If you’re looking for the ultimate summer salad that’s equal parts vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying, this Strawberry Chicken Salad is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken mingling with juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds, creamy feta, and peppery greens, all wrapped together with a sweet-tangy balsamic dressing. This salad is not only stunning to look at but is also packed with protein and just the right hint of fruity freshness that’ll have everyone swooning at first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of wholesome ingredients, each one in this recipe pulls its weight to create a beautiful harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. Prepare to fall in love with how deliciously simple it is to bring Strawberry Chicken Salad to your table!
- Chicken breast: Tender, lean, and shredded or chopped for easy eating—a fantastic source of protein that turns this salad into a meal.
- Mixed salad greens: A happy mix of spinach, arugula, or spring mix brings freshness, color, and a variety of nutrients.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and just tart enough—they infuse the salad with a pop of color and a summery twist.
- Sliced almonds: Toasty, nutty, and crunchy for that irresistible bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and tangy—this ingredient ties the salad together beautifully.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and color contrast.
- Avocado (optional): Buttery and rich; add it for extra creaminess and healthy fats if you wish.
- Balsamic vinegar: The backbone of the dressing, bringing the whole dish together with its tangy sweetness.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way to round out the dressing and add satiety.
- Honey: Just a teaspoon enhances strawberry sweetness and balances the vinegar.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust to your preference.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Wash and dry your salad greens thoroughly—nothing ruins a salad faster than soggy leaves! Hull and slice your strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, dice the avocado if using, and crumble your feta ahead of time so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Make the Salad Base
Grab a big salad bowl and pile in your salad greens. Add the chicken, strawberries, almonds, red onion, feta cheese, and avocado if you’re including it. The idea is to distribute the ingredients evenly, so you get a little bit of everything in every forkful. It’s honestly such a feast for the eyes!
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, a pinch of salt, and pepper. You want a smooth, balanced dressing that beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the savory feta. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or honey to suit your palate.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the freshly whisked dressing all over your salad. With clean hands or gentle salad tongs, toss everything lightly until the greens are just coated and the toppings are evenly distributed. Be careful not to crush the berries or avocado!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
While you can serve the Strawberry Chicken Salad right away, it’s especially refreshing if you chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving. This brief rest lets the flavors meld and each ingredient stay crisp and fresh.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, scatter a few extra sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of almonds, and a bit more feta cheese right over the top. A handful of fresh basil or mint leaves can add a burst of color and fragrance that makes this salad feel truly special.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty whole-grain bread, a bowl of chilled soup like gazpacho, or light crackers for some extra crunch. If you’re hosting, serve it alongside a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water with citrus for the perfect summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Try serving Strawberry Chicken Salad in hollowed-out avocados, piled atop crostini for bite-sized appetizers, or in mason jars for a picnic-ready, portable option. These playful presentations elevate any lunch, brunch, or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If possible, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving, as this helps prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, since strawberries, greens, and avocado all lose their lovely texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh or store only the components (like cooked chicken) in the freezer for future use.
Reheating
Since Strawberry Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled, there’s no need for reheating! If you’re using pre-cooked chicken straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before assembling your salad for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I use grilled or rotisserie chicken for Strawberry Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Both grilled and rotisserie chicken bring extra flavor and make this recipe incredibly convenient. Just shred or chop, and toss right in.
What can I use as a substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese is a fantastic substitute, lending a similar creaminess with even more tang. Fresh mozzarella balls or a sprinkle of blue cheese work, too, depending on your taste.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Strawberry Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be mindful if you add bread or crackers as sides—look for certified gluten-free options.
How can I make the dressing creamier?
Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing. This creates a dreamy, creamy version without overpowering the signature flavors.
Can I prepare Strawberry Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all the ingredients and keep them separate in the fridge. Assemble and add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
It’s truly hard to resist the playful flavor and gorgeous color of Strawberry Chicken Salad. Give it a try—you’ll discover how easy it is to make, how much everyone enjoys it, and why it’s bound to brighten up any meal, any day of the week!
Print
Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, diced (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, red onion, almonds, and feta cheese. Add diced avocado if desired.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes for a cooler salad.
Notes
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Goat cheese can be a substitute for feta, and walnuts can replace almonds based on preference.
- For a creamier dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large salad
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
