Print

Fresh Healthy Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

strawberry balsamic chicken salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, healthy, and easy-to-make salad featuring grilled chicken, ripe strawberries, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick lunches or light dinners with a balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), grilled or pan-seared
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by about half and thickens to a syrupy consistency (around 8-10 minutes). Set aside to cool.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chopped fresh basil if using. Slowly whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of the balsamic glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted almonds. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Plate and Serve: Arrange the dressed salad on plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over each serving. Drizzle remaining balsamic glaze over the top.

Notes

Reduce balsamic vinegar to a glaze to avoid sharpness and add sweetness. Toast almonds for extra flavor and crunch. Add strawberries last if very juicy to prevent soggy greens. Chicken can be grilled ahead and chilled. Use fresh herbs in dressing for added flavor. Substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, shrimp, or salmon for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry chicken salad, balsamic chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, summer salad, grilled chicken salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/fresh-healthy-strawberry-balsamic-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-and-delicious/