This vibrant chicken salad mixes juicy strawberries and blueberries with tender chicken. Topped with a zesty orange vinaigrette, it’s a treat for your taste buds!
Making this salad is a breeze! Just toss everything together and drizzle with that tangy vinaigrette. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Greens: I like using a combination of spinach and arugula for their flavors and textures. If you can’t find those, feel free to swap in romaine, kale, or even spring mix for a different taste.
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast adds protein here. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken is a great option. For a vegetarian twist, substitute with chickpeas or tofu!
Strawberries & Blueberries: Fresh berries are best for flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen berries work too—just thaw and drain them before adding. You could also use raspberries or blackberries for a slight variation.
Pecans: While pecans add a nice crunch, you can replace them with walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or omit them altogether. Toasting them lightly can also enhance the flavor.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy bite. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative can be good substitutes.
How Do I Make a Balanced Orange Vinaigrette?
Making a delicious vinaigrette is crucial for this salad! The key is balancing the flavors of acidity, sweetness, and richness.
- Start with fresh orange juice as your acidic base. The freshness really brightens the salad.
- Add olive oil for richness. The ratio should be about 3 parts oil to 1 part acid for a well-balanced dressing.
- Honey helps to balance the acidity of the orange juice. Adjust based on your sweetness preference!
- Don’t forget the Dijon mustard—this not only adds flavor but helps to emulsify the dressing, making it creamy.
- Whisk everything well until combined and taste—tweaking the salt and pepper makes sure it suits your palate.
Strawberry Blueberry Chicken Salad With Orange Vinaigrette
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup mandarin oranges, drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Orange Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad can be ready in about 15 minutes! You’ll spend just a few minutes making the vinaigrette and tossing the salad together. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Orange Vinaigrette:
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined—a few seconds should do! Taste it and feel free to adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking if needed.
2. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced chicken, sliced strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges, and red onion. This is where the colors and textures come together beautifully! Give it a light toss so everything is mixed but not crushed.
3. Add Nuts and Cheese:
If you’re using them, sprinkle the chopped pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the top of your salad. They add a delightful crunch and extra flavor!
4. Dress the Salad:
Now it’s time to drench your salad in the yummy orange vinaigrette! Drizzle it over the assembled salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is nicely coated with the dressing.
5. Serve:
To finish, season with a little extra salt and pepper if you like, and serve right away for the freshest taste. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Blueberry Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the strawberries and blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even sliced apples. Just make sure any fruit you choose pairs well with the orange vinaigrette for that sweet and tangy balance!
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Vinaigrette?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work great! You can also use a sugar substitute if you’re aiming for a lower-calorie option. Just start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste as necessary.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftover salad, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The mixed greens may lose some crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can This Salad Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add additional protein sources like chickpeas or quinoa. You can also add more cheese, like goat cheese, to enhance the flavors while keeping it hearty and satisfying!
