This colorful strawberry chicken salad is a fun combination of juicy chicken, sweet strawberries, and crisp greens. The homemade strawberry balsamic dressing ties it all together beautifully!
You can’t go wrong with this salad—it’s refreshing and packed with flavor. I love enjoying it on a sunny day, bringing extra smiles to my lunch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: For this salad, cooked chicken breast works great. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re looking for a meatless option, grilled tofu or chickpeas can work just as well!
Mixed Greens: I recommend a mix of romaine and spinach for variety. You can also use arugula or kale if you prefer something with more bite or texture. Just make sure the greens are fresh!
Strawberries: The star of this salad! Use fresh strawberries for the best taste. If they aren’t available, try raspberries or blueberries for different flavors. Frozen berries can work too, but they’ll be softer.
Feta Cheese: I love using crumbled feta for its tangy flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try vegan feta or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter version.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. You can substitute with walnuts or pecans if you prefer. Just toast them lightly in a dry pan for an extra touch of flavor!
How Do I Make a Smooth Dressing?
Getting your dressing smooth and flavorful is key to this salad. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start by blending 1 cup of hulled strawberries with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The strawberries will add both sweetness and body to your dressing.
- If you like your dressing a bit sweet, add honey or maple syrup sparingly and blend again.
- Taste the dressing! Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper. A pinch can really lift the flavors.
- Blend until completely smooth—aim for a few seconds more if needed to break down any strawberry lumps.
Storing leftover dressing? Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir or shake before using again!
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as romaine and spinach)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Strawberry Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. You’ll be blending the dressing and mixing the salad quickly, so you can enjoy a fresh meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
Start by making the strawberry balsamic dressing. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup of hulled strawberries, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and honey or maple syrup if you like a little sweetness. Blend everything together until smooth. After blending, give it a taste and add some salt and pepper to suit your flavor preferences. Set the dressing aside.
2. Assemble the Salad:
Take a large salad bowl and add the mixed greens as your base. Next, layer in the diced or sliced chicken, the sliced strawberries, and the thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is going to be delicious!
3. Add Cheese and Nuts:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. If you’re using sliced almonds, add those as well for a nice crunch. It’s always fun to add texture to your salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Now, drizzle the strawberry balsamic dressing you made earlier over the salad. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently toss everything together, ensuring all the ingredients are coated in that lovely dressing.
5. Serve:
Take a moment to taste your salad. If it needs a little more seasoning, add salt and pepper to your liking. Serve the salad immediately, garnishing it with extra strawberries and feta if you want to make it even prettier. Enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing. If using refrigerated chicken, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes to take the chill off before adding it to your salad.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or try a creamy mozzarella for a milder taste. Even avocado can be a great addition if you want a creaminess without cheese!
How to Store Leftover Salad and Dressing?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to prevent wilting. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the dressing in another container. The dressing can last for about a week in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using again!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the strawberry balsamic dressing in advance! It keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and give it a good shake before using to mix everything back together.
