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

Are you ready to brighten up your dinner table with a vibrant and delicious dish? I’m excited to share my recipe for a Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful mix of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for quick family dinners or as a light dinner option, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meals, making it a great choice for those busy weeknights when you need something nutritious yet satisfying. And if you’re looking for more easy pasta recipes, I’ve got you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach, avocados, and chicken.
• Sweet and tangy orange poppy seed dressing adds a burst of flavor.
• Great for meal prep and can be served as a light dinner or lunch.
• Versatile ingredients that can be adjusted to your taste.

Ingredients

To make this delightful salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb grilled chicken
• 9 oz baby spinach
• 2 medium avocados, diced
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 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

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious salad:

1. In a blender, combine the olive oil, canola oil, orange zest, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend until emulsified.
2. Stir in the poppy seeds and refrigerate the dressing for a bit to let the flavors meld.
3. In a large bowl, mix the grilled chicken slices, baby spinach, diced avocados, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and freshness!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your salad turns out perfectly:

• Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture. If you have unripe avocados, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to ripen.
• Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite ingredients, such as feta cheese or cherry tomatoes.
• For a crunchier texture, toast the almonds just before adding them to the salad.
• If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own.

How to Serve

This spinach salad with chicken is perfect as a standalone dish, but you can also serve it alongside a hummus platter or some crusty bread for a more filling meal. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this salad in advance, you can store the dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just toss the salad ingredients together right before serving to keep everything fresh. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but I recommend adding the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the spinach and the avocados.

For more delicious meal ideas, check out my Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout or try my White Chicken Enchiladas for a comforting weeknight dinner. And if you’re looking for a quick breakfast option, don’t miss my Weight Watchers Berry Overnight Oats.

Enjoy your cooking adventure, and I hope this Cranberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken and Orange Poppy Seed Dressing becomes a staple in your home!