Name: Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup blackberries.; 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar.; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.; 2 tablespoons honey.; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard.; 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce.; 1 large clove garlic, minced.; Salt and pepper to taste.; 8 ounces goat cheese, either sliced into 1/4 inch thick discs or formed into small balls.; 1/4 cup flour.; 1 large egg, lightly beaten.; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs).; 1/2 pound chicken breasts.; 6 cups lettuce.; 1 cup blackberries.; 1 avocado, sliced.; 1/4 cup red onion, sliced.; 1/4 cup walnuts (or pistachios or almonds).

If you’re looking to elevate your salad game, this Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad is a must-try. The combination of sweet and tangy blackberry vinaigrette, creamy fried goat cheese, and juicy grilled chicken creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this dish an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. Follow the detailed instructions to create a salad that is sure to impress.

A vibrant Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with fried goat cheese and a homemade vinaigrette — A vibrant blackberry balsamic grilled chicken salad with fried goat cheese and a homemade vinaigrette | Myhomemaderecipe.com

INGREDIENTS

For the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing:

1/2 cup blackberries: Fresh or frozen, these add a burst of sweetness and color.
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth to the dressing.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce: Adds umami and a touch of saltiness.
1 large clove garlic, minced: Enhances the dressing with a savory bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference.

For the fried goat cheese:

8 ounces goat cheese: Slice into 1/4 inch discs or form into small balls for frying.
1/4 cup flour: For dredging the goat cheese, giving it a crispy coating.
1 large egg, lightly beaten: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs): Creates a crunchy outer layer.

For the salad:

1/2 pound chicken breasts: Marinated and grilled to juicy perfection.
6 cups lettuce: A fresh, crisp base for the salad.
1 cup blackberries: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
1 avocado, sliced: Creamy and rich, balancing the tart berries.
1/4 cup red onion, sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
1/4 cup walnuts (or pistachios or almonds): Provides a nutty crunch.

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing:: In a food processor or blender, puree 1/2 cup blackberries, 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce, 1 large minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Fry the Goat Cheese:: Dredge 8 ounces of goat cheese (sliced into 1/4 inch thick discs or formed into small balls) in 1/4 cup flour. Coat with 1 large beaten egg and then roll in 1 cup panko breadcrumbs. In a skillet, fry the coated goat cheese in oil over medium heat until lightly golden brown. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
Marinate and Grill the Chicken:: Marinate 1/2 pound chicken breasts in half of the prepared vinaigrette for 30 minutes to overnight. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken until cooked through and slightly charred, about 2-5 minutes per side. Set aside to cool, then slice.
Assemble the Salad:: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups of lettuce, 1 cup blackberries, 1 sliced avocado, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup walnuts (or pistachios or almonds). Add the grilled chicken slices and fried goat cheese. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette dressing and toss gently to combine.

Serving and Storage Tips

For optimal flavor and texture, serve the Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad immediately after assembling. The combination of fresh ingredients, warm goat cheese, and grilled chicken creates a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavors. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and the dressing in a jar for up to a week. Reheat the goat cheese briefly in a skillet before adding it to the leftover salad.

Helpful Notes

For added convenience, you can prepare the vinaigrette and goat cheese ahead of time. Simply store them separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad. If you’re looking for a bit more crunch, consider adding some croutons or crispy bacon bits. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver suggests experimenting with different nuts and berries to create your own unique version of this salad. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the goat cheese and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.