Strawberry Chicken Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight for Your Menu

Strawberry Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite among salad enthusiasts. This vibrant salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a refreshing twist on traditional chicken salads. Originating from the desire to incorporate seasonal fruits into savory meals, the combination of juicy strawberries and tender chicken has become a staple in many households, especially during the warmer months.

People love Strawberry Chicken Salad for its unique texture and the burst of freshness it brings to the table. The crisp greens, succulent chicken, and sweet strawberries create a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and nutritious. Additionally, this salad is incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether served as a light lunch or a side dish at a summer barbecue, this salad is sure to impress and delight your guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either boil, grill, or bake the chicken. If boiling, place the chicken in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
2. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
3. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken with salt and pepper, place it in a baking dish, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
5. After resting, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Preparing the Salad Base

1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salad greens. Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a salad spinner to dry them thoroughly, or pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a large salad bowl, add the dried salad greens as the base for your salad.
3. Next, prepare the strawberries. Rinse the strawberries under cold water, then hull them by removing the green tops. Slice the strawberries into thin rounds or halves, depending on your preference.
4. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the salad greens.
5. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad bowl. The red onion adds a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.

Adding the Chicken and Toppings

1. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, add the shredded or diced chicken to the salad bowl with the greens and strawberries.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy texture of the feta complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
3. If you like a bit of crunch, add the sliced almonds. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor, but this step is optional. To toast, simply place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Preparing the Dressing

1. For the dressing, you can use store-bought balsamic vinaigrette or make your own. To make homemade balsamic vinaigrette, combine the following ingredients in a small bowl or jar:
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
2. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, or seal the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.

Assembling the Salad

1. Once all the components are prepared, it’s time to assemble the salad. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Start with about half of the dressing, and you can always add more later if needed.
2. Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or two large spoons. Be careful not to bruise the strawberries or break the feta cheese too much. You

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Strawberry Chicken Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal game with a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and crisp greens creates a refreshing dish that is perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a light yet satisfying meal. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also packs a nutritional punch, making it a great choice for health-conscious eaters. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this salad with a side of whole-grain bread or a light vinaigrette to enhance the flavors even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding ingredients like feta cheese, walnuts, or avocado for an extra layer of taste and nutrition. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. We encourage you to try this Strawberry Chicken Salad and make it your own! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your personal twist, we would love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts and any variations you come up with in the comments below or on social media. Your feedback not only inspires us but also helps fellow food lovers discover this delicious dish. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal that is sure to impress! Print
   

   Strawberry Chicken Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight for Your Menu

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Chicken Strawberry Salad features tender shredded chicken, fresh strawberries, and mixed greens, topped with crumbled feta and toasted almonds, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
   • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
   • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
   • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
   • 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted if desired)
   • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
   • 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
   • 1/2 cup olive oil
   • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
   • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either boil, grill, or bake the chicken:
   2. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
   3. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water to remove any dirt. Dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel.
   4. In a large salad bowl, add the dried salad greens.
   5. Rinse the strawberries, hull them, and slice them into thin rounds or halves. Add to the bowl with the salad greens.
   6. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad bowl.
   7. Once the chicken has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl with the greens and strawberries.
   8. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
   9. If desired, add the sliced almonds. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown for enhanced flavor.
   10. For the dressing, combine the following ingredients in a small bowl or jar: balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup (optional), salt and pepper to taste.
   11. Whisk together until well combined, or seal the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
   12. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl, starting with half of the dressing.
   13. Gently toss the salad using salad tongs or two large spoons, being careful not to bruise the strawberries or break the feta cheese too much.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients like avocado, walnuts, or different types of cheese.
   • The salad can be made ahead of time; just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes