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
Scale
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.
