Today’s Strawberry Harvest Salad is a favorite from Zupa’s that we knew we had to make our own version of. It’s fresh, delicious and packed with so much flavor in every bite. With juicy strawberries, tender chicken, crisp apples, and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette, it’s one of those salads that actually feels like a full meal.
We’ve made this salad so many times for lunches, dinners, and even small gatherings, and it’s always a hit. The mix of sweet fruit, savory chicken, and crunchy pecans makes every bite so good, and that homemade dressing pulls it all together.
If you want the full Zupa’s experience when you eat this salad, make sure to pair it with a soup, a roll, and finish it off with a Chocolate Covered Strawberry. 😉
Why you’ll love it + Why it works:
- Fresh and Filling Meal. This salad is hearty enough for lunch or dinner with protein and fresh ingredients.
- Sweet and Savory Combo. The mix of fruit, chicken, and nuts makes every bite interesting.
- Homemade Dressing. The strawberry vinaigrette adds fresh flavor and ties everything together.
- Simple Prep Method. Easy chopping and blending make this a no-fail recipe.
Strawberry Harvest Salad Ingredients
- Romaine Lettuce (6 cups, chopped): Adds a crisp, fresh base that holds up well with toppings and dressing.
- Chicken Breasts (2 large, cooked and sliced): Provides protein and makes the salad filling enough for a full meal.
- Apple (1, thinly sliced): Adds a sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Craisins (½ cup): Brings a chewy texture and extra sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a mild, creamy flavor that ties everything together.
- Candied Pecans (½ cup): Gives a sweet crunch and adds a little richness to the salad.
- Strawberries (for topping): Adds fresh, juicy sweetness and bright flavor throughout the salad.
- Strawberries (1 cup, tops cut off): Forms the base of the vinaigrette and gives it a naturally sweet flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the berries.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Creates a smooth, well-balanced dressing texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dressing.
- Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and depth to the vinaigrette.
How to Make Strawberry Harvest Salad
SALAD. Place romaine in a salad bowl and top with chicken, apple slices, Craisins, cheese, candied pecans, and strawberries.
DRESSING. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add dressing to salad right before serving.
See our strawberry vinaigrette recipe for more information.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Slice Apples Thin: This helps them blend better with the other textures.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries make the biggest difference in flavor. Look for berries that are red from tip to stem and have a sweet aroma.
- Hull the berries by first removing the green leaves. In a large bowl, add 3 cups of water and 1 cup of white vinegar. Soak the berries for about 5 minutes. Drain and thoroughly rinse them with water. Arrange them in a single layer on a kitchen towel to dry. You can also use a kitchen or paper towel to pat them dry.
- Add Dressing Last: Toss right before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Customize Protein: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or turkey if desired.
- Candied Pecans: We have a delicious recipe for Homemade Candied Pecans.
Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 large chicken breasts, seasoned to taste, cooked and sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Craisins
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup candied pecans
- sliced strawberries, for topping
Strawberry Vinaigrette
- 1 cup strawberries, tops cut off
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- To make salad, place romaine in a salad bowl and top with chicken, apple slices, Craisins, cheese, candied pecans and strawberries.
- To make the vinaigrette, combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add dressing to salad right before serving.
Notes
- Slice Apples Thin: This helps them blend better with the other textures.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries make the biggest difference in flavor. Look for berries that are red from tip to stem and have a sweet aroma.
- Hull the berries by first removing the green leaves. In a large bowl add 3 cups of water and 1 cup of white vinegar. Soak the berries for about 5 minutes. Drain and thoroughly rinse them with water. Arrange them in a single layer on a kitchen towel to dry. You can also use a kitchen or paper towel to pat them dry.
- Add Dressing Last: Toss right before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Customize Protein: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or turkey if needed.
- Candied Pecans: Set a small nonstick cooking pan over medium heat and add ¾ cup chopped pecans, 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar and ½ tablespoon butter. Stir constantly until the sugar and butter melt together. Continue stirring as it caramelizes; 2–3 more minutes. Spread pecans in a single layer on a plate to cool.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
Assemble the salad a day ahead of time, but don’t add the dressing until you’re ready to serve it. You may also want to wait to slice the strawberries so they don’t get mushy. Store the salad, covered, in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Cover and store leftovers in the fridge. It won’t keep for very long so you’ll want to finish it as soon as possible.
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This recipe was first shared March, 2019.
I’m making this one. I love Paneras and McAlisters strawberry salad.
A great taSting simple salad. So good to serve for the summertime.
I go to care zupas for this salad! It is so good and your version is just as yummy.
I’m making this one. I love Paneras and McAlisters strawberry salad.
Love this salad at Zupas! Yay, for making at home! This is delicious!
Love the combination of fruits & nuts with greens & the dressing is incredible!
Awesome! Amazing!! Fabulous!!!!
I am so glad you think so!! Thanks so much!
Eager 2 try this… Getting items 2day, making it tomorrow…take care
Thank you for trying it!! I hope you like it!
This is a great salad!