Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
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When the sun is shining, we want something light, sweet, tangy, refreshing, and delicious! This strawberry balsamic chicken salad is loaded with sweet summer strawberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy avocado. Top it off with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette!
Why this strawberry balsamic chicken salad is sunshine on a plate
You know that feeling of the warm sun directly on your skin? Summer is here: with longer days and lighter breezes, summer brings a sense of ease and vitality. It’s the season for refreshing, light meals, and this strawberry balsamic chicken salad is exactly that.
Five reasons why I think you should make this salad:
- Balsamic brilliance: Double-duty, the balsamic vinaigrette serves as both the salad dressing and the marinade for the chicken! The balsamic adds tang, and the chicken is grilled, making it smoky and delicious.
- Summer’s bounty: No flavors say summer quite like sweet, juicy fruits. Summer strawberries are the best, and make this salad extra refreshing and vibrant.
- Effortless prep: Making this salad is a breeze. Simply combine the salad dressing ingredients in a jar, pop on the lid, give it a shake, and voilà! Your marinade and dressing are ready. Grill the chicken for a mere 15 minutes, toss everything together, and dinner is served. It’s that easy!
- Lightened-up indulgence: This salad tastes like a treat thanks to the burst of strawberry sweetness, but it’s packed with leafy greens, protein, and fruit.
- Versatile: Strawberry balsamic chicken salad is perfect for many occasions- it’s great for a weeknight dinner, a backyard BBQ with friends, on a picnic in the park, or as a side dish.
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I customize this strawberry balsamic chicken salad?
Sure – this salad is versatile enough to work with a variety of additions. Add some goat cheese or feta cheese, sliced red onions, grilled asparagus, a sprinkle of sunflower seeds or alternative nuts, blueberries, basil leaves, or some diced cucumber! If you don’t have arugula, this tastes great with spinach, too.
Can I make this balsamic strawberry chicken salad ahead of time for meal prep?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh when the chicken is smoky and warm from the grill, but you can certainly make it in advance. We recommend keeping all of the elements separate (especially the balsamic dressing) and assembling just before serving to maintain freshness.
If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time, keeping it in the balsamic vinegar dressing in the fridge (covered) for up to 24 hours before grilling it.
Can I make this strawberry chicken salad recipe without a grill?
You sure can! In a pinch, you can just cook the chicken in a skillet or use a stovetop grill pan.
What cut of chicken should I use?
I like boneless skinless chicken breast the best in this salad, but boneless thighs work well, too!
Watch how to make this
Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Balsamic Dressing
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and black pepper
- Optional: 2 tablespoons plain Greek-style yogurt
Grilled Chicken Salad
- 2 chicken breasts
- 5 ounces baby arugula
- 2 ½ ounces spring mix
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 avocado (diced)
Instructions
- Place all the balsamic dressing ingredients into a 1-cup Mason jar. Close the lid and shake well.⅓ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon EACH: sea salt and black pepper, Optional: 2 tablespoons plain Greek-style yogurt
- Put the chicken breasts in a container and pour ¼ cup of the dressing over top. Turn the chicken so that it is well coated in the marinade and set it aside for ½ hour.2 chicken breasts
- While the chicken is marinating, place the spinach, arugula, strawberries, pecans, and diced avocado in a large salad bowl. Preheat your grill to medium-high.5 ounces baby arugula, 2 ½ ounces spring mix, 2 cups chopped strawberries, ½ cup chopped pecans, 1 avocado
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on your BBQ. Grill the chicken for 15 minutes, turning halfway. Remove the chicken from the grill and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken to the salad bowl, pour the remaining dressing over the top and toss to coat. Serve right away.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
Haha well I’m happy to hear we’re not the only ones raving about it!!