Description
A refreshing and flavorful strawberry chicken salad perfect for summer picnics and light meals. This recipe combines grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a delightful sweet and savory experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 5 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, romaine)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for vinaigrette)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt (for vinaigrette)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for vinaigrette)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring there is space between each breast for even cooking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is baking and resting, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well emulsified.
- Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, chopped red onion, and chopped basil. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- Add the sliced chicken to the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, adding more as needed.
- Gently toss the salad again to coat everything evenly with the vinaigrette.
- Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds over the top of the salad.
- Serve the strawberry chicken salad immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado or cucumber.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the vinaigrette for your preferred sweetness.
- Other nuts like pecans or walnuts can be substituted for almonds.
- For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or farro.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal (estimated)
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies
Keywords: Strawberry Chicken Salad, Summer Salad, Chicken Salad Recipe, Fresh Strawberries, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Easy Salad, Picnic Food, Light Meal, Sweet and Savory