Name: Strawberry Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 2 cups chopped strawberries; ½ cup dried cranberries; ¼ cup sliced red onion; ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese; ¼ cup sliced almonds; 1 cup strawberries; ¼ cup balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper

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Fresh, juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and a sweet yet tangy dressing—this Strawberry Chicken Salad is a burst of flavor in every bite! It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with all the goodness of a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this salad will never disappoint. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It’s light, refreshing, and full of vibrant ingredients that will make your taste buds dance.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Chicken Salad isn’t just another salad—it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll love it:

Perfect for Summer: The bright, sweet strawberries pair perfectly with the grilled chicken for a refreshing, light meal that feels like summer on a plate.

Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein from the chicken and antioxidants from the strawberries, this salad is not only delicious but also nourishing.

Quick and Easy: It comes together in a flash, making it a go-to choice for busy days when you still want something healthy and filling.

Customizable: You can easily swap in other fruits like blueberries or peaches, or use a different type of cheese to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavor, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering, from family dinners to picnics with friends.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious and vibrant salad:

Chicken Breast: Grilled or roasted, it’s the perfect protein to complement the sweetness of the strawberries.

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the dish! Sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.

Mixed Greens: A mix of baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce creates the perfect base for this salad.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a bit of tangy crunch.

Goat Cheese: Creamy and crumbly, goat cheese adds a rich, savory contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.

Almonds: Toasted almonds bring a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the salad.

Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tart finish to tie everything together.

Olive Oil: For a light dressing that complements the fresh ingredients.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a touch of acidity.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balance.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this refreshing salad:

Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill them until cooked through and slightly charred on the outside (about 6-8 minutes per side). Let the chicken rest before slicing it thinly.

Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh strawberries.

Add the Chicken and Cheese: Layer the sliced chicken on top of the salad and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese.

Toast the Almonds: In a small pan, toast the almonds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Sprinkle them over the salad for that perfect crunch.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

Finish with Balsamic Glaze: For a final touch, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the salad.

Serve and Enjoy: Toss everything together gently and serve immediately for the freshest, most delicious result!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad

This salad is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

With a Side of Garlic Bread: The crispy bread adds a nice contrast to the fresh, light salad.

As a Light Dinner: Serve this salad with a refreshing cucumber salad or a bowl of creamy soup for a well-rounded meal.

For a Picnic: Pack this salad in individual portions for an easy, portable meal that’s perfect for picnics or barbecues.

As a Wrap: If you’re craving something more filling, wrap the salad in a whole-wheat tortilla for a delicious handheld meal.

Additional Tips

Grill the Chicken Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, grill the chicken the night before or use leftover chicken for a quick assembly.

Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries. If you’re in a pinch, frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh gives the best texture and taste.

Add Some Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a touch of honey to the dressing or drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the top.

Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately from the salad to keep the greens fresh. Store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
A1: Yes! Feta cheese or blue cheese would be great alternatives.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but wait until right before serving to add the dressing to keep the salad fresh.

Q3: Can I add more fruits to this salad?
A3: Absolutely! Add some blueberries, peaches, or even some sliced oranges for extra flavor and variety.

Q4: Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
A4: Of course! A balsamic vinaigrette or poppy seed dressing would pair nicely.

Q5: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A5: Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra nuts, cheese, or chickpeas for protein.

Q6: How can I make the dressing sweeter?
A6: Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a touch of sweetness.

Q7: How long will leftovers last?
A7: Leftover salad (without dressing) will last about 1-2 days in the fridge. Store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

Q8: Can I substitute almonds with another nut?
A8: Yes! Walnuts or pecans would be great alternatives to almonds.

Q9: Can I grill the chicken with different spices?
A9: Yes! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder for added flavor.

Q10: Can I make this salad without chicken?
A10: Absolutely! It makes a delicious vegetarian option with the addition of extra fruits or a protein like quinoa or tofu.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to make, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a dinner salad, or something to bring to a potluck, this recipe will be a hit every time. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

Preparation Time

How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad

Additional Tips

FAQ Section

Conclusion

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Description

Ingredients

For the Salad:

For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:

Instructions

Make the Dressing:

Assemble the Salad:

Notes

Nutrition