Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

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 not only vibrant and delicious but also packed with nutrition. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, this salad impresses with its blend of flavors and textures. The Orange Poppy Seed dressing will likely become a staple in your home, making every bite a delightful experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach, avocados, and chicken, this dish provides essential vitamins and protein for a healthy meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a light main course or as a side dish at parties. It fits various occasions beautifully.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet cranberries, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing creates a unique flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dressing can be prepared in advance, allowing you to whip up the salad quickly when you’re ready to eat.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Salad serving utensils

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: A blender ensures that your Orange Poppy Seed dressing is perfectly emulsified for a smooth consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: This gives you ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your salad.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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

this recipe

How to Make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Add the following ingredients to a blender:
* olive oil
* canola oil
* orange zest
* fresh orange juice
* fresh lemon juice
* honey
* dijon mustard
* salt

Pulse until well emulsified.

Step 2: Add Poppy Seeds

Pour the dressing mixture into a jar and stir in the poppy seeds. Refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients:
* Grilled chicken (sliced)
* Baby spinach
* Diced avocados
* Crumbled feta
* Toasted sliced almonds
* Dried cranberries

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour the prepared Orange Poppy Seed dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing right away for the best flavor!

How to Serve Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

This delightful salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a special event or enjoying a casual meal, here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Main Course

• Perfectly filling for lunch or dinner, this salad stands out on its own. The combination of chicken, avocado, and spinach makes it hearty enough to be the star of your meal.

With Grilled Bread

• Serve the salad alongside warm, grilled bread. It adds a lovely texture contrast and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

In a Wrap

• For a fun twist, try wrapping the salad in a tortilla. This makes for an easy-to-eat option that’s perfect for picnics or packed lunches.

With Additional Proteins

• Enhance your salad by adding other proteins like shrimp or tofu. This provides even more flavor and makes it a versatile dish that caters to different dietary needs.

How to Perfect Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

To ensure your Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe avocados will elevate the taste of your salad significantly.
• Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the orange poppy seed dressing based on your preference for sweetness or acidity.
• Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds before adding them gives them extra flavor and crunch.
• Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for about 10 minutes before serving allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Add seasonal fruits: Incorporating seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries or apples can add a new dimension of flavor.
• Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after mixing it with the dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

This salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with garlic add heartiness without overpowering the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf brings an earthy flavor that works well with the citrusy dressing.
3. Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich avocado and chicken.
4. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Warm, cheesy bread is always a favorite and pairs nicely with any salad for added comfort.
5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts offer crunch and depth, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
6. Caprese Skewers: These skewers bring together mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a fresh appetizer that complements the main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing can be tricky if you aren’t careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Always use fresh avocados and spinach for the best flavor and texture. Wilted greens can ruin your salad.
• Overdoing the dressing: Too much dressing can overwhelm the salad’s flavors. Start with a small amount, toss, and add more as needed.
• Not balancing flavors: Ensure you have a good mix of sweet, savory, and tangy elements. The orange poppy seed dressing should complement the cranberries and chicken.
• Using stale nuts or seeds: Toast your almonds right before serving for maximum crunch and flavor. Stale nuts can detract from the overall taste.
• Skipping marinating time: If you have time, let the grilled chicken marinate briefly in your favorite spices. This adds depth to your salad.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

Freezing Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing due to avocado and fresh greens that do not freeze well.
• If necessary, you could freeze just the grilled chicken separately.

Reheating Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat chicken in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat as it may dry out.
• Stovetop: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing vegetarian?

You can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra protein sources like chickpeas or quinoa.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can chop all ingredients ahead of time but store them separately until serving. This keeps everything fresh.

What can I substitute for poppy seeds in the dressing?

If you don’t have poppy seeds, chia seeds or sesame seeds work well as substitutes while providing a similar crunch.

Is Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad makes for an excellent meal prep option. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

The Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences—swap out nuts, add different fruits, or use grilled tofu instead of chicken! Give this refreshing salad a try; it might just become your new favorite!

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Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing is a vibrant and nutritious dish that will elevate any meal. This salad features a delightful combination of fresh spinach, creamy avocado, and grilled chicken, all tossed together with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy toasted almonds. The standout Orange Poppy Seed dressing adds a zesty twist that ties the flavors together beautifully. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—and can be made ahead for those busy weeknights. With its colorful presentation and satisfying ingredients, this salad will become a staple in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1 lb grilled chicken
• 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

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Instructions

1. In a blender, combine olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until emulsified.
2. Stir in poppy seeds and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced grilled chicken, baby spinach, diced avocados, crumbled feta cheese, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
5. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (350g)
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 35g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; ripe avocados and crisp spinach make all the difference. Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more honey or increasing the citrus juices based on your preference. For added protein variety, consider including shrimp or chickpeas.