Crispy Chicken Strawberry Corn Salad
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThis Crispy Chicken Strawberry Corn Salad is an easy summer dinner packed with fresh produce, crunchy chicken, creamy goat cheese, and toasted almonds. A homemade honey poppy seed vinaigrette brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
Bring on the salad recipes, especially during the summertime. When the weather is warm, I’m always looking for dinner ideas that are quick, fresh, easy, and delicious. Salads are a go-to for me because they make it simple to get in plenty of greens and vegetables, but I can easily fall into the habit of making the same few combinations over and over. Boring! So, I’ve been on a mission to find new recipes and flavor pairings that keep things interesting.
And boy, do I have a good one for you. This Crispy Chicken Strawberry Corn Salad with Honey Poppy Seed Vinaigrette is a winner. Strawberries and corn may not be the first combination that comes to mind, but trust me, they work so well together. Add the crispy chicken, goat cheese, almonds, and all the other delicious mix-ins, and you have one seriously good salad. And the dressing? Oh my, I want to pour it over everything. I’ll definitely be keeping a batch on hand for more than just this recipe. All that to say, if you’re looking for a new warm-weather salad to add to your rotation, let this be it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s fresh, colorful, and full of summer flavor. Juicy strawberries, sweet corn, crisp cucumber, and fresh greens make this salad feel perfect for warm weather. Every bite has a little something different, so it never feels boring.
- It’s satisfying enough for a full meal. The crispy chicken adds plenty of substance, while the goat cheese and almonds make the salad feel a little more special. It works beautifully for lunch, but it is filling enough to serve as an easy summer dinner too.
- The flavors work wonderfully well together. Strawberries and corn might not be the first combination that comes to mind, but their natural sweetness is so good together. The tangy goat cheese, savory chicken, red onion, and crunchy almonds keep the salad balanced and give it plenty of flavor.
Looking for more delicious salad recipes? You’ve got it! I have an entire collection of tasty salads here on Inspired by Charm that I know you’re going to love. There’s a unique recipe for every potluck, party, and celebration!Â
Ingredients
It’s time to get together all of the ingredients you’ll need to make this sensational salad. Let’s get into the list.
- Spring mix and/or romaine – Spring mix keeps the salad light and tender, while romaine adds plenty of crispness. I like using a combination of the two, but either one will work on its own.
- Crispy chicken strips – Crispy chicken turns this fresh salad into a satisfying lunch or dinner. I used Bare chicken strips and highly recommend them because they are easy, delicious, and get wonderfully crisp in the oven or air fryer.
- Fresh strawberries – Look for ripe, juicy strawberries that are bright red and fragrant for the best flavor. Slice them shortly before assembling the salad, so they stay fresh.
- Sweet corn – Fresh summer corn is especially delicious here, but cooked frozen corn will also work when fresh corn is unavailable. You can boil, grill, or sauté the corn depending on the flavor you want.
- Cucumber – Cucumber adds a cool, refreshing crunch that balances the sweet strawberries and corn. English or Persian cucumbers are especially convenient because they have tender skins and very few seeds.
- Red onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a little bite and helps balance the sweeter ingredients. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain and pat them dry.
- Goat cheese – Creamy, tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with strawberries, corn, and honey poppy seed vinaigrette. Crumble it over the salad while it is cold so it is easier to distribute.
- Sliced almonds – Almonds bring a light, nutty crunch to every bite. Toasting them for a few minutes adds even more flavor, but they are also delicious straight from the package.
- Olive oil – Olive oil creates the smooth base of the vinaigrette. A mild or light-tasting olive oil works especially well because it will not overpower the fruit and honey.
- Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar – Either vinegar adds the acidity needed to balance the sweet ingredients. Apple cider vinegar has a slightly brighter tang, while white balsamic vinegar is a bit softer and sweeter.
- Honey – Honey adds gentle sweetness and helps bring out the natural flavors of the strawberries and corn.
- Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds a subtle savory tang and helps the oil and vinegar blend into a smooth dressing.
- Poppy seeds – These tiny seeds add the classic look and delicate crunch you expect from a poppy seed vinaigrette.
- Kosher salt – Salt sharpens the flavors in the dressing and keeps it from tasting overly sweet.
- Black pepper – A little black pepper adds warmth and a mild savory finish to the vinaigrette.
How To Make
I’m going to show you how to make this Crispy Chicken Strawberry Corn Salad. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Cook the chicken strips according to the package directions until hot and crispy. Let them cool slightly, then slice them into bite-size pieces.
- To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also add everything to a jar, cover tightly, and shake until blended.
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- Add the spring mix, romaine, or a combination of both to a large serving bowl.
- Top the greens with the sliced chicken, strawberries, corn, cucumber, red onion, goat cheese, and almonds.
- Drizzle the salad with the honey poppy seed vinaigrette just before serving. Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes. The honey poppy seed vinaigrette can be made several days ahead and stored in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator. The oil may firm up or separate when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and shake it well before serving.
What is the best way to serve this for a gathering?
Arrange the greens and toppings in a large shallow bowl or platter, but keep the chicken and dressing separate until it is time to eat. Adding the chicken at the last minute helps preserve its crunch, and serving the dressing on the side lets everyone add as much as they like.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, although it is best on the first day. For the freshest results, keep any extra chicken, almonds, and dressing in separate containers and add them when you are ready to eat.
More Tasty Salads You’ll Love
- Crispy Chicken and Grape Salad
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Chicken Apple Pecan Salad
- Chicken Quinoa Strawberry Salad
- Broccoli Pasta Salad
I hope this Crispy Chicken Strawberry Corn Salad makes its way onto your table soon. It is fresh and summery, but the chicken, goat cheese, and almonds give it enough substance to keep everyone satisfied. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below. I’d appreciate it!
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Crispy Chicken Strawberry Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 8 cups spring mix,chopped romaine, or a combination of both
- 12 ounces crispy chicken strips cooked according to the package directions and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels boiled or grilled
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds toasted if desired
Honey Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chicken strips according to the package directions until hot and crispy. Let them cool slightly, then slice them into bite-size pieces.
- To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper until well combined. You can also add everything to a jar, cover tightly, and shake until blended.
- Add the spring mix, romaine, or a combination of both to a large serving bowl.
- Top the greens with the sliced chicken, strawberries, corn, cucumber, red onion, goat cheese, and almonds.
- Drizzle the salad with the honey poppy seed vinaigrette just before serving. Gently toss to combine and serve immediately.