Description
Strawberry Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This delightful salad features tender chicken breast paired with juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and fresh baby spinach, all tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with creamy goat cheese, this dish not only bursts with flavor but also serves as a healthy option for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or looking for a light family dinner, this Strawberry Chicken Salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped (about ½ a large shallot)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 2 teaspoons minced)
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons water
- ¼ teaspoon fresh thyme
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, shallots, garlic, honey, water, thyme, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Marinate the chicken in half of the dressing for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, cucumbers, red onions, strawberries, and the remaining dressing; toss well.
- Serve salad topped with sliced chicken and crumbled goat cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken for several hours. Feel free to substitute goat cheese with your favorite cheese or skip it entirely for a lighter version. Customize your salad by adding other fruits like blueberries or mandarin oranges.