Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

If you are in tune with your sweet-savory salads, the Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad should definitely be a name you’ve heard before. This delightful mix of succulent strawberries, crunchy romaine lettuce, and tangy poppyseed dressing is a must-try. Not only is this the perfect summer salad, with its refreshing and light profile, but it’s also a great fit for any family get-togethers or friendly brunches. Based on my experience, this masterpiece always manages to steal the show.

People love it because it has got that burst of fresh berry goodness, the crunch of pecans and the sweetness of pineapple, everything tidily tied by a blanket of poppyseed dressing. Balanced in flavours and textures, this is plateful of joy that even kids would love. Now, let me take you through the process of making the perfect Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2 people
• Yield: 2 large salads

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 4 cups of Romaine Lettuce
• 1 cup of Strawberries
• 1���2 cup of Pineapple chunks
• 1���4 cup of Blueberries
• 1���4 cup of Mandarin oranges
• 2 tablespoons of Pecans
• Poppyseed Dressing

Equipment: You’ll require a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel to dry your lettuce and a sharp knife to chop your fruits.

Fresh ingredients deliver that insta-worthy look and taste to the salad. The poppyseed dressing is key – it brings that tangy and sweet profile which elevates all other flavors.

How To Make Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

1. Start by washing your lettuce. Use a salad spinner to remove the excess water or give them a good dry with a kitchen towel.
2. Chop your strawberries and pineapple chunks. Keep the blueberries and mandarin oranges whole.
3. Lay your dried lettuce in a large salad bowl.
4. Add your fruits and nuts to the bowl.
5. Finally drizzle over the poppyseed dressing just before you serve.
6. Give everything a gentle toss with two spoons. Enjoy!

Tips For The Best Results

• Always use fresh and ripe fruit for the best taste and look.
• Add the dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Storage Tips

• Keep the dressing separate if you plan on storing the salad. Mix them only before you eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned fruit?

A: Fresh fruit is always better but if you can’t get them, you can use canned fruit. Just make sure to drain them well.

Q: What other dressing can I use?

A: Raspberry vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing can work too.

Q: Can I make it a day ahead?

A: Yes, but add the dressing only before serving.

Q: What else can I add to the salad?

A: You can add some grilled chicken for protein or some cheddar cheese for more flavor.

Q: Can I substitute pecans?

A: Definitely, you can replace them with almonds or walnuts.

Nutritional Facts of Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

This salad provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals and is low in calorie. A detailed nutritional chart can be found here.

In conclusion, the Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. It is a healthy and refreshing choice for a brunch or an afternoon snack. Give this a shot and let me know how it turned out for you.