The Freshest Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Crafting a delightful strawberry chicken salad promises a refreshing culinary adventure that challenges traditional lunch expectations.

Crisp greens blend seamlessly with succulent meat and sweet berries, creating unexpected flavor combinations.

Summer afternoons call for light, vibrant dishes that satisfy without weighing you down.

Juicy strawberries provide natural sweetness while tender chicken adds protein-packed substance to every delightful bite.

Nutritious ingredients dance together, offering a balanced meal that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.

Colorful and quick to assemble, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Dive in and discover how effortlessly delicious eating well can be.

Strawberry Chicken Salad Loaded With Fresh Flavors

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Combine juicy strawberries in both the dressing and salad for a vibrant, sweet-tangy flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary chicken salad into a gourmet experience.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Blend the dressing in a food processor and toss ingredients together, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings with minimal cooking effort.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your plate with protein from chicken, healthy fats from almonds, calcium from goat cheese, and antioxidants from strawberries, creating a balanced and wholesome meal in one delicious bowl.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests at potlucks, summer gatherings, or light dinner parties with this colorful, restaurant-quality salad that appeals to multiple taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients in Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad

• Strawberries: Sweet and tangy berries that form the base of the vibrant dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, complex acidic flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth texture and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Contributes a sharp, zesty note to enhance the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the dressing's flavors.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh green that creates the salad foundation.
• Chicken: Protein-rich protein that makes the salad substantial and satisfying.
• Strawberries: Fresh berries that add natural sweetness and bright color.
• Cranberries: Tart dried fruit that provides a chewy texture and tangy contrast.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crunchy vegetable that adds a zesty bite.

• Goat Cheese, Almonds: Creamy cheese and crunchy nuts that provide rich flavor and textural contrast.

How to Assemble Strawberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Strawberry Vinaigrette

• Fresh, juicy strawberries
• Tangy balsamic vinegar
• Smooth olive oil
• Punchy Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Blend everything until silky smooth. Set this vibrant dressing aside while you prepare the salad.

Step 2: Create Colorful Chicken Medley

• Tender, cooked chicken
• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Sliced fresh strawberries
• Tart dried cranberries
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Crumbled creamy goat cheese
• Crunchy sliced almonds

Gently toss all ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.

Step 3: Finish and Enjoy

Drizzle the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, giving everything a gentle toss to coat evenly.

Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Feel free to add extra dressing on individual servings for an extra flavor punch.

Tips to Keep Strawberry Chicken Salad Crisp

• Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the most vibrant and sweet dressing flavor.
• Grill or roast chicken breasts in advance and let them cool before slicing to maintain moisture and tenderness.
• Add crunchy almonds and soft goat cheese last to preserve their distinct textures and prevent sogginess.
• Serve dressing on the side or drizzle just before eating to keep salad greens crisp and prevent wilting.
• Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent ingredients from getting soggy.

Variations to Change Up Strawberry Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Twist: Replace goat cheese with feta, add cucumber slices, and swap almonds for pine nuts for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Berry Kick: Incorporate jalapeño into the dressing, use grilled chicken with chili rub, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Asian Fusion Remix: Use sesame oil in dressing, add mandarin oranges, replace almonds with crispy wonton strips, and drizzle with sriracha.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add quinoa as a base, include grilled shrimp alongside chicken, mix in edamame, and top with sunflower seeds for extra protein.

Suggested Pairings With Strawberry Chicken Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the strawberry's sweetness and cuts through the creamy goat cheese.
• Match Sparkling Rosé: Choose a chilled rosé with delicate berry notes that echoes the strawberry dressing and balances the salad's tangy and savory elements.
• Enhance with Craft Wheat Beer: Opt for a light, citrusy wheat beer that provides a clean, crisp backdrop to the salad's complex flavor profile and refreshes the palate.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lemon or berry-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate and highlight the salad's bright, fresh ingredients.

Proper Storage for Strawberry Chicken Salad

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar and chicken mixture in a separate container to prevent soggy lettuce.

Pour strawberry balsamic dressing into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months for best flavor and quality.

Gently warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Add fresh lettuce and crisp almonds just before serving to restore crunch and prevent wilting when reheating leftovers.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen strawberries for the dressing?

Yes, thaw and drain them completely before blending to ensure a smooth, fresh consistency.

• Is there a substitute for goat cheese?

Feta or blue cheese work great as alternative creamy cheese options in this salad.

• How do I keep the chicken moist for the salad?

Grill or poach the chicken and let it rest before cutting to retain its juiciness and tender texture.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to prevent lettuce from getting soggy and maintain crisp textures.

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent strawberry chicken salad delivers Mediterranean-inspired freshness with tender grilled chicken and sweet berry notes. Crisp greens, tangy feta, and zesty vinaigrette complete this light, refreshing meal that lets you savor summer’s most delightful flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 4 cups romaine lettuce
• 3 cups strawberries
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Toppings:

• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1/4 cup goat cheese
• 1/4 cup almonds

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vibrant strawberry balsamic dressing by blending fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy in a food processor.
2. Slice the cooked chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces and place in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Add crisp romaine lettuce leaves, halved fresh strawberries, tart dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted sliced almonds to the chicken.
4. Gently toss the salad ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures.
5. Drizzle the prepared strawberry balsamic dressing over the salad, coating the ingredients lightly and evenly.
6. For optimal flavor and freshness, serve the salad immediately, allowing the dressing to mingle with the ingredients without becoming soggy.
7. Alternatively, serve the dressing on the side, letting diners control the amount of dressing they prefer on their individual portions.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and flavor profile.
• Toast almonds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad texture.
• Create a low-sodium option by reducing salt in dressing and using unsalted almonds for health-conscious diners.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to keep salad components fresh and prevent soggy lettuce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg