Name: Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded); 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach; 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced); 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup sliced almonds or candied pecans; 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant salad that bursts with both color and flavor, look no further than Strawberry Chicken Salad! This delightful combination of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, creamy feta, and crunchy nuts piled high on a bed of fresh greens is a summer dream come true. Every forkful is a medley of sweet, savory, and tangy notes—making it perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even an eye-catching dinner party centerpiece. Get ready to fall in love with a salad that gives you the best of healthy eating and flavorful indulgence!

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Strawberry Chicken Salad couldn’t be easier. Each component brings something special to the bowl, whether it’s a burst of freshness, a pop of color, or that irresistible contrast of textures.

Cooked chicken breast: Sliced or shredded, this gives the salad its hearty protein, making it satisfying for any meal.
Mixed greens or baby spinach: A fresh, crisp base that soaks up the flavors of the salad and dressing—use your favorite mix!
Fresh strawberries: Sweet and juicy slices add a fruity brightness that takes the salad to another level.
Crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just a bit salty—feta ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Sliced almonds or candied pecans: For the perfect touch of crunch and a hint of nuttiness or sweetness, depending on your choice.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds a pop of color and a subtle zing to cut through the sweetness.
Balsamic vinegar: The tangy backbone of your dressing—pairs gorgeously with strawberries.
Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing, adding richness and shine.
Honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that highlights the strawberries and rounds out the dressing.
Salt and pepper: Essential for making every ingredient sing—don’t skip these final flavor boosters!

How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Layer the Salad Base

Start by grabbing your largest, prettiest salad bowl—it’s time to build a showstopper! Arrange the mixed greens or baby spinach at the bottom, making a generous, fluffy bed. This base will provide freshness and color, ready to hold all the delicious toppings to come.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Strawberries

Evenly distribute your sliced or shredded cooked chicken breast over the greens. Scatter the strawberry slices across the bowl, tucking them between the chicken pieces. This balance of savory and sweet is what sets Strawberry Chicken Salad apart, so let both shine!

Step 3: Sprinkle the Cheese, Nuts, and Onion

Now, add the crumbled feta cheese for that creamy, tangy punch, followed by a handful of sliced almonds or candied pecans for crunch. Finally, top off with thin slivers of red onion. Each of these toppings brings both texture and eye-popping visual appeal.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Give it a taste—this dressing should be tangy with a hint of sweetness. Adjust seasoning as needed to suit your palate.

Step 5: Dress and Toss Your Salad

Drizzle the homemade balsamic-honey dressing evenly over your assembled salad. Using salad tongs or two big spoons, gently toss everything together—just enough to coat the threads of greens and tangle the flavors, but not so much that the delicate strawberries get squished. Serve right away and dig in!

How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra strawberry slices or a few whole berries on top create a dazzling presentation and drive home the fruit’s starring role. You can also sprinkle on a bit more feta or a few extra nuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. A little mint or basil, finely sliced, makes for a flavorful and aromatic finish, too.

Side Dishes

To make this meal even more satisfying, pair your Strawberry Chicken Salad with warm, crusty bread or a scoop of fluffy quinoa for a wholesome, filling option. A light soup, such as chilled cucumber or gazpacho, matches the salad’s summery vibe wonderfully and elevates your meal to bistro status.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a big bowl, try serving individual Strawberry Chicken Salads in wide-mouthed mason jars for a fun picnic option. Build it as a beautiful layered salad in a trifle dish for a buffet. Or, for a party-ready appetizer, spoon portions onto endive leaves for colorful, hand-held boats of flavor that guests can grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. It’s best to keep extra dressing separate, if possible, to prevent the greens from getting soggy. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your lunch the next day just as delicious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Chicken Salad, as fresh greens, strawberries, and cheese simply don’t hold up well to the cold. The textures and flavors shine best when enjoyed fresh, so make only what you’ll eat in a day or two.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh and chilly, no reheating is needed! If you prefer warm chicken, keep it separate from the salad and add just before serving. This ensures the greens stay crisp and the cheese doesn’t melt.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the greens, chicken, strawberries, cheese, nuts, and onion in advance, and keep them stored separately in the fridge. Mix the dressing and keep it in a jar. Assemble and dress right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What’s the best type Salad

Any cooked chicken breast works—think leftover rotisserie, grilled, or even poached. If you want maximum flavor, grilled chicken adds a smoky dimension, but any simply seasoned, well-cooked chicken will shine in this salad.

Can I substitute another cheese for the feta?

Definitely! Goat cheese is a wonderful alternative for an even creamier bite. Blue cheese adds a tangy kick, and shredded Parmesan will give you a nutty, salty note. Let your cheese choice reflect the flavors you love most.

What other nuts can I use besides almonds or pecans?

Walnuts are a delicious swap, bringing earthy crunch that pairs well with strawberries. Toasted pistachios or even sunflower seeds offer a new twist—feel free to experiment with what you have on hand or enjoy most!

Is this Strawberry Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Yes! All the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check the labels on your cheese and nuts to be confident, and skip the bread on the side if you’re gluten sensitive.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and joyful moments around the table. If you’re ready for a salad that brings a smile to every bite, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it all season long!

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Strawberry Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, fresh strawberries, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed together in a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect light and refreshing meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds or candied pecans
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing:

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Layer Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, layer the mixed greens, sliced chicken, strawberries, feta cheese, almonds or pecans, and red onion.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.