I dare say this is one of the best salads you’ll ever eat! The Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is packed with bright flavor and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a vibrant side dish at gatherings, this salad shines with its unique combination of textures and tastes. You will likely find yourself making this Orange Poppy Seed dressing on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh orange juice, zest, and honey creates a refreshing dressing that elevates the salad.
- Nutritious Ingredients: With spinach, avocados, and almonds, this salad is not only delicious but also full of essential nutrients.
- Quick to Make: Prep time is just 20 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a light meal or pair it with grilled meats for a heartier option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This salad appeals to many tastes, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your salad, gather the necessary tools to streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Large bowl
- Jar with lid (for dressing)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: Ensures your dressing is perfectly emulsified for a smooth texture.
- Large bowl: Provides ample space to mix all ingredients without spills.
- Jar with lid: Ideal for storing any leftover dressing in the fridge.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
For the Salad
- 1 lb chicken (grilled)
- 9 oz baby spinach
- 2 medium avocados (cored and diced)
- 1 cup crumbled feta
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
How to Make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Add olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, and salt to a blender.
- Pulse until well emulsified.
- Pour the mixture into a jar and stir in poppy seeds. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine grilled chicken, baby spinach, diced avocados, crumbled feta, toasted sliced almonds, and dried cranberries.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything together gently to ensure an even coat of dressing.
Step 3: Serve
Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of all ingredients combined!
This delightful Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing will surely become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!
How to Serve Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
This salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
As a Main Course
- Serve it as the main attraction of your meal. The grilled chicken provides protein, making it a filling option.
With Fresh Breads
- Pair it with crusty bread or baguette slices. The bread can help soak up the delicious orange poppy seed dressing.
On a Picnic
- Pack the salad in portable containers for an outdoor gathering. It’s refreshing and easy to transport, making it perfect for picnics.
For Meal Prep
- Divide the salad into individual portions for easy meal prep. It stays fresh when stored properly and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
How to Perfect Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
To elevate this already fantastic salad, consider these helpful tips that will ensure each bite is bursting with flavor.
- Use ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best texture and taste in every bite.
- Grill chicken with seasoning: Adding spices or marinades to your chicken before grilling enhances its flavor and complements the salad.
- Toast almonds lightly: Toasting almonds brings out their natural nuttiness, adding depth to your dish.
- Make dressing ahead: Prepare the orange poppy seed dressing in advance to let the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
- Add seasonal fruits: Including fruits like sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges can add a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Serve chilled: For the best flavor, serve your salad cold after refrigerating it for a short while before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Completing your meal with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options that pair perfectly with this vibrant salad.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and flavorful, garlic bread adds a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: This nutritious grain dish adds texture and additional protein, making your meal more filling.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies offer warmth and earthiness, balancing out the freshness of the salad.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and visual appeal to your table.
- Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses along with crackers; this option provides diverse flavors that complement the meal.
- Chickpea Salad: Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty side brings additional nutrients while enhancing flavor profiles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing, it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the dressing prep: Not preparing the dressing in advance can lead to a lack of flavor. Always make the Orange Poppy Seed dressing ahead of time for the best results.
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Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and unappetizing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
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Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can spoil the texture of your salad. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed for the best creaminess.
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Neglecting to toast almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and crunch. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant difference.
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Forgetting ingredient proportions: Accurate measurements are essential for balanced flavors. Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure you get the right amounts.
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Tossing too early: Tossing the salad too soon can result in wilting spinach. Combine just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Freezing Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to avocado and spinach texture changes upon thawing.
- If necessary, freeze only the grilled chicken separately.
Reheating Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe dish, cover lightly, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warmed.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing more filling?
You can add grains like quinoa or farro for added substance. Chickpeas or black beans also work well as protein boosters.
Can I substitute different nuts in this salad?
Yes! Feel free to use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The components, especially grilled chicken and dressing, store well separately, making it perfect for meal prep.
How do I customize the dressing for my taste?
Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or experiment with other citrus juices like lime or grapefruit for a twist on the classic Orange Poppy Seed dressing.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is not only vibrant but versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on what you have at home. It’s perfect as a main course or side dish, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Try it today!
Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. This delightful salad combines tender grilled chicken, creamy avocados, and nutrient-rich spinach, all tossed in a refreshing dressing made from fresh orange juice, honey, and poppy seeds. Perfect for any meal of the day or as a colorful side dish at gatherings, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrition. With its quick prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll find yourself making this salad regularly for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken (grilled)
- 9 oz baby spinach
- 2 medium avocados (cored and diced)
- 3/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by blending olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, and salt until emulsified. Stir in poppy seeds and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine grilled chicken, baby spinach, diced avocados, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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