🍓🥗 Strawberry Chicken Salad

Crisp greens, juicy strawberries, tender chicken, crunchy nuts, and a sweet-tangy dressing—this salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for summer lunches or quick healthy dinners.

🧂 Ingredients

⭐ For the Salad

• 2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled, baked, or rotisserie), sliced

• 3 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, arugula, or spring mix)

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or pecans (toasted preferred)

• 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)

• 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped (optional)

🍓 Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp poppy seeds (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: Add 1 mashed strawberry for EXTRA fruity flavor.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Use whichever option you prefer:

• Grilled: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, grill 4–5 mins per side

• Pan-seared: Sear with olive oil until golden

• Baked: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 mins

• Rotisserie: Simply slice and add

Let chicken cool slightly, then slice.

2. Make the Dressing

Whisk together:

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Honey

• Dijon

• Salt & pepper

• Poppy seeds

Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or platter:

• Add mixed greens

• Top with strawberries, onion, chicken slices, avocado, nuts, and feta

• Drizzle with dressing right before serving

Toss gently and enjoy!

🌟 Tips for the BEST Strawberry Chicken Salad

• Toast the nuts for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.

• Use ripe but firm strawberries so they hold shape.

• Add herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.

• For richer creaminess, use goat cheese instead of feta.

• Chill all ingredients for an extra-refreshing salad.

❓ Q/A — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes—prep everything except the strawberries and dressing. Add them right before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of chicken?

• Grilled shrimp

• Salmon

• Turkey breast

• Chickpeas (for vegetarian option)

Q: Can I use a different dressing?

Absolutely! Try:

• Raspberry vinaigrette

• Lemon poppyseed dressing

• Honey mustard

Q: How do I keep strawberries fresh in the salad?

Dry them well after washing and add them just before eating to prevent sogginess.

Q: Is this recipe healthy?

A: Very!
It’s high-protein, vitamin-rich, and full of antioxidants from strawberries.