.
• Salad can be prepped ahead but toss with dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
• Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with toasted nuts if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: spinach salad, blueberry salad, chicken salad, healthy salad, poppyseed dressing, fresh salad, gluten free salad, summer salad