This colorful strawberry chicken salad is a tasty blend of juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and crunchy greens. It’s perfect for summer or any day you need a fresh lift!
I love how this salad feels light yet filling, making it a great lunch option. Plus, the sweet strawberries add a little fun—who doesn’t love a fruity twist in their salad?
For added crunch, I toss in some nuts or seeds. It’s super easy to whip up, and I often prepare extra for a quick snack later. You’ll love its bright taste!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken is convenient. For a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken. Just remember to shred it before adding to your salad!
Mixed Greens: A mix of romaine and spinach adds texture and flavor. You can also use kale, arugula, or spring mix—whatever you have on hand works well!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries offer the best taste. If they’re out of season, try using blueberries or raspberries for a similar burst of flavor.
Walnuts: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor, but you can substitute pecans or almonds if preferred. Just be careful with nut allergies!
Poppy Seed Dressing: This dressing adds a sweet touch. If you don’t have it, any light vinaigrette or even a honey mustard dressing can be a great alternative.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can get it just right! First, always season it well with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor right to the meat.
- Heat your skillet to a medium temperature before adding olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. To check if it’s done, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 4 cups mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach)
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 apple, cored and sliced (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage (optional)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing (or your favorite salad dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare. It includes about 10 minutes for cooking the chicken, plus another 10-15 minutes for tossing together the salad ingredients and dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a lovely golden brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into pieces.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and shredded cabbage if you’re using it. Toss everything gently so that the ingredients are well mixed.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Now, take the sliced chicken breasts and place them on top of your salad mixture. Drizzle the poppy seed dressing (or your favorite dressing) over the salad. Toss everything gently again to combine the flavors. If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some feta or goat cheese on top for extra tastiness.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious strawberry chicken salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it immediately for the best flavors. This bright and healthy salad is perfect for any day!
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Instead of Pan-Seared Chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a lovely smoky flavor to the salad. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and sliced before adding it to the salad mixture. You can season it the same way as pan-seared chicken to maintain flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Poppy Seed Dressing?
If you don’t have poppy seed dressing, any vinaigrette or fruity dressing works well. A balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing would be great alternatives. You might want to taste and adjust the sweetness to match your preference when using different dressings.
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This prevents the greens from wilting. When ready to eat, simply add dressing to taste!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Salad?
Yes, feel free to customize your salad! Other fruits like blueberries, mandarins, or peaches would pair beautifully with the other ingredients. Just make sure to adjust the quantity so the salad doesn’t get too overloaded!
