Chicken and Strawberry Spinach Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Chicken and Strawberry Spinach Salad! This refreshing dish features tender grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, crisp spinach, and crunchy nuts, all lightly dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light dinner, it’s a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will impress any guest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cups ripe strawberries, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
- Add Crunch: Incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts into the salad.
- Finish with Feta: Crumble feta cheese over the top.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. Experiment with different nuts like almonds or add avocado for creaminess. Prepare ingredients ahead of time but keep dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.