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Fresh Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe Easy Healthy Summer Meal

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A light and refreshing strawberry chicken salad combining sweet strawberries, savory grilled chicken, crunchy nuts, and fresh greens tossed in a tangy citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for quick summer meals that are healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced grilled chicken breast
  • 1 ½ cups fresh, hulled, and sliced strawberries
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: If not pre-cooked, season two boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill or pan-sear over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
  2. Wash and dry greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
  3. Hull and slice the strawberries evenly about ¼ inch thick.
  4. Thinly slice the red onion. For milder flavor, soak slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  5. Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Make the dressing by whisking or shaking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the greens, sliced strawberries, chicken, onion, nuts, and cheese. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to bruise the strawberries.
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead.

Notes

Use fresh, firm strawberries to avoid mushiness. Dry greens thoroughly to prevent watery salad. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well to save time. Shake dressing in a jar for easy emulsification. Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning. Assemble salad just before serving to keep strawberries fresh and greens crisp. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Variations include swapping chicken for shrimp, turkey, or roasted chickpeas for vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry chicken salad, summer salad, healthy salad, grilled chicken salad, fresh strawberry salad, easy summer meal, quick salad recipe

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/fresh-best-strawberry-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-summer-meal/