Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my strawberry balsamic chicken salad! It’s one of those dishes that just screams freshness and flavor—perfect for those warm, sunny days when you want something light yet satisfying. Picture this: juicy, ripe strawberries paired with tender grilled chicken, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven! I love making this salad when I’m craving something quick but still want to impress my guests. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a feast for the eyes with those vibrant colors. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up this refreshing salad that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients List
To make my delightful strawberry balsamic chicken salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste! I personally love adding a bit more feta for that creamy texture or extra strawberries for sweetness. Just remember, using fresh, ripe strawberries will elevate the flavor to a whole new level!
How to Prepare Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
Preparing my strawberry balsamic chicken salad is super simple, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute! First, if you haven’t already, grill your chicken. I usually season mine with a little salt and pepper, then grill it for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s nice and juicy. While that’s happening, you can start on the salad base.
In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens and sliced strawberries. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a minute before slicing it into strips. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside!
Now, add the grilled chicken on top of your greens and strawberries. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over everything—this adds such a lovely crunch! Finally, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Don’t go overboard; you can always add more later if you like it extra saucy. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors, and voilà! You’ve got a beautiful, vibrant salad ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry balsamic chicken salad is a total game-changer, and here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free option.
- A flavorful combination of juicy strawberries, grilled chicken, and crunchy walnuts.
- Perfect for summer meals or anytime you want something light and refreshing.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful dish!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to make sure your strawberry balsamic chicken salad turns out absolutely perfect! First, always choose fresh, ripe strawberries—they make all the difference in flavor. When grilling your chicken, don’t forget to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor. Keep an eye on the grill; cooking times can vary based on thickness. If you’re prepping ahead, you can grill the chicken a day in advance and simply slice it when you’re ready to toss the salad. And remember, you can always adjust the balsamic dressing to suit your taste—don’t be shy to experiment!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of my strawberry balsamic chicken salad is approximately 350 calories, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. You’ll get about 15g of fat, including 3g of saturated fat, along with 25g of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. This salad also contains around 30g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber, which is great for digestion. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s generally a wholesome, guilt-free option!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few questions about my strawberry balsamic chicken salad, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can swap in seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even diced apples for a fun twist.
How do I store leftovers? Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best to store the dressing separately to keep the greens fresh!
Can I make this salad vegan? Yes, you can! Just replace the grilled chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein, and skip the feta or use a vegan alternative.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions—I’m here to help!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal complete, consider pairing this strawberry balsamic chicken salad with a warm, crusty baguette or some homemade garlic bread. They soak up that delightful balsamic dressing perfectly! If you’re in the mood for something refreshing to sip on, a chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors beautifully. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside a light quinoa salad for an added boost of nutrients. Enjoy your vibrant feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my strawberry balsamic chicken salad is super easy! Just place any remaining salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. If you’ve got leftover dressing, store it separately to keep the greens crisp and fresh. As for reheating, I recommend enjoying the salad cold, but if you prefer warm chicken, simply reheat it gently in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, as that can dry it out!
For more information on the health benefits of strawberries, check out this Healthline article. You’ll be amazed at how nutritious they are!
Print
Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad: A Fresh Delight in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing salad combining strawberries, balsamic dressing, and grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens and sliced strawberries.
- Add grilled chicken on top of the salad.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and walnuts over the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the top.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Grill chicken ahead of time for quicker preparation.
- Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: strawberry balsamic chicken salad
