Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing featuring tender chicken breast, sweet fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta cheese, tossed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light, healthy, and gluten-free meal ideal for summer lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup candied or toasted pecans
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl or on a serving platter, layer the mixed greens, cooked chicken breast, sliced fresh strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, candied or toasted pecans, and thinly sliced red onion evenly for a beautiful presentation.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad or serve it on the side. Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients without bruising the delicate greens or strawberries.
- Season to Taste: Taste the salad, then add additional salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors according to preference.
Notes
- Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken can be used interchangeably in the salad for versatility and convenience.
- To make the salad dairy-free, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Add sliced avocado to the salad to enhance creaminess and richness.
- For extra protein and texture, consider adding cooked quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
