This Strawberry Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty meal! It features juicy chicken, crisp greens, and sweet strawberries topped with a tangy strawberry balsamic dressing. Yum!
Every bite is a summer party in your mouth! 🍓 I love making this salad for a quick lunch or dinner. The dressing is a breeze to mix up, and it makes the flavors pop!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is perfect here. Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease, or swap with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Mixed Greens: A combo of romaine and spinach gives freshness and texture. If you prefer, you could use arugula for a peppery twist or even kale for a heartier bite.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are essential, but if they’re out of season, try using frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) or even blueberries for a different flavor.
Feta Cheese: This adds a delicious tang. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled tofu or omit it altogether. Alternatively, goat cheese works wonderfully too.
Dressing Ingredients: Use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. You can also try other vinegars, like red wine or apple cider vinegar, if you prefer.
How Can I Make the Perfect Strawberry Balsamic Dressing?
Making the dressing from scratch is simple and adds great flavor! To ensure it turns out well, follow these steps closely:
- Start with fresh strawberries – they provide sweetness and texture. Blend them with the balsamic vinegar first to break them down.
- Add olive oil slowly while blending for a creamy texture. This method also helps the dressing emulsify well.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed, and balance with salt and pepper.
Making your own dressing allows you to control the flavors and sweetness, so feel free to experiment a bit!
Strawberry Chicken Salad With Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spinach)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend some time blending the dressing and assembling the salad. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
Start by making the strawberry balsamic dressing. In a blender, add 1/2 cup of fresh hulled strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Taste it, and if you think it needs more seasoning, adjust it to your liking. Once done, set it aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
Grab a large bowl and add the mixed greens. This can be a mix of romaine, spinach, or whatever leafy greens you prefer. On top of the greens, add the cooked shredded or diced chicken, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds, thinly sliced red onion, and if you like, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over it all.
3. Toss the Salad:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Drizzle the strawberry balsamic dressing you made earlier over the salad. Gently toss everything together so that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing evenly. Be careful not to mush the strawberries!
4. Serve:
Your refreshing salad is ready to be served! If you like, sprinkle a little more salt and pepper for extra flavor. You can also garnish it with some extra strawberries or sliced almonds on top. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken from another meal works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure to shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and eating. If it’s refrigerated, ensure it’s warmed to your liking before adding it to the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or need a dairy-free option, try crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Alternatively, you can simply omit it for a lighter version of the salad!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from getting soggy. When ready to eat, just drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! The strawberry balsamic dressing can be made ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake or stir well before using, as the ingredients might separate while sitting.
