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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the chicken breast. You can either boil, grill, or bake the chicken:
- 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.
- 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.
- In a large salad bowl, add the dried salad greens.
- Rinse the strawberries, hull them, and slice them into thin rounds or halves. Add to the bowl with the salad greens.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad bowl.
- Once the chicken has cooled slightly, add it to the salad bowl with the greens and strawberries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
- 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.
- 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.
- Whisk together until well combined, or seal the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the bowl, starting with half of the dressing.
- 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