Meal Prep Monday Spring Chicken Salad with Berries
This bright chicken salad combines tender poached chicken with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and crisp greens. It’s designed for meal prep – you’ll make four complete lunches that stay fresh all week.
The secret is keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. No more soggy salads by Wednesday.
Why Poaching Chicken Works Best for Meal Prep
Poaching keeps the chicken incredibly moist throughout the week, unlike grilled or baked chicken that can dry out in the fridge. The gentle cooking method also means you can season the poaching liquid for extra flavor.
You’ll know it’s done when the thickest part reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Let it cool completely before slicing – warm chicken will wilt your greens and make everything soggy.
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Smart Assembly Strategy for Week-Long Freshness
Layer ingredients strategically in your containers: sturdy vegetables on the bottom, proteins and nuts in the middle, delicate greens on top. Keep berries in a separate small container until serving day – they release juice that can make everything mushy.
Store the honey mustard dressing separately in small jars or containers. You can make a big batch and use it for multiple salads throughout the week.
Meal Prep Monday Spring Chicken Salad with Berries
Ingredients
Salad
Dressing
Equipment Needed
- Large saucepan
- Instant-read thermometer
- 4 large meal prep containers
- 4 small containers for dressing
- Small containers for berries
Instructions
- Poach chicken: Bring chicken broth and bay leaf to a gentle simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken breasts, reduce heat to low, and cover. Poach for 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Cool and slice: Remove chicken from poaching liquid and let cool completely on a cutting board, about 15 minutes. Slice into bite-sized strips and set aside.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Divide evenly among 4 small containers.
- Assemble containers: Layer each meal prep container starting with cucumber and red onion on the bottom, followed by sliced chicken, walnuts, and goat cheese. Top with 2 cups mixed greens.
- Store components: Store strawberries and blueberries in separate small containers. Refrigerate all components for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, add berries and dressing, then toss gently.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 container)
