If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, fresh, and absolutely mouthwatering way to brighten your meals, the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. This salad harmonizes the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, the smoky tenderness of grilled chicken, and the sharp tang of balsamic dressing, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. With its colorful presentation and wholesome ingredients, it’s not just a salad—it’s an experience that elevates your lunch or dinner in the simplest, most delicious way imaginable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe couldn’t be easier. Each component plays an essential role, from the peppery salad greens providing crisp freshness to the creamy goat cheese balancing sweet and savory notes, making sure every forkful is a delight.
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast (sliced): Adds hearty protein with a smoky, juicy flavor that keeps you satisfied.
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine): Delivers a mix of textures and a peppery, fresh bite that forms the salad’s vibrant base.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced): Brings natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of red to brighten the plate.
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese: Provides creamy tang that balances the fruitiness and richness.
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced): Introduces a mild sharpness to cut through the sweetness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly dress the salad, enhancing flavors and adding silkiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to elevate all the ingredients and tie the dish together.
- For the Balsamic Dressing: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste; a perfectly balanced dressing that is rich, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the entire salad.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Dressing
Begin by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This combination creates a luscious base that is both tangy and sweet. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify the dressing, giving it a rich and velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, and set this dressing aside so the flavors can meld beautifully while you assemble the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh salad greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onions, grilled chicken breast pieces, crumbled goat cheese, and candied nuts. This mixture brings together diverse flavors and textures that make the salad so exciting—crisp, sweet, creamy, and crunchy all at once.
Step 3: Lightly Dress and Toss
Drizzle the salad with one tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens or strawberries. This step ensures every bite offers a harmonious blend of all the flavors right before adding the balsamic dressing.
Step 4: Serve with Balsamic Dressing
Just before serving, either pour the balsamic dressing over the salad or offer it on the side for guests to add as they please. This keeps the greens crisp and allows the dressing’s bright richness to shine at its best. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest, most vibrant flavors possible.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle additional candied nuts or fresh herbs like basil or mint on top. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful bursts of flavor that complement the existing ingredients.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or warm grilled flatbread, which helps scoop up the delicious dressing and adds a satisfying starch element. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe in individual mason jars for fancy picnics or layered in clear bowls to highlight the vivid colors. You can also top it with edible flowers for a stunning presentation that’s perfect for brunch or a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy and keeps the dressing fresh. Leftover salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh greens and delicate ingredients, freezing is not recommended—it will compromise the texture of the lettuce, strawberries, and cheese. Instead, prep ingredients in advance but assemble just before serving for the best results.
Reheating
Since the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is designed to be served cold and fresh, reheating is unnecessary. If you have leftover grilled chicken, it can be gently warmed and added to a fresh batch of salad for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feta or blue cheese are excellent alternatives to goat cheese and bring their own unique tangy flavors. For a dairy-free choice, simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but to maintain freshness, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately and combine them right before eating. This prevents the greens and fruit from getting soggy.
Can I substitute fresh strawberries with another fruit?
Certainly! Other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work beautifully and add their own sweetness and color to the salad.
How long does the balsamic dressing keep?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as the oil and vinegar may separate over time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a healthy, wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe—from its bright colors to the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s ideal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish to share with friends and family. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 large salads or 4 side salads
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and healthy Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring grilled chicken breast, fresh strawberries, mixed greens, and a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. This salad combines sweet, savory, and crunchy elements for a perfect light meal or side dish, ideal for summer lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until combined. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, grilled chicken slices, crumbled goat or feta cheese, and candied pecans or walnuts.
- Season and Toss: Drizzle the salad with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Serve: Just before serving, pour the balsamic dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Toss again if desired for even coating. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and enjoy.
Notes
- For convenience, rotisserie chicken can be used instead of grilling your own chicken.
- Feel free to swap goat cheese for feta or blue cheese based on your taste preference.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or grilled flatbread for a more filling meal.
