If you are searching for a bright, fresh, and irresistibly tasty meal, the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This salad beautifully balances savory grilled chicken with juicy fresh strawberries, crisp greens, and a tangy balsamic dressing that ties everything together perfectly. Every bite bursts with layers of texture and flavor, making it a delightful dish that is as nourishing as it is colorful. Whether you want a light lunch or a stunning dinner salad, this recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that create a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering a fresh, vibrant taste and a wonderful texture that complements the balsamic dressing exquisitely.
- Grilled chicken breasts (2): Sliced to add savory protein and a satisfying bite.
- Mixed salad greens (6 cups): Provides a crisp, fresh base with a variety of textures and colors.
- Fresh strawberries (1 ½ cups, hulled and sliced): Adds sweet juiciness that brightens the entire salad.
- Cucumber (½ cup, thinly sliced): Offers cool crunch and balances the sweetness.
- Goat cheese or feta (½ cup, crumbled): Brings creamy tang and richness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a slight sharpness and depth.
- Candied pecans or walnuts (¼ cup): Introduces a sweet, crunchy contrast.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, thinly sliced): Gives a fragrant, herby note that lifts the flavors.
- Balsamic vinegar (¼ cup): The star of the dressing, providing acidity and sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle kick that emulsifies the dressing.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Balances the tanginess with natural sweetness.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances overall savoriness without overpowering.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing harmony to the dressing.
- Extra virgin olive oil (½ cup): Creates a smooth, rich texture in the dressing.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by grilling two chicken breasts until cooked through and slightly charred for that irresistible smoky flavor. For an extra punch, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar and garlic before grilling—this step infuses the meat with taste that complements the salad beautifully. Once done, slice the chicken thinly to ensure every forkful has just the right amount of protein.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
On a large platter or bowl, arrange 6 cups of mixed salad greens as your canvas. Freshness here is key, so choose crisp greens like romaine, arugula, and baby spinach to create layers of texture and color that will make your salad as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Layer in 1 ½ cups of hulled, sliced fresh strawberries to introduce juicy bursts of sweetness. Next, add your thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion for crunch and subtle heat. Sprinkle ½ cup of crumbled goat cheese or feta to add creamy tanginess, and top with ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts to add a delightful, crunchy sweetness. Finally, scatter 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh basil to enhance the salad with herbal freshness.
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Slowly drizzle in ½ cup extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing into a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side to let everyone customize their own level of tangy goodness. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without bruising the berries or greens, and prepare to savor every delicious bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra candied nuts or a handful of fresh basil leaves atop the salad to elevate aroma and add visual appeal. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also bring an elegant finishing touch that makes this salad feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a warm grain like quinoa for a more filling meal. Serve alongside a refreshing iced tea or a chilled rosé for a perfect summer lunch or dinner combination that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the strawberry chicken salad in individual mason jars for picnic-ready convenience or portioned meal prep. You can also build it as a colorful layered salad in a trifle dish to impress guests with a beautiful presentation where every ingredient shines through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe, store the salad components separately in airtight containers to keep everything crisp and fresh. Combine just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze grilled chicken breasts separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh ingredients when ready to serve. Avoid freezing the salad with dressing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Then toss with fresh salad ingredients and freshly prepared balsamic dressing for a meal that tastes just as delightful the next day.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches all work beautifully in this salad and offer different flavor profiles that keep the dish exciting.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the grilled chicken and consider adding extra nuts or chickpeas for protein. The balsamic dressing remains a flavorful complement.
How long does the balsamic dressing keep?
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the balsamic dressing stays fresh for up to one week. Just give it a quick shake or stir before using.
Can I prepare this salad for a large group?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just multiply the ingredients as needed and prepare the dressing in a larger batch to serve at gatherings or potlucks.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
If goat cheese is not your favorite, feta, blue cheese, or even mozzarella pearls make excellent substitutes that complement the strawberries and chicken nicely.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that effortlessly combines freshness, flavor, and ease of preparation. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something light but satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every luscious bite!
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad tossed with mixed greens, fresh strawberries, cucumber, goat cheese, candied pecans, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a tangy and sweet homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or dinner, this salad offers a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Arrange the Salad: In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer the mixed salad greens as the base. Top with the sliced grilled chicken breasts, fresh strawberries, cucumber slices, crumbled goat cheese, thinly sliced red onion, candied pecans, and fresh basil. This creates a colourful, textured base for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- Emulsify the Dressing: Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing. The dressing should become smooth and slightly thickened, coating the other ingredients well when drizzled.
- Serve the Salad: Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the assembled salad or serve the dressing on the side to allow guests to add as desired. Toss gently if preferred to distribute flavors evenly.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in balsamic vinegar and garlic before grilling to infuse a deeper taste.
- Goat cheese can be swapped with blue cheese or mozzarella pearls according to preference.
- This salad is excellent for meal prep; store individual components separately and combine just before eating to retain freshness and texture.
