If you are craving a vibrant meal that bursts with fresh flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender grilled chicken pairs effortlessly with juicy strawberries, tangy feta, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a luscious balsamic vinaigrette that brings everything together in a refreshing symphony of taste and textures. It’s a salad that’s simple enough for a quick lunch yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner gathering. Once you try it, this salad might just become your new favorite go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delightful salad features straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to complement the other, ensuring every bite is fresh, balanced, and satisfying.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Grilled to juicy perfection, they provide protein and substance to the salad.
- 6 cups mixed salad greens: A vibrant mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine adds variety and a crisp base.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: These add a bright, sweet burst and beautiful color contrast.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Offers a salty tang that cuts through the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion: Adds a mild bite and a bit of crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or candied pecans: Introduces a lovely nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: The star of the dressing, bringing a rich and tangy depth.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Smooths and enriches the dressing, enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the balsamic.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle kick and emulsifies it beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate all the ingredients.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Grill them over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing it into tender strips perfect for topping your salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine your mixed greens with freshly sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and crunchy pecans. This combination is where freshness meets texture, creating the perfect canvas for your dressing.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, mix balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and emulsified to a silky consistency that will coat every bite beautifully.
Step 4: Toss and Top
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Then, crown your vibrant salad with those juicy grilled chicken slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your salad, sprinkle some extra crumbled feta or a few whole pecans on top. Fresh basil leaves can add a fragrant herbal note, or a light drizzle of aged balsamic glaze offers a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing look.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic baguette slices to soak up any extra dressing. For a heartier meal, consider serving with roasted sweet potatoes or a light soup like gazpacho to complement the freshness of the salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish presentation, arrange the salad on individual plates, fanning out the chicken slices atop the greens and strawberries. Another fun idea is to serve the salad in mason jars for a picnic or casual gathering, keeping the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain crispness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess and toss just before serving to refresh the flavors.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh greens and delicate ingredients like strawberries and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor would be compromised once thawed.
Reheating
Since the chicken is grilled, if you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat the sliced chicken separately in a microwave or skillet before adding to the chilled salad. Avoid reheating the entire salad to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
Absolutely! While balsamic vinegar is classic for this recipe, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can also add a lovely tang. Just adjust the honey slightly to balance the acidity to your taste.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains fresh ingredients and no gluten-containing grains or additives.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, grilling the chicken ahead of time is a great way to save time. Keep the cooked chicken refrigerated and slice it just before assembling the salad for the best texture.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
If you need to avoid nuts, try pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas for that satisfying crunch without the allergy concerns.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To veganize this recipe, swap the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas, replace the feta with a plant-based cheese, and ensure your dressing ingredients are all vegan-friendly. The sweet and tangy profile will still shine!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe enough. It’s a wonderfully fresh, flavorful dish that brightens any mealtime with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements. Whether you’re feeding just yourself or friends and family, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try—you might just fall in love!
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh mixed greens, sweet strawberries, tangy feta cheese, crisp red onions, and crunchy pecans. Tossed in a homemade balsamic honey dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal ideal for warm weather or light lunches.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or candied pecans
For the Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium heat for 5–6 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens with the sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onion, and chopped pecans. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Top the dressed salad with the sliced grilled chicken. Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese for feta cheese to vary the flavor.
- Walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different nutty crunch.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar and garlic for 30 minutes prior to grilling.
