If you are searching for a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad, you will fall in love with this Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe. It beautifully combines the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with tender chicken breast and crisp mixed greens, making every bite a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Light yet satisfying, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a healthy dinner that feels just as indulgent as a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a starring role in making this salad both flavorful and colorful, bringing together freshness, crunch, and richness with remarkable ease.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: The protein-packed base adds savory depth and keeps you full and energized.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: These bring juicy sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the whole dish.
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach: A fresh, leafy canvas that adds a tender crunch and nutritional goodness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sharpness that balances sweet and savory perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor dimension.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Provides creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet strawberries and crunchy nuts.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette dressing: A luscious dressing that ties all the flavors together with its rich, tangy notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance and unify every ingredient’s natural flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice your hulled strawberries and thinly slice the red onion. Having these ready makes assembly quick and smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Components
In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, prepared chicken, strawberries, red onion, sliced almonds or pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. This is where all the color and texture start to come alive.
Step 3: Dress and Season
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over your salad mixture. Gently toss to coat everything without bruising the delicate berries or greens. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Your Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, consider adding extra sliced strawberries or a few fresh basil leaves on top. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a tiny drizzle of honey over the strawberries can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty artisan bread or a light soup, like tomato basil or gazpacho. It also makes a fantastic stand-alone meal for a light, healthful option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in a hollowed-out watermelon or a crisp lettuce cup for an eye-catching presentation. Alternatively, layer the ingredients beautifully in a glass jar to prep individual servings for picnics or lunches on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens and strawberries from becoming soggy. Eat within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of the greens and strawberries, so freezing is not recommended as it will affect texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook salad, reheating is unnecessary and would diminish its fresh character. If you want warm chicken, gently heat it before adding it to the other salad ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this salad?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this recipe. Frozen strawberries hold a lot of moisture and can make the salad watery, altering the texture and overall experience.
What type of chicken is best for this salad?
You can use grilled, poached, rotisserie, or even leftover chicken breast. The key is that the chicken is cooked and chilled, so it holds up well in the fresh salad.
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese makes a lovely tangy alternative, or you can omit cheese altogether for a lighter dish or if you need a dairy-free option.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. Assemble all the dry ingredients ahead of time to save prep time, then toss in the dressing just before serving.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Cucumbers, avocado slices, or cherry tomatoes would all add nice flavors and textures without overpowering the star ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a shining example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something special. It invites you to savor fresh, vibrant flavors that feel indulgent yet nourishing. I encourage you to try it soon — it may become one of your all-time favorite summer salads, guaranteed to brighten any meal with its irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and nutty delights.
Print
Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and healthy Strawberry Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken, fresh strawberries, mixed greens, crunchy nuts, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this gluten-free salad offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors without any cooking required.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, almonds or pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the ingredients in the bowl, ensuring even coverage.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is lightly coated with the dressing and well mixed.
- Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest texture and flavor of the ingredients.
Notes
- You can use grilled, rotisserie, or leftover cooked chicken according to your convenience.
- Swap feta cheese for goat cheese if you prefer a softer, tangier cheese.
- For added crunch and flavor, try using candied pecans or sunflower seeds instead of regular nuts.
