Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Spring is here and that means more colorful fruits and vegetables are showing up in the grocery stores, local greenhouses, and farmer’s markets.   This is a great time to shop for what’s in season to save some money and increase the spectrum of nutrients you are putting in your body.  Of the many fruits and vegetables in season, some of the most nutrient dense options are spinach and strawberries.   Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and antioxidants while spinach is a powerhouse for Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and iron.  These nutrients have been connected to improved health outcomes such as reducing blood pressure, improving heart health, benefiting eye health, and helping to balance blood sugar.  Regardless of what season it is, it is important to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to provide your body with a wide range of nutrients and fiber sources.

Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Servings 6

Prep Time 15 minutes

Salad:

·         ¾ cup pecans, chopped

·         ½ small red onion, sliced

·         10 ounces raw baby spinach

·         1-quart strawberries, sliced

·         ¾ cup feta cheese

·         2 cups diced or shredded chicken

Dressing:

·         ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

·         3 TB extra virgin olive oil

·         1 ½ tsp poppy seeds

·         1 ½ TB honey

·         ½ tsp Dijon mustard

·         ½ tsp salt

·         1/8 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1.      Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, poppy seeds, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.  Shake to mix well.

2.      Place spinach on a plate or in a bowl and top with the strawberries, red onion, and diced chicken.

3.      Drizzle the dressing over the salad to your satisfaction.

4.      Top with feta cheese and chopped pecans.

Modifications:

·         Dairy free- remove feta cheese and leave out or replace it with dairy free cheese.

·         Want a different protein? Substitute chicken for steak or shrimp.

·         Nut Allergy? Omit nuts or replace them with a nut of your choice.

·         Not a fan of poppy seed? Remove poppy seeds for a basic balsamic dressing instead.

·         Vegan or Vegetarian: replace chicken with plant-based protein source such as tofu, edamame, quinoa, or garbanzo beans.

Recipe submitted by Courtney Nalivka and Jody Allen of Last Stop Nutrition www.laststopnutrition.net

Recipe modified from Spinach Strawberry Salad {With Poppy Seed Dressing!} - WellPlated.com