Are you tired of the same old chicken salad? Get ready for a refreshing twist. Introducing the Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad – a summer delight with vibrant flavors1.
This salad combines sweet, savory, and creamy elements. Imagine strawberry-marinated chicken with crisp greens, ripe avocado, and tangy goat cheese. It’s all topped with a honey-lime yogurt dressing1.
Perfect for backyard gatherings or a healthy mid-week meal, this strawberry chicken salad will impress. It’s made with natural, wholesome ingredients and has the right balance of nutrients1.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time. It’s a great choice for your summer menu1. Ready to try the ultimate summer salad?
Key Takeaways
- Unique strawberry-marinated chicken salad recipe
- Focus on natural, wholesome ingredients for a healthier option
- Balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for a nutritious meal
- Versatile for family dinners or gatherings, with the ability to serve 2-4 people
- Convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights
Why This Strawberry Chicken Salad is the Ultimate Summer Dish
This strawberry chicken salad is a perfect summer dish. It’s fresh, vibrant, and has a great mix of sweet, savory, and healthy ingredients2. The lean protein from grilled chicken makes it a satisfying meal that’s good for you and tastes great.
Health Benefits of Fresh Ingredients
Strawberries are the star, adding sweetness and lots of good stuff like antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber2. The crisp romaine lettuce is packed with nutrients. Avocado and pecans add healthy fats and a creamy feel.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
The salad’s success comes from its flavors working together2. Sweet strawberries pair well with savory grilled chicken and tangy balsamic vinaigrette2. This mix makes the salad satisfying and irresistible.
Make-Ahead Convenience
This salad is great because you can make it ahead of time3. Prepare the strawberry marinade a day or two early. Then, put the salad together and store it until you’re ready to eat3. It’s easy to enjoy a healthy, tasty meal without the rush.
Looking for a hit at your summer party or a tasty, healthy meal? This strawberry chicken salad is your go-to. It’s colorful, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a new favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Chicken Salad
To make a delicious Strawberry Chicken Salad, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with 1 ½ pounds or about 4 cups of diced grilled chicken breast4. Add 2 cups of fresh, diced strawberries4 and 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans4. Use romaine lettuce or spring mix as the leafy base.
For a sweet and crunchy mix, add creamy avocado, crisp cucumber slices, and tangy red onion. Don’t forget a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
For the dressing, mix ⅔ cup of Greek yogurt, ⅓ cup of mayonnaise4, ¼ cup of honey4, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The tangy balsamic vinegar and fresh strawberries balance the flavors perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 1 ½ pounds (4 cups) |
| Chopped Toasted Pecans | 1 cup |
| Diced Strawberries | 2 cups |
| Greek Yogurt | ⅔ cup |
| Mayonnaise | ⅓ cup |
| Honey | ¼ cup |
For the best quality and convenience, use O Organics® chicken and Albertsons® romaine hearts in your Strawberry Chicken Salad5. The salad can be made in just 30 minutes and stays fresh for up to 3 days5.
Creating the Perfect Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Take your strawberry chicken salad to the next level with homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. This dressing combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar6.
Step-by-Step Dressing Instructions
To make the vinaigrette, blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper6.
Tips for Emulsion and Storage
Slowly add the olive oil while blending for a creamy emulsion. The strawberries’ natural pectin thickens the dressing, making it velvety. For the best texture, use a blender or food processor. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge6.
Flavor Enhancement Suggestions
For more flavor, try adding a bit of honey or maple syrup. These sweeteners enhance the balsamic and strawberry tastes7.
Using top-notch ingredients like aged balsamic vinegar and real maple syrup will make your vinaigrette taste even better7.
This easy dressing will give your strawberry chicken salad the perfect sweet and tangy mix6.
How to Prepare and Grill the Chicken
To make the perfect grilled chicken breast for your panera-inspired Strawberry Chicken Salad, start by seasoning the chicken. Use a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil8. Heat your grill to medium-high, about 400-450°F, and grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F8.
If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or skillet works too. Cook the chicken for the same time.
For more flavor, marinate the chicken in homemade strawberry sauce. Boil fresh strawberries with coconut sugar, water, and lemon juice. Let the chicken soak in these juices for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can8. This adds a sweet strawberry taste that complements the salad well.
After the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain8. This step makes the chicken juicy and tender. Now, your grilled chicken is ready to be part of the fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad.
Fresh Produce Selection and Preparation Tips
For a delicious strawberry chicken salad, picking the right ingredients is crucial. Start with ripe, juicy fresh strawberries that are full of flavor9. Choose a mix of romaine lettuce, spring mix, kale, or baby spinach for a vibrant and healthy base10.
Choosing the Best Strawberries
Find strawberries that are plump, deep red, and without blemishes. Stay away from berries that are too soft or have white or green tips9. Opt for locally grown or in-season strawberries for the best taste and texture.
Leafy Greens Options
Romaine lettuce is a classic, but feel free to mix it up. Spring mix, kale, and baby spinach can add variety and nutrition to your salad10. Use pre-washed and trimmed romaine hearts if you prefer, but make sure to rinse and dry them well before your salad10.
Additional Toppings Selection
To enhance the sweet fresh strawberries and savory chicken, add crunchy cucumbers and creamy avocado. Thinly sliced red onions and toasted nuts like almonds or pecans are great too. For more flavor, try mandarin oranges, raspberries, or blueberries9. You can make your strawberry chicken salad your own with endless topping options.
By choosing and preparing your ingredients carefully, you’ll make a strawberry chicken salad that looks good and tastes amazing910.
Assembly and Presentation Techniques
To make a stunning summer salad, how you put it together matters a lot. Start with a bed of crisp romaine lettuce in a big bowl11. Then, add sliced strawberries, diced cucumber, creamy avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and crunchy pecans on top12.
Place the grilled chicken breasts on top, cutting them diagonally for a nice look12. Just before you serve, drizzle the homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette over it to keep it fresh11.
For a fun twist, serve each salad in its own bowl. This lets everyone make their own mix. It’s interactive and keeps everything fresh and crunchy11.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Romaine Lettuce | 8 cups |
| Strawberries | 14 (8 for salad, 6 oz for vinaigrette) |
| Cucumber | 1 medium, diced |
| Avocado | 1 large, diced |
| Feta Cheese | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Pecans | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Chicken Breasts | 4 (about 4 lbs) |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 2-3 tbsp |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh Basil | 3 tbsp, chopped |
“The key to a visually stunning and delicious summer salad is in the details. Each component should be carefully selected and artfully arranged to create a mouthwatering presentation.”
By using these tips, you can make your healthy lunch look amazing. You’ll impress everyone with your incredible summer salad111213.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
It’s easy to make your panera-inspired, healthy lunch of fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad your own. For a dairy-free option, just leave out the cheese or use tofu or vegan feta14. You can also swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a veggie version15.
Want a richer taste? Use chicken thighs instead of breasts14. Try different cheeses like goat cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan for a new flavor15. Add candied pecans or walnuts for extra crunch15.
Seasonal Adaptations
Change up the recipe with the seasons. In summer, try fresh peaches or mandarin oranges instead of strawberries15. For fall, use diced apples or pears for a cozy twist15.
No matter how you customize your panera-inspired, healthy lunch, the Strawberry Chicken Salad will please your taste buds and keep you healthy141516.
Conclusion
This fresh strawberry chicken salad is perfect for summer. It mixes lean protein with fresh produce for great taste17. It’s quick to make, ready in 1 hour and 32 minutes, and serves 6 people. Each serving has 458 calories, making it a satisfying choice17.
You can enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish. It’s also great for special events.
The homemade strawberry balsamic vinaigrette makes the salad special. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor18. The salad also has crunchy greens, juicy strawberries, and grilled chicken for extra nutrition18.
Looking for a healthy lunch or a summer dish? This strawberry chicken salad is a hit.
There are 33 strawberry salad recipes to try19. You can make it your own with different ingredients19. The secret is using fresh strawberries and blending flavors and textures well19.
Follow these tips to make your summer meals better with this strawberry chicken salad.
FAQ
What makes this strawberry chicken salad the ultimate summer dish?
This strawberry chicken salad is perfect for summer. It combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s also healthy and easy to make in bulk, great for family dinners.
What are the key ingredients in this salad?
The salad includes chicken, romaine lettuce, strawberries, cucumber, avocado, and more. The dressing is made with fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and Greek yogurt.
How do you make the strawberry balsamic vinaigrette?
Blend strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil in a blender. Add Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly add olive oil for a creamy dressing. The dressing thickens thanks to strawberry pectin.
How do you grill the chicken for this salad?
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill at 400-450°F for 5-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. You can also cook it in a skillet.
How do you prepare the fresh produce for this salad?
Choose ripe strawberries for the best taste. Use romaine lettuce or other greens as the base. Add cucumber, avocado, and nuts for extra flavor. Rinse and dry the greens well.
How do you assemble and present the salad?
Layer romaine lettuce, strawberries, and other toppings in a bowl. Add sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle the dressing just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh. For individual servings, let diners assemble their own.
What are some variations and substitutions for this recipe?
For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Try grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Use chicken thighs for more flavor. Experiment with different cheeses and nuts for extra crunch. Use seasonal fruits like peaches for a twist.
Source Links
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- Strawberry Chicken Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette | PWWB
- Strawberry Grilled Chicken Salad – Yes to Yolks
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- A #FreshExpress Escape: Strawberry Fields Salad with Chicken Recipe
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- Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette | Foodal
- Strawberry Chicken Salad: A Unique and Delightful Combination – I Love Poke Bar
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- Blackened Chicken and Strawberry Salad – Cherry on my Sundae
- Strawberry Chicken Salad – The Seasoned Mom
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- Spinach Strawberry Salad
- 33 Irresistible Strawberry Salad Recipes Bursting with Flavor
