Strawberry Chicken Salad

A vibrant summer salad that perfectly balances sweet strawberries with savory grilled chicken, all tied together with a tangy balsamic dressing. This refreshing dish is as nutritious as it is beautiful, making it ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Chicken Salad is a game-changer for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of juicy strawberries and grilled chicken creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings. The salad is also incredibly versatile—you can customize it based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts provide lean protein and a hearty element to this light salad. They can be prepared ahead of time and chilled for convenience, or substituted with rotisserie chicken when you’re short on time.

Mixed greens form the fresh foundation of this salad. You can use any combination you prefer—spinach, arugula, romaine, or spring mix all work wonderfully. The variety of greens adds different textures and nutritional benefits.

Strawberries bring a sweet-tart flavor that’s the star of this salad. They add beautiful color, natural sweetness, and a boost of vitamin C. For the best flavor, choose ripe, in-season berries.

Red onion adds a sharp, pungent contrast to the sweet berries. Slicing them thinly helps distribute their flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. If raw onions are too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite.

Feta cheese contributes a tangy, salty element that balances the sweet strawberries. Its crumbly texture distributes throughout the salad, ensuring flavor in every bite. You can substitute goat cheese or blue cheese based on your preference.

Walnuts provide a necessary crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Toast them lightly before adding to the salad to enhance their nutty flavor. Pecans or sliced almonds make excellent alternatives.

Balsamic vinaigrette ties all the flavors together with its sweet-tangy profile. The deep, rich flavor of balsamic complements both the strawberries and the chicken beautifully. You can use store-bought dressing or quickly make your own by whisking balsamic vinegar with olive oil, a touch of honey, and seasonings.

Salt and pepper are simple but essential for bringing out all the flavors in this salad. Season to taste, considering that the feta cheese already contributes saltiness.

Directions

1. Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
2. While the chicken cooks, prepare your salad base by combining the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped walnuts in a large serving bowl.
3. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and arrange them on top of the salad mixture.
4. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the entire salad, or serve it on the side to allow everyone to dress their own portion.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for lunches. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, making it a satisfying yet light meal option.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Add cucumber, kalamata olives, and replace the walnuts with pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Tropical Version: Substitute mango for strawberries and add avocado for a tropical flavor profile.

Asian-Inspired: Replace the balsamic vinaigrette with a sesame ginger dressing and add mandarin oranges and sliced almonds instead of walnuts.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or quinoa for protein.

Dairy-Free: Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.

Winter Version: When strawberries aren’t in season, try using sliced pears or apples and dried cranberries.

Storage/Reheating

For best results, store the components of this salad separately:

Greens and Vegetables: Store unwashed greens in a container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Keep sliced onions in a separate container.

Chicken: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be served cold or gently reheated in a microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Strawberries: Store sliced strawberries separately to prevent them from making the greens soggy. They’re best when freshly sliced.

Dressing: Keep dressing in a separate container and add just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Nuts and Cheese: Store separately to maintain their texture and add just before serving.

Assembly: For meal prep, you can assemble individual portions in containers with the dressing on the side, keeping everything fresh until ready to eat.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but properly stored components can be kept for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

 

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble just before serving. Store the greens, chicken, strawberries, and other toppings separately, and combine them when you’re ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

How do I keep the strawberries from making my salad soggy?

Add the sliced strawberries just before serving. If preparing in advance, keep them separate from the greens and other ingredients until you’re ready to eat.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much moisture when thawed, which could make your salad soggy.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even a mild brie would work well. For a dairy-free option, consider a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit the cheese.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, salmon, or steak would be delicious alternatives. For vegetarian options, try marinated tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.

What’s the best way to grill chicken for this salad?

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

As is, this salad contains carbohydrates from the strawberries and balsamic vinaigrette. To make it more keto-friendly, reduce the amount of strawberries and use a sugar-free vinaigrette.

Can I make my own balsamic vinaigrette?

Yes! Whisk together 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 6 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and salt and pepper to taste.

How can I add more substance to this salad for a heartier meal?

Add quinoa, farro, or brown rice for additional fiber and substance. Avocado is also a great addition for healthy fats that will make the salad more filling.

How long will the leftovers keep?

If you’ve already dressed the salad, it’s best consumed within 24 hours. Undressed components can be stored separately for 2-3 days.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. The sweet juiciness of strawberries against savory grilled chicken creates a memorable contrast, while the crunchy walnuts and tangy feta add complexity that elevates this dish beyond an ordinary salad.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and balance. It’s light enough for a summer lunch yet satisfying enough for dinner. It’s elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a weeknight meal. And while it feels indulgent with its bright flavors and varied textures, it’s actually packed with nutrition.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate more fresh produce into your diet, seeking quick and healthy meal options, or simply want to enjoy the fleeting sweetness of seasonal strawberries, this salad delivers on all fronts. Make it as written or customize it to your taste—either way, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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