This fresh strawberry chicken salad is a burst of flavor! Juicy chicken, sweet strawberries, and crunchy greens come together, all topped with a tasty strawberry balsamic dressing. Yum!
Making this salad is a breeze! I love how quick it is—just toss everything together. Plus, it’s a perfect way to enjoy summer flavors any time of year!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is great for this salad. If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken works well too. You could also use grilled or baked chicken for added flavor.
Mixed Greens: A blend of spinach, romaine, and arugula gives nice texture. You can swap with kale or spring mix if you prefer something different. Buy pre-washed greens for convenience!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for sweetness. Frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, just thaw and drain excess water. You could also try other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variety.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty touch. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even crumbled blue cheese can add a nice flavor. For a dairy-free option, consider using a nut-based cheese.
Red Onion: Sweet onions make a milder choice if you’d like less bite. Green onions are also great for a fresh flavor with a milder taste. If onion isn’t your thing, just leave it out!
How Do You Make the Best Strawberry Balsamic Dressing?
Mixing up the dressing is super simple! The balance of sweet and tangy from strawberries and balsamic vinegar is what makes it shine. Here’s how to get it right:
- First, blend 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and salt and pepper. This creates a smooth texture.
- Always taste your dressing! Depending on your strawberries’ sweetness, you might want to add more honey or vinegar to balance it out.
- Let it chill in the fridge for a bit. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad With Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, romaine, arugula)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious strawberry chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a little time blending the dressing and combining all the salad ingredients. It’s quick and perfect for a refreshing meal any time of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:
Start by making your dressing! In a blender or food processor, combine ½ cup of hulled fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. Set the dressing aside for later.
2. Assemble the Salad:
Now, let’s put the salad together! In a large bowl, mix together the mixed greens, cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, any sliced almonds (if you’re using them), and the crumbled feta cheese. Toss these ingredients gently to combine them evenly.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the delicious strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad and give it another gentle toss to make sure everything is coated perfectly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Take a moment to taste your salad. You can add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed. Serve your refreshing strawberry chicken salad right away as a light lunch or a beautiful side dish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken is perfect for this salad. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing. If the chicken has been stored in the fridge, use it within 3-4 days for the best flavor and safety.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or use shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a milder option. For vegan alternatives, try crumbled tofu or a dairy-free feta substitute!
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from wilting. The salad should stay fresh for about 1-2 days. When ready to eat, just drizzle on the dressing and toss!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries for the Dressing?
You can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them first! Simply leave them out at room temperature for a bit or place them in the fridge overnight. This ensures better blending and flavor. You may need to adjust the honey or maple syrup depending on their sweetness after thawing.
