I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite warm-weather dishes with you: Chicken and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette! This salad has a perfect blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the savory bite of grilled chicken, and the tangy kick of a balsamic dressing.
I can’t help but smile when I think back to the first time I served this dish at a summer picnic with friends. We were all sprawled out on a blanket, enjoying the sunshine, and someone took a bite and exclaimed, “Wow! This is summer in a bowl!” It has since become a staple at all my outdoor gatherings. It’s refreshing, gorgeous on the plate, and delightful for the tastebuds. And can we just take a moment to appreciate that vibrant color combination? It’s practically an edible artwork!
What’s in Chicken and Strawberry Salad?
Now, let’s break down the star components of this delicious salad:
Grilled Chicken Breast: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this salad. They grill up nicely, absorbing the flavors of the marinade and remaining juicy. You can also use leftover roasted chicken for a quicker option!
Fresh Strawberries: This is where the real magic happens! Ripe, juicy strawberries bring a sweetness that balances so beautifully with the savory chicken. Look for bright red berries at the market—they should be fragrant and firm.
Mixed Greens: A combination of baby spinach and arugula gives this salad a peppery bite and nice texture. It’s like a leafy canvas for the main ingredients! Feel free to swap in your favorite greens.
Candied Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and a sweet-nutty flavor. You can easily make your own by tossing pecans with a bit of sugar and roasting them in the oven, but you can also find them pre-packaged if you’re in a pinch!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a creamy, savory element that complements the strawberries and chicken perfectly. The saltiness of the cheese cuts through the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Balsamic Vinaigrette: This dressing ties everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet flavor. Making homemade vinaigrette is so easy—you can whip it up in minutes! However, feel free to choose a store-bought one if you’re short on time.
Is Chicken and Strawberry Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein and vitamins.
Grilled Chicken Breast: A fantastic source of lean protein, it helps build and repair tissues, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Fresh Strawberries: These berries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which contribute to skin health and immune function. They’re also low in calories and high in water, making them great for hydration.
Mixed Greens: Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, and provide plenty of fiber, which is great for digestive health.
Candied Pecans: While they add a bit of sugar, pecans themselves are a healthy source of fats, providing omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium.
In moderation, this salad makes a balanced meal, but if you’re watching your sugar intake, you may want to reduce the amount of candied pecans or swap them out for raw nuts.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves 4 people:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
– 1/2 cup candied pecans
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken and Strawberry Salad?
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine some olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (I love thyme and rosemary!). Add the chicken breasts, cover, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Grill the Chicken:** Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. **Prepare the Strawberries:** While the chicken is cooking, wash and slice the strawberries. If you have bruised ones, just cut around it—nobody’s perfect, right?
4. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced chicken, strawberries, candied pecans, and crumbled feta.
5. **Dress It Up:** Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. **Serve:** Dish it all up, grab a fork, and get ready to enjoy a refreshing bite of summer!
Tips for a Delicious Salad Experience!
– If you want a little more zest, consider adding slices of avocado or a handful of fresh herbs like basil or mint.
– Want to turn this into a meal-prep option? Just keep the dressings separate until you are ready to eat, and it will stay fresh for days.
– Feeling adventurous? Try swapping strawberries for peaches or blueberries for a fun twist!
– Don’t forget to save some of those candied pecans for snacking—seriously, they’re addictively good!
I hope you’re as excited to try this Chicken and Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette as I was after my picnic adventure! It’s the perfect dish for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or those moments when you just want something light yet filling.
Give it a go, and remember to share your thoughts and experiences with me! I can’t wait to hear what you think!