Oh my goodness, you have to try this strawberry chicken salad recipe! It’s my absolute go-to when summer hits and I want something light but still satisfying. The first time I made it, I was skeptical about pairing sweet strawberries with savory chicken, but trust me – it works like magic. The juicy berries burst with freshness against the tender chicken, and that tangy balsamic dressing ties it all together perfectly. I’ve served this at countless backyard gatherings, and every time someone asks for the recipe. It’s become my signature summer dish – quick to throw together but impressive enough for company. Just wait until you taste how the flavors dance together!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Let me tell you why this salad has become my summer obsession – I make it at least twice a week when berries are in season! First off, it comes together in under 25 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re too hot to cook but still want something satisfying. The combination of juicy strawberries and tender chicken is seriously addictive. Plus, it’s packed with fresh ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Quick & easy: From fridge to table in less time than it takes to order takeout
- Healthy & fresh: Packed with protein, vitamins, and all the good stuff
- Summer perfection: Cool, crisp, and bursting with seasonal flavors
- Flavor explosion: Sweet berries, savory chicken, and tangy dressing create magic in every bite
I swear, once you try this strawberry chicken salad, you’ll be hooked just like I am. It’s the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating actually enjoyable!
Ingredients for Strawberry Chicken Salad
What I love about this strawberry chicken salad recipe is how simple the ingredient list is – but each one plays such an important role! I’ve learned through trial and error (oh, those early kitchen disasters) that quality matters here. Go for fresh, ripe strawberries and good olive oil – you’ll taste the difference. Here’s everything you’ll need, broken down so you can organize your prep station just like I do.
For the Salad
This is where the magic happens! My secret is tossing everything while the chicken is still slightly warm – it absorbs the flavors better. And don’t you dare use pre-shredded chicken breast unless you want dry, stringy meat. Here’s exactly what goes in:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast – shredded or diced (I roast mine with just salt & pepper)
- 1 cup strawberries – sliced (the riper, the better – smell them first!)
- 4 cups mixed greens – my favorite blend is baby spinach and arugula
- 1/4 cup red onion – thinly sliced (soak in cold water for 5 mins if you’re sensitive to the bite)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese – crumbled (but try the goat cheese version in this recipe sometime!)
For the Dressing
The dressing makes or breaks this salad, my friends. I once substituted regular vinegar for balsamic and regretted it instantly – lesson learned! Whisk this up right before serving for maximum flavor impact:
- 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff you’d drizzle on bread
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – aged is worth the splurge
- 1 tsp honey – helps balance the tartness
- 1/4 tsp salt – I use kosher
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked
See? Nothing complicated, just fresh ingredients that let each other shine. Now let’s put it all together!
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – assembling this gorgeous strawberry chicken salad! I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I’ll walk you through each step carefully. The key is treating each component with love – don’t rush the dressing, and for heaven’s sake, be gentle when tossing those delicate greens!
First, grab your biggest mixing bowl – trust me, you’ll need the space. Toss in your mixed greens first so they form a fluffy base. Now add the chicken while it’s still slightly warm (this helps it soak up all that dressing goodness). Scatter those ruby-red strawberry slices and crimson onion ribbons over top – make it pretty! Finally, sprinkle the feta like you’re decorating a cake.
Now for the dressing – this is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar vigorously for about a minute until they emulsify. Drizzle in the honey while whisking – this helps balance the tartness beautifully. Season with salt and pepper, then taste! Adjust if needed – sometimes I add an extra squeeze of honey if my berries aren’t super sweet.
Here’s my favorite part: drizzle that dressing around the edge of the bowl first, then toss gently with clean hands or salad tongs. You want everything lightly coated, not drowned! Serve immediately while everything’s fresh and crisp. Pro tip: if you’re making this ahead, keep the dressing separate until right before serving – soggy greens are a tragedy!
Want another fabulous chicken salad idea? Check out my chicken taco salad recipe for when you’re craving something with a bit more kick!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Chicken Salad
After making this strawberry chicken salad more times than I can count (my family practically demands it weekly in summer), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks. First – always, always use fresh strawberries. I made the mistake of using slightly soft ones once, and the whole salad turned mushy. Now I sniff test every berry before slicing – they should smell like candy!
Want that perfect crunch? Toast some almonds or walnuts while prepping other ingredients. Just 5 minutes in a dry skillet transforms them – but set a timer! I’ve burned one too many batches when distracted by my kids. And here’s my golden rule: toss the salad like you’re handling a newborn baby. Those delicate greens bruise easily, and nobody wants a wilted mess.
Oh, and if you’re meal prepping? Keep everything separate until serving time. I learned this the hard way when my “time-saving” pre-mixed lunch turned into a soggy disaster. Now I pack components in little containers like a salad bar – works like a charm!
Variations for Your Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
One of my favorite things about this strawberry chicken salad is how easily you can mix it up! If feta’s not your thing, creamy goat cheese makes an amazing substitute – it pairs beautifully with the sweet berries. Swap mixed greens for baby spinach when you want something heartier, or try arugula for a peppery kick. Feeling fancy? Add toasted pecans or candied walnuts for crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Chicken Salad
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this strawberry chicken salad – it’s all about creating the perfect summer meal! I always pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing (trust me, you’ll want every last drop). A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade makes it feel like a proper lunch out on the patio. The key? Serve it immediately after tossing – those greens stay crisp, the berries stay juicy, and the chicken stays perfectly tender. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let me share my hard-earned wisdom about storing this strawberry chicken salad – because nobody wants a soggy mess! Here’s what I’ve learned after many (many) lunchbox experiments. First, if you absolutely must store leftovers, keep everything separate – greens in one container, chicken mixture in another, dressing in a small jar. It’ll stay fresh this way for about 2 days in the fridge, though I always think it’s best fresh.
Whatever you do, don’t try to reheat it! Those delicate strawberries will turn to mush, and the greens… well, let’s just say wilted lettuce isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. If you want it slightly warmer, just let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, cold strawberry chicken salad beats a warm, soggy disaster any day!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you this strawberry chicken salad makes me feel good about what I’m eating! All those fresh ingredients pack a nutritional punch – you’ve got lean protein from the chicken, vitamins from the berries and greens, and healthy fats from the olive oil. That said, nutritional values can vary depending on your exact ingredients (like how much dressing you use – no judgment if you go heavy!).
Just remember – these numbers are always estimates. The exact counts will change based on your chicken’s size, how sweet your strawberries are, even which brand of feta you choose. But here’s what I can promise – it’s a balanced meal that’ll leave you satisfied without weighing you down. Perfect for those summer days when you want something light but still filling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries in this strawberry chicken salad?
Oh honey, I tried this once when I was desperate for a berry fix in winter – big mistake! Frozen strawberries turn mushy when thawed and make the whole salad watery. Trust me, this recipe really needs fresh, ripe berries. If strawberries aren’t in season, try swapping in juicy peaches or nectarines instead – they hold up much better!
How long does strawberry chicken salad keep in the fridge?
Here’s my golden rule – eat it fresh if you can! The greens start wilting after about 2 hours dressed. If you must store it, keep components separate (like I do for my quinoa salad recipe) and it’ll last 1-2 days max. The chicken stays good for 3-4 days though – just add fresh berries and greens when ready to eat again.
Can I make this salad ahead for a party?
Absolutely! I do this all the time for summer gatherings. Prep everything separately the night before – slice berries, chop chicken, make dressing. Then assemble right before serving. Pro tip: toss the berries with a tiny bit of lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping more than 4 hours ahead.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?
After years of testing, I swear by roasting! Season breasts with just salt and pepper, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until 165°F inside. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing – this keeps it juicy. Grilled chicken works great too if you want that smoky flavor. Just please don’t boil it – you’ll end up with sad, rubbery chicken!
Can I use a different dressing for this salad?
Of course! While the balsamic-honey combo is magic, sometimes I swap in poppyseed dressing for a change. Just avoid anything too heavy like ranch – it overpowers the delicate berries. A light citrus vinaigrette works beautifully too. The key is keeping it balanced so the strawberries can shine!
Strawberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.