If you’re longing for a dish that’s equal parts vibrant, refreshing, and satisfying, Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese deserves a place at your table! Packed with juicy strawberries, tender chicken, cool mint, and creamy goat cheese, each forkful is a spring picnic—no matter the season. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch for yourself or impressing friends at brunch, this colorful salad brings bold flavors and beautiful textures together in every bite.

Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese lies in its fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one shines in its own way: think sweet berries, creamy cheese, peppery greens, and the brightest mint. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few tips to make them pop):

Chicken breast: Use cooked, shredded, or sliced chicken—perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience.
Mixed greens: Arugula, spinach, and romaine are my favorites for variety and a crisp base.
Fresh strawberries: Slice these beauties to distribute sweetness and color throughout the salad.
Fresh mint leaves: Tear these for a burst of cool, herbal flavor that wakes up every bite.
Crumbled goat cheese: Adds tang and creaminess that pairs dreamily with fruit and nuts.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted): Toasting the nuts brings out their sweetness and crunch—don’t skip it if you can!
Red onion: Thin slices offer a subtle, zippy bite that keeps things lively.
Olive oil: The backbone of our silky, simple dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Balances acidity and sweetness, making flavors pop.
Honey: Natural sweetness rounds out the tart and tangy components in the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps the dressing emulsify perfectly.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, so every ingredient gets its chance to shine.

How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese

Step 1: Combine the Salad Base

Grab your biggest, prettiest salad bowl—it deserves to be shown off! Add the mixed greens first, creating a soft, lofty bed. Next, sprinkle in the cooked chicken, followed by the sliced strawberries. Scatter torn mint leaves, crumbled goat cheese, toasted pecans or walnuts, and delicate rings of red onion. Don’t worry about arranging it too perfectly; the rustic look adds charm and showcases the ingredients.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these together with gusto—or shake it all up if you’re using a jar. You’re aiming for a creamy, emulsified dressing that’s tangy-sweet and fragrant.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over your Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese. This ensures the greens stay crisp and the flavors truly sing. Gently toss everything to coat—use tongs or clean hands to be delicate with those strawberries and cheese. The result? A colorful, inviting bowl ready to steal the show.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Divide the salad among plates or mound it family-style in the center of your table. Let everyone scoop up their favorite combination of berries, chicken, cheese, and mint. The aroma alone will make mouths water!

How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese

Garnishes

A final flourish makes all the difference. Try a shower of extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of microgreens for freshness. If you want little pops of color, a few pomegranate seeds or even edible flowers add instant wow factor. For a touch more crunch, an extra handful of toasted nuts right before serving is pure bliss.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese with airy slices of sourdough bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of dressing. Feeling luxe? Serve alongside a chilled soup, like cucumber or gazpacho, for the ultimate summer meal. For heartier appetites, a scoop of quinoa or a side of sweet potato rounds out the plate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

This salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Try serving it in mini jars or glasses for picnic-style appetizers, or pile it onto crostini for a festive finger food. Tuck the salad into wraps or pita pockets for on-the-go lunches—no utensils required! Even a simple presentation in a wide, shallow bowl makes this dish look sophisticated and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, though the greens are at their crispest on the first day. Store the dressing separately if you’re able, and combine just before serving to keep things fresh.

Freezing

Because of the delicate greens, juicy strawberries, and creamy goat cheese, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—the textures can change and become less appealing. However, you can freeze cooked chicken breast and nuts separately ahead of time, so assembling the salad later is a breeze.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t necessary for this dish since Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese is designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you want, you can refresh the salad by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or add a pinch of extra mint and a splash of fresh dressing to perk it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! Feta makes an excellent substitute, offering a similarly tangy bite. You can also try blue cheese for stronger flavor, or even creamy ricotta if you prefer a milder cheese.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

Poaching, grilling, or using rotisserie chicken all work beautifully. The key is to use a moist, flavorful chicken that’s not overcooked—this keeps the salad juicy and tender. I often use leftovers for speed!

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese can easily become dairy-free by omitting the cheese or swapping in a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free and full of flavor.

How can I prep this salad ahead of time for a party?

Chop all your vegetables, fruits, chicken, and nuts in advance, then store each in separate containers in the fridge. Whisk up the dressing and tuck it in a jar. When it’s time to serve, assemble everything and dress the salad just before guests arrive for maximum freshness.

What other protein options can I try?

Grilled shrimp, roast turkey, or even chickpeas work well if you want a twist. The salad’s base is flexible and lets you get creative while still keeping those gorgeous, summery flavors front and center.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something captivating about the blend of flavors and textures in Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese—it’s sunshine in a bowl! I hope you give it a try and make it your own, whether for a quick lunch or as the centerpiece of your next gathering. Dive in and enjoy every bright, joyful bite!

Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying Strawberry Chicken Salad with a delightful combination of flavors including sweet strawberries, savory chicken, tangy goat cheese, and fresh mint, all tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or sliced)
4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (torn)
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted)
2 tablespoons red onion (thinly sliced)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Main Salad Preparation: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, mint, goat cheese, toasted nuts, and red onion.
Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Final Assembly: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add avocado or quinoa for extra richness and texture.
This salad works great with grilled or rotisserie chicken and can be prepped ahead (add dressing just before serving).

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American