This colorful Strawberry Chicken Salad features tender chicken, fresh greens, and sweet strawberries, all tossed together for a tasty bite. The strawberry balsamic dressing adds a fruity zing!
I love how easy this salad is to whip up! Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it makes me feel like I’m eating something fancy without all the fuss. Yum! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Salad Greens: I like using a mix of romaine and spinach for texture and nutrition, but feel free to use any greens you prefer, like arugula or kale for a peppery kick.
Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken breast is my go-to, but rotisserie chicken also works well if you’re short on time. You could even substitute grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here, but you can also use blueberries or raspberries if strawberries aren’t available. Frozen strawberries can work too, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang, but goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese can make a tasty substitute. If you’re avoiding cheese altogether, simply leave it out!
Dried Cranberries: If you don’t have cranberries, try raisins or chopped dried apricots for a different sweetness. You can also use fresh fruit like diced apples for crunch.
How Do You Make a Smooth and Flavorful Dressing?
Getting the dressing right is key for this salad. A smooth dressing ties all the flavors together. Here’s how to do it easily:
- First, start with the fresh strawberries and blend them until smooth.
- Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and season with salt and pepper.
- Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning—it should be sweet, tangy, and flavorful!
Tip: If you like your dressing a bit thicker, add more strawberries or reduce the olive oil. Don’t forget to taste as you go!
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad With Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or your choice)
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional)
For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time blending the dressing, assembling the salad, and dressing it up. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
Start by making the delicious strawberry balsamic dressing. In a blender, combine the half cup of fresh hulled strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey (or maple syrup). Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything until it’s smooth and well-combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set it aside for later.
2. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to put the salad together! In a large bowl, add your mixed salad greens as the base. Next, pile on the sliced grilled chicken and the fresh strawberries. If you’re using them, sprinkle in the thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, sliced almonds (or walnuts), and dried cranberries. This will make your salad colorful and tasty!
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the greens and toppings get a nice coating of the dressing. Be careful so you don’t mash the strawberries!
4. Serve:
Divide your beautiful salad onto plates or bowls. Feel free to garnish with extra strawberries and nuts on top for an appealing presentation. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy meal right away!
This salad is not only refreshing but also showcases the vibrant flavors of strawberries, which pair wonderfully with the savory chicken and tangy dressing. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even diced apples or peaches for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the dressing accordingly if you change the fruit type to keep it balanced and flavorful!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the grilled chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The dressing is already vegan-friendly with honey as the only non-vegan ingredient, so swap that out for maple syrup or agave nectar!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, drizzle on the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh!
Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?
Yes, you can make the strawberry balsamic dressing a few days ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may separate over time.
