There’s something about sweet strawberries and savory grilled chicken that just works. It’s the kind of flavor pairing that makes you pause for a second bite without even thinking. A good strawberry chicken salad walks the line between fresh and filling. It’s not just lettuce with toppings thrown on top. It has balance – juicy fruit, crisp greens, a protein hit, and enough dressing to keep things interesting.

I make this one every summer when berries hit their peak and grilling feels more like therapy than chore. It’s simple to pull together, and it actually holds up well for a packed lunch, picnic, or lazy dinner. You can swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, but the main elements? They’re gold.

Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 large salads or 4 sides

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy, just a few things that shine when put together:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 5 oz mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula work great)
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or slivered almonds
• Balsamic glaze or vinaigrette for drizzling

Instructions

Preparation

Pat the chicken dry, then rub it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. While that heats, rinse and slice the strawberries and red onion. Set them aside with the greens and cheese.

Cooking

Grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes – this keeps it juicy when you slice it.

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. If you’re serving right away, keep it warm. If you’re prepping in advance, let it cool completely before assembling the salad.

Serving

Toss the greens lightly with your favorite vinaigrette or a splash of lemon juice and olive oil. Layer with strawberries, red onion, and cheese. Top with chicken and nuts. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 28g

Tips and Variations

This chicken and strawberry salad recipe plays well with add-ins. Here are a few switches that work beautifully:

• Cheese: Swap feta for blue cheese or skip it for dairy-free.
• Nuts: Try walnuts, sunflower seeds, or candied pecans for a little crunch.
• Dressing: A honey-lime vinaigrette or poppyseed dressing adds a fresh twist.

Also, if you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken and skip the cooking altogether.

Conclusion

This summer strawberry chicken salad isn’t just pretty – it hits every note. Sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy – it’s all in there. It doesn’t feel like diet food. It’s just good food. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or making extra for tomorrow, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep around.

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