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 a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress at any gathering. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at parties. With its vibrant colors and delicious Orange Poppy Seed dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Nutrients: Each ingredient contributes vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy diet.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of avocado, cranberries, and poppy seed dressing creates a unique taste experience.
- Quick and Easy: This salad can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side; it’s suitable for any occasion.
- Crowd Pleaser: Its bright colors and flavors will attract guests and leave them wanting more.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes preparing this salad even easier. Below are the key items you’ll need to create this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender: Ensures the dressing is well emulsified for a smooth texture.
- Large bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing:
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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
- Add the following ingredients into a blender:
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
- Orange zest
- Fresh orange juice
- Fresh lemon juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- 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, add all salad ingredients:
- Grilled chicken (sliced)
- Baby spinach
- Diced avocados
- Crumbled feta
- Toasted sliced almonds
- Dried cranberries
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
How to Serve Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Serving your Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing can enhance the dining experience. Consider these suggestions to elevate your salad presentation and enjoyment.
For a Light Lunch
- Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch.
- Pair with whole grain bread for added fiber and nutrients.
As a Dinner Side
- Present alongside grilled fish or chicken to complement flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of extra poppy seeds on top for visual appeal.
At a Picnic
- Pack the salad in mason jars for easy transport.
- Include the dressing separately to keep ingredients fresh until serving.
For Meal Prep
- Store in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Layer ingredients to prevent sogginess, placing dressing at the bottom.
How to Perfect Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Perfecting this salad is all about balance and freshness. Follow these tips to ensure each bite is delightful.
- Choose ripe avocados: Select avocados that yield slightly when pressed; they will add creaminess to your salad.
- Use fresh spinach: Opt for baby spinach leaves as they are tender and flavorful, making them ideal for salads.
- Grill the chicken: Grilling adds a smoky flavor; marinate beforehand for extra zest.
- Make dressing ahead: Prepare the orange poppy seed dressing in advance to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Pairing side dishes with your Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery treat that complements the freshness of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa adds protein and pairs well with the salad’s flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs bring out natural sweetness.
- Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast.
- Cheese Board: Include various cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a tasty snack.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with grains or beans make a filling side option.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy wedges seasoned with herbs provide a satisfying crunch.
- Hummus and Veggies: A healthy dip that serves as an excellent appetizer before the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overdressing the salad: Using too much dressing can overpower the fresh flavors. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Choosing unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the creamy texture of the salad. Ensure your avocados are ripe for the best taste.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the salad properly can make it bland. Use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of your ingredients.
- Not mixing well: Failing to toss the salad thoroughly may leave some ingredients uncoated in dressing. Make sure to mix well for an even distribution of flavors.
- Using cold chicken: If you use chicken straight from the fridge, it may not blend well with the other ingredients. Consider letting it come to room temperature before adding.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Freezing Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado and greens, which do not freeze well.
- If necessary, you can freeze just the chicken separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).
- Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and warm chicken while covered until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some variations of Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing?
You can customize this salad by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, swapping feta for goat cheese, or using different fruits such as apples or pears.
How long does it take to make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing?
This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes total — 20 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking the chicken.
Can I make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare most ingredients in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Is it healthy to eat Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken regularly?
Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from spinach, avocados, and cranberries, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is not only vibrant but also versatile. It’s perfect as a main dish or side. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite proteins or seasonal fruits! Try this recipe today for a refreshing meal that everyone will love.
Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. This refreshing salad is a delightful combination of creamy avocado, sweet dried cranberries, and nutritious baby spinach, all topped off with a zesty orange poppy seed dressing that ties everything together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a show-stopping side dish at gatherings, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this healthy delight that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb grilled chicken
- 9 oz baby spinach
- 2 medium avocados (diced)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- Dressing: olive oil
- canola oil
- orange zest
- fresh orange juice
- lemon juice
- honey
- Dijon mustard
- salt
- poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by blending olive oil, canola oil, orange zest and juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt until emulsified. Stir in poppy seeds and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine grilled chicken slices, baby spinach, diced avocados, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg