Fresh Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing (Print version)

Juicy chicken, ripe strawberries, crisp greens, feta, almonds, and a bright balsamic dressing for a fresh main-dish salad.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/4 lb (565 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
04 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the strawberry balsamic dressing

06 - 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled
07 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
08 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon honey
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the salad

14 - 5 cups (150 g) chopped romaine lettuce
15 - 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach
16 - 2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, sliced
17 - 1/3 cup (45 g) thinly sliced red onion
18 - 1/2 cup (75 g) crumbled feta cheese
19 - 1/2 cup (55 g) sliced almonds, toasted
20 - 1 avocado, sliced, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Add the dressing strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth, then taste on a lettuce leaf and adjust salt if needed.
02 - Pat the chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. If the breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness for faster cooking.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
04 - Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice across the grain into strips.
05 - Add romaine, spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, feta, toasted almonds, and avocado if using to a large shallow bowl.
06 - Top with sliced chicken. Drizzle with some of the strawberry balsamic dressing and toss gently. Serve extra dressing on the side.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after dressing.
02 - Dressing keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days.
03 - Use rotisserie chicken to make the salad faster.

Back