Print

Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

fresh strawberry balsamic chicken salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy summer salad combining fresh strawberries, tender chicken, tangy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a sweet balsamic glaze for a light, refreshing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (about 300g)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 150g)
  • 1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled (about 75g)
  • 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted (about 30g)
  • 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens (about 120g)
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (about 45ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (about 15ml)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (about 45ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Fresh basil leaves, a small handful, torn

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the balsamic glaze: In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. Slice the strawberries: Hull and slice fresh strawberries into thin pieces, about 1/4-inch thick.
  4. Chop or shred the chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Prepare the greens: Rinse baby spinach or mixed greens thoroughly and dry them well.
  6. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the greens, sliced strawberries, chicken, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese.
  7. Dress the salad: Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using basil leaves, scatter them on top.
  8. Serve immediately: For best texture, serve the salad right after dressing. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until ready to eat.

Notes

Toasting pecans enhances their flavor; reduce balsamic vinegar slowly to avoid bitterness. Toss salad gently to keep goat cheese intact and strawberries fresh. For a quicker dressing, skip reducing balsamic and whisk with honey and olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, balsamic chicken salad, summer salad, quick lunch, healthy salad, goat cheese salad, pecan salad

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/fresh-strawberry-balsamic-chicken-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-summer-lunch/