Description
Strawberry Chicken Salad is a refreshing and light summer dish that combines juicy fresh strawberries with tender cooked chicken, mixed greens, creamy avocado, and crunchy candied nuts. Balanced with a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect for a nutritious lunch, dinner, or a summery side dish at your BBQ. It’s vibrant, delicious, and easy to make, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, using leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, place the mixed greens, then layer the strawberries, red onion slices (if using), crumbled cheese, candied nuts, and avocado slices on top. Add the shredded chicken last.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until smooth and well combined. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors. Pairs well with whole-grain rolls, crusty bread, or a chilled summer beverage.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken before adding to the salad, seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
- Add other fruits like oranges, blueberries, or raspberries for more fruity complexity.
- For a vegan or vegetarian version, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu and use dairy-free cheese.
- When making ahead, keep the dressing separate and store salad ingredients (except avocado) in the fridge in an airtight container.
