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