The Ultimate Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe

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Get ready to savor the flavors of summer with this Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe! Packed with fresh fruits, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dairy-free dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck. Try it out and taste the sunshine!

Keep reading to discover this incredible healthy salad recipe!

Look no further for the Ultimate Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe! This delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors comes alive with strawberries, oranges, blueberries, pineapple, and a lusciously creamy dairy-free poppyseed dressing. Topped with candied pecans and served on crisp lettuce, it’s a vegan salad sensation that will win hearts at any gathering!

When I weighed nearly 300 lbs, I would eat a salad at Panera’s with a side of bread and a large soda and finish it with a pastry. I never paid attention to how many calories I ate, but now I know a meal like that can have well over 1500 calories.

Even though I have lost 125 pounds, I still pay attention to how many calories I’m eating, so this healthier version of Panera’s Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is a calorie saver and incredibly tasty, too!

See What Others Are Saying About This Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe

“I made this for a girls get together and everyone raved!”  – Deb

Why You Will Love This Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: This copycat Panera Strawberry Salad offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors from the strawberries, oranges, blueberries, pineapple, and creamy dairy-free poppyseed dressing. It’s a burst of freshness in every bite!

• Healthier Alternative: This healthy salad focuses on fresh fruits, crunchy heart-healthy nuts, and a dairy-free dressing. It’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and flavor, and by skipping the chicken, it’s a guilt-free indulgence for vegans or anyone looking to eat well.

• Cost-effective: Treat yourself to a less expensive alternative with this copycat Panera Strawberry Salad, crafted with wholesome ingredients and a wallet-friendly price tag. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your budget, delivering the same delicious taste as the restaurant version for less!

More healthy recipes –

Ingredients

The printable recipe card includes ingredient quantities, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information below.

• Salad Greens – you can choose your favorite. I suggest spinach, romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, red leaf lettuce, or even kale.
• Carrots – Panera’s Strawberry Poppyseed Salad doesn’t have carrots, but I love adding shredded carrots for flavor, fiber, and a beautiful color.
• Strawberries – fresh is best.
• Mandarin Orange Slices – you can use fresh or canned.
• Pineapple Chunks – again, fresh is best, but you can use canned.
• Blueberries – use fresh instead of frozen.
• Pecans – you can use fresh, toasted, or these Candied Pecans for the ultimate salad.
• Poppyseed Dressing – this dairy-free poppyseed dressing is so creamy you’ll never miss the dairy.

How to Make this Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe

Making this healthy salad recipe is quick and easy! The magic is in the poppyseed dressing and using the freshest ingredients possible. Here’s a simple method:

• Make the Poppyseed Dressing: Follow this recipe for the best dairy-free poppyseed dressing.

• Prepare the greens: Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Tear or chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. For the best results, I suggest using a salad spinner.

• Prepare the fruits: Wash, cut, and slice the fruit, if necessary. Then, arrange the sliced strawberries, whole blueberries, diced pineapple, and mandarin oranges on the greens.

• Sprinkle with pecans: Candy the pecans if desired. Next, scatter the pecans over the fruit and greens.

• Drizzle with dairy-free poppyseed dressing: Generously drizzle the salad with the homemade dairy-free poppyseed dressing.

• Toss and serve: Gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing and ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

Assemble Just Before Serving: To keep the greens crisp, I suggest prepping all the ingredients ahead of time and assembling the salad just before serving.

Keep Components Separate: Store the greens, fruits, and pecans separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Serve Dressing on the Side: For gatherings or potlucks, serve the dressing on the side so guests can add it themselves. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy if it sits out for a while.

Add Protein: If you want to make it a little heartier, try adding baked tofu, cooked seitan, or cooked soy curls.

FAQ’s

Is Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Healthy?

It is considered one of their healthier options however, my Ultimate Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad Recipe is healthier.

This copycat recipe has no cholesterol, no dairy, and is lower in fat, sodium, and sugar.

How to Store this Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

If the salad is already assembled, here’s how to store it to maintain its freshness:

1. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the salad to an airtight container to avoid excess moisture and air.
2. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the container in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
3. Consume Quickly: To ensure the best quality and freshness, try to eat the leftover salad within 1-2 days.
4. Avoid Adding More Dressing: If you can, add dressing only when you’re ready to eat the leftovers to prevent further sogginess.

These steps help retain the salad’s taste and texture for a short period of time.

For more information regarding proper food storage, go to https://www.foodsafety.gov/

Recipes to Serve with this Salad

Recipe

If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and tell me how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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​Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.