Name: Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup honey teriyaki marinade; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; 6 cups torn romaine; 3 medium kiwifruit, peeled and sliced; 1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained; 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped; 1 medium green pepper, chopped; 1 cup fresh raspberries; 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup salted cashews; 1/3 cup reduced-fat poppy seed salad dressing

This vibrant Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The juicy teriyaki-marinated chicken pairs beautifully with fresh fruits and crisp vegetables, all brought together with a light poppy seed dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This colorful salad is both a feast for the eyes and the palate. The marinated chicken adds a savory depth that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet fruits and crunchy vegetables. It’s perfect for warm weather dining, meal prep lunches, or as a light dinner option. The recipe is versatile enough to adjust based on seasonal availability of fruits, and it provides a healthy balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients in one delicious dish.

Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Honey teriyaki marinade creates the foundation of flavor for the chicken, infusing it with sweet and savory notes that complement the fresh components of the salad.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts absorb the teriyaki marinade beautifully, providing lean protein that makes this salad satisfying and substantial.

Romaine lettuce offers a crisp base with good structure that holds up well under the weight of the other ingredients while providing a refreshing crunch.

Kiwifruit adds a bright, tangy sweetness and vibrant green color that enhances both the flavor profile and visual appeal of the salad.

Pineapple chunks contribute tropical sweetness and juiciness that pairs wonderfully with the teriyaki flavors in the chicken.

Mandarin oranges provide bursts of sweet citrus that complement the savory elements and add beautiful orange color to the dish.

Celery introduces a fresh, crisp texture and subtle flavor that balances the sweeter components.

Sweet red and green peppers add crunch, color, and a mild sweetness that enhances the overall complexity of the salad.

Raspberries and strawberries bring beautiful color and a delicate sweetness along with a touch of tartness that brightens the entire dish.

Green onions add a mild, aromatic bite that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.

Salted cashews contribute essential crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the fresh fruits and vegetables.

Reduced-fat poppy seed dressing ties everything together with its creamy, slightly sweet profile that complements both the fruits and the teriyaki chicken.

Directions

Place marinade in a large resealable plastic bag; add the chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and discard marinade.
Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°.
Slice chicken. Divide the romaine, kiwi, pineapple, oranges, celery, peppers, raspberries and strawberries among six plates; top with chicken. Sprinkle with green onions and cashews. Drizzle with salad dressing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes of cooking time. Remember to account for 8 hours or overnight marination time in your planning. Each serving contains 361 calories, with a good balance of protein (20g), carbohydrates (49g), and fat (11g).

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Substitute the teriyaki marinade with a lemon-herb marinade, use feta instead of cashews, and add olives and cucumber.

Autumn Harvest: Replace the tropical fruits with sliced apples, pears, and dried cranberries, and swap the poppy seed dressing for a maple vinaigrette.

Southwest Style: Use a chili-lime marinade for the chicken, add black beans, corn, and avocado, and substitute a cilantro-lime dressing for the poppy seed.

Asian Fusion: Keep the teriyaki chicken but add snow peas, water chestnuts, and sliced almonds instead of cashews, with a ginger-sesame dressing.

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same teriyaki sauce.

Storage/Reheating

For best results, store the components of this salad separately:

Cooked Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until just warm, not hot.

Fresh Produce: Store prepared fruits and vegetables separately in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Most will keep for 2-3 days.

Assembled Salad: Once dressed, the salad should be consumed immediately as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt. If meal prepping, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Dressing: Store in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components ahead of time but should assemble just before serving. Marinate and cook the chicken, chop the vegetables, and prepare the fruit in advance, storing each component separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and add dressing right before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar content in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a low-sugar teriyaki marinade or make your own with less honey or sugar. Additionally, reduce the amount of fruit or choose less sweet varieties, and select a sugar-free poppy seed dressing or make a simple vinaigrette instead.

Can I use frozen fruits in this salad?

Fresh fruits provide the best texture for this salad. However, if using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before adding to the salad. Keep in mind that previously frozen berries will be softer and may bleed color into the other ingredients.

What’s a good substitute for poppy seed dressing?

A light vinaigrette, raspberry vinaigrette, or honey-mustard dressing would all work well. You could also try a citrus dressing which would complement the fruits nicely.

How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. Without a thermometer, ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Absolutely! While you’ll miss the teriyaki flavor from the marinade, you can toss shredded rotisserie chicken with a little teriyaki sauce before adding it to the salad for a quick shortcut.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Good news! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. Just double-check your poppy seed dressing ingredients, as some commercial varieties may contain dairy. If needed, substitute with a dairy-free dressing option.

What can I use instead of cashews for a nut-free version?

Sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) make excellent nut-free alternatives that still provide crunch and nutritional value. Crispy wonton strips or croutons could also work well for texture.

Can I grill the chicken on an indoor grill pan?

Yes, an indoor grill pan works great. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil to prevent sticking, and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How can I add more protein to this salad?

For additional protein, consider adding hard-boiled eggs, edamame, quinoa, or chickpeas. You could also increase the amount of chicken or add some grilled shrimp as an alternative protein source.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that creates a truly satisfying meal. The sweet teriyaki-marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the array of fresh fruits and crisp vegetables, while the poppy seed dressing brings everything together with its creamy finish. Whether you’re looking for a light summer dinner, a colorful dish to serve guests, or a nutritious lunch option, this versatile salad delivers on all fronts. With its beautiful presentation and balanced nutritional profile, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.