Favorite Chicken & Strawberry Salad
Eat every day Salad!
A delicious nutrient-dense salad you can eat every day—built for satiety, muscle support, and consistent enjoyment. Fiber-rich cruciferous veggies, seasonal strawberries for sweetness, pumpkin seeds for crunch and minerals, low-sugar cranberries for chew, shredded chicken for lean protein, and a bright poppyseed dressing tie it all together.
Why this works
Balanced macro profile: lean protein + fiber + healthy fats for steady energy and recovery.
Vegetable variety: green cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli provide volume, micronutrients, and lots of gut-friendly fiber.
Flavor and texture: sweet strawberries and cranberries contrast with crunchy seeds and shredded chicken.
Easily prepped ahead: components hold well for several days when stored correctly.
Ingredients
Salad base: This is great to make ahead and store for the week.
6 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 1/2 medium head)
3-4 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shredded or thinly sliced
3-4 cup broccoli florets, very thinly sliced or finely chopped
Daily added for a meal:
4 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
2–3 tbsp dehydrated cranberries (low-sugar)
4-5 oz boiled and shredded chicken breast (this can be boiled and shredded ahead of time and stored for the week)
1 tbsp cup poppyseed dressing (look for low sugar/calorie option or you can make your own)
Assembly
Prepare the crucifers: thinly shred the cabbage and Brussels sprouts (a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor). Thinly slice or finely chop the broccoli so it blends with the shredded mix.
Combine the shredded cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli in a large bowl. This can be stored covered in the refrigerator for a week.
Add the shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, pumpkin seeds, poppy seed dressing and dehydrated cranberries. Gently toss to combine.
Meal prep and storage tips
Make salad and chicken ahead of time: both refrigerate for up to 5 days. (cabbage and Brussels sprouts hold up better than lettuces.)
Store shredded vegetables separately from dressing and seeds if prepping full salads for the week; combine just before eating to keep textures crisp.
Fully assembled, this salad keeps well for 24–48 hours in an airtight container.
For variation: swap strawberries for apple slices or pear; swap pumpkin seeds for chopped walnuts or sliced almonds; use a lemon poppy dressing for a brighter profile.
Nutrition notes
High in protein (chicken + Greek yogurt dressing option) for muscle maintenance and recovery.
High fiber and micronutrient density from cruciferous vegetables supports digestion, satiety, and longevity-focused nutrition.
Pumpkin seeds add magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats; cranberries provide antioxidants with minimal added sugar if you choose a low-sugar option.
Why you can eat this every day
Flavor balance avoids fatigue: sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy elements.
Robust vegetables resist wilting and deliver consistent texture.
Easily customizable to match calorie or macro targets without losing the core composition.
Quick variations (pick one)
Add 1/2 cup cooked quinoa for extra carbs and bulk.
Swap the chicken for canned tuna or chickpeas for a pescatarian/vegetarian option.
Use a vinaigrette (olive oil + apple cider vinegar + dijon + honey) for a lighter dressing.
Simple weekly plan idea
Make a large batch of shredded veggies and cooked chicken on Sunday. Then you just have to assemble them daily and enjoy!
