A strawberry chicken salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a meal prep option, or a dish for a family gathering, this salad is versatile and sure to please. With juicy strawberries, tender grilled chicken, crunchy nuts, and a zesty dressing, this salad is both vibrant and filling. Here’s how to create the perfect strawberry chicken salad.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5-6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup cucumber, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on both sides. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and cucumber (if using). Toss the ingredients together gently to ensure the salad is evenly mixed.
Next, arrange the sliced chicken over the top of the salad. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta over the salad (if using) and add the toasted nuts for a crunchy texture. Avocado slices, if desired, can also be added at this stage for extra creaminess.
3. Make the Dressing
To make the dressing, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsified dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the dressing is prepared, pour it over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the strawberry chicken salad immediately, either as a main dish or as a side to accompany grilled meats or seafood. This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a standalone light meal. The freshness of the strawberries, the richness of the chicken, and the creamy dressing will delight your taste buds.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Chicken Salad:
- Grilled Chicken: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the salad. However, you can also use rotisserie chicken or sautéed chicken breasts if you’re short on time.
- Fresh Strawberries: The key to this salad is using ripe, fresh strawberries. They provide the sweetness that balances the savory chicken and tangy dressing.
- Toasted Nuts: Toasting the almonds or pecans brings out their natural oils and flavor, adding depth to the salad’s texture. Simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad components (chicken, dressing, and toppings) ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, and assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
- Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh and use a dairy-free cheese option. The salad dressing can also be made with maple syrup instead of honey.
- Add Fruit: If you want a more tropical flair, consider adding other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mango.
Variations:
While the classic strawberry chicken salad is already a delicious option, here are some variations to explore:
1. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing:
Swap the balsamic dressing for a creamy poppy seed dressing. This sweet dressing pairs well with strawberries and gives the salad a rich, indulgent flavor.
2. Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Salad with Bacon:
For a savory twist, add crispy bacon bits to the salad. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries and the creamy goat cheese.
3. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Quinoa:
If you want to make the salad more filling, add cooked quinoa to the mix. The quinoa adds protein and texture, making it a complete meal.
4. Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Blue Cheese:
Substitute spinach for mixed greens, and add crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor. The blue cheese enhances the salad with its sharp contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
5. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Roasted Beets:
Roast some beets and add them to the salad for a vibrant pop of color and earthy sweetness. The beets complement the strawberries and add an extra layer of flavor.
6. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seeds and Walnuts:
Toast walnuts and add them to your salad along with a drizzle of poppy seed dressing for a crunchy and flavorful twist.
7. Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Glaze:
For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top of the salad right before serving. The glaze adds a rich, sweet-savory note that pairs wonderfully with the fresh ingredients.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken helps in building and repairing muscle tissue and supporting metabolic processes.
- Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, strawberries help improve skin health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.
- Nuts: Almonds or pecans offer healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E, which support heart health and can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Greens: The mixed greens provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support digestion and overall health.
This Best Strawberry Chicken Salad recipe is a must-try for any salad lover. It’s a beautiful and nutritious meal that is bursting with flavor and texture. With tender chicken, sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, this salad is a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The addition of a tangy balsamic dressing pulls everything together, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or as a special occasion meal, this salad will surely become a favorite in your household. So grab some fresh ingredients and get ready to enjoy the best strawberry chicken salad you’ve ever tasted!