If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet-and-savory lunch that practically sings of summer, look no further than this Strawberry Chicken Salad. With juicy chicken, vibrant strawberries, creamy cheese, crunchy candied nuts, and a tangy balsamic drizzle all resting on a bed of crisp greens, this salad bursts with color, flavor, and texture in every single bite. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both effortless and gourmet, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special on a weekday afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Chicken Salad is chosen to deliver freshness, flavor, and beautiful contrast. They come together in a way that’s simple to assemble, yet each plays a key role in making this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken Breast: Use cooked, sliced, or shredded chicken for a hearty protein base; leftover or rotisserie chicken works like a charm.
- Mixed Greens: Choose a blend like spinach, arugula, or romaine to provide a crisp, colorful foundation full of nutrients.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced strawberries add irresistible sweetness and a pop of bright color that makes this salad shine.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings a gentle sharpness and crunch, balancing the sweet and creamy elements.
- Feta or Goat Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled cheese introduces tangy richness and a creamy texture in every forkful.
- Candied Pecans or Walnuts: These nuts supply a sweet, toasty crunch and depth of flavor—don’t skip them if you can help it!
- Avocado: Sliced avocado offers buttery smoothness and healthy fats, making the salad even more satisfying.
- Balsamic Glaze or Dressing: A generous drizzle ties everything together with tangy, syrupy notes—use your favorite vinaigrette if you like.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of each to enhance all the other flavors and bring the salad to life.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare Your Greens
Begin by spreading your mixed greens across a large salad bowl or platter. This base layer isn’t just about looks—it creates the perfect canvas for all the colorful toppings to shine, and every bite will be filled with fresh crunch.
Step 2: Arrange the Toppings
Evenly distribute the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled cheese, candied nuts, and avocado slices over the greens. This step is where the Strawberry Chicken Salad really comes to life! Try arranging everything in sections if you want a picture-perfect presentation, or toss gently for a rustic feel.
Step 3: Drizzle and Season
Drizzle your balsamic glaze or chosen vinaigrette generously over the salad, making sure to hit every corner. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring all those beautiful flavors together. If you’re prepping ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once dressed, serve your Strawberry Chicken Salad immediately for the freshest taste and texture. Whether you’re enjoying a big bowl for lunch or splitting it into side servings for a crowd, this salad is ready to impress.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Top your salad with a few extra strawberry slices, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or mint, or an extra crack of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy finish. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze adds glossy appeal and a pop of tangy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty sourdough bread, a bowl of chilled gazpacho, or even a cup of lemony soup. For a light meal, keep it simple with sparkling water and a wedge of lemon on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try layering the Strawberry Chicken Salad in a wide, shallow serving dish to showcase all the vibrant toppings. You can also serve it in individual mason jars for a fun, portable picnic option or in mini lettuce cups for bite-sized party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the undressed components of your Strawberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
Freezing
While the fresh ingredients in this salad don’t freeze well (especially strawberries and avocado), you can freeze cooked chicken ahead of time and thaw just what you need. Assemble the salad with fresh produce whenever you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad, but if you prefer warm chicken, gently reheat just the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding it to your salad. Everything else is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Chicken Salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the feta or goat cheese, or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. The salad will still be deliciously creamy with the avocado.
What kind of chicken works best?
You can use grilled, poached, rotisserie, or even leftover roasted chicken for this recipe. Marinating the chicken in a little balsamic or lemon-herb dressing before cooking adds extra flavor, but it’s totally optional.
Can I use a different dressing?
Definitely! While balsamic glaze is classic, a homemade balsamic vinaigrette or a light poppy seed dressing works wonderfully. Choose whatever complements your taste and the sweetness of your strawberries.
How can I make this salad more filling?
If you want to make it heartier, add some cooked quinoa, extra avocado, or a handful of chickpeas for more fiber and protein. This makes it a satisfying meal any time of day.
Is Strawberry Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes, as written this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients in your dressing or any store-bought candied nuts to be sure they don’t contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your table with something fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, give this Strawberry Chicken Salad a try! It’s quick, beautiful, and endlessly adaptable—a dish you’ll want to make all season long. I can’t wait for you to enjoy every sweet, savory, and crunchy bite!
Print
Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 large servings or 4 side salads
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast, juicy strawberries, mixed greens, creamy avocado, and a tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for a healthy, no-cook meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a large salad bowl or platter, arrange the mixed greens evenly as the salad base, creating a fresh and colorful foundation.
- Add the protein and fruits: Evenly distribute the sliced or shredded cooked chicken breast and sliced fresh strawberries over the greens to balance savory and sweet flavors.
- Add the toppings: Scatter the thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta or goat cheese, candied pecans or walnuts, and sliced avocado on top for texture and richness.
- Dress and season: Drizzle the balsamic glaze or your favorite vinaigrette dressing over the entire salad, then season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance all the flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill the salad and add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate your chicken in balsamic or lemon herb dressing before cooking.
- You can substitute grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- This salad pairs well with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette or a poppy seed dressing for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large salad
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
