If you’re searching for the perfect summer lunch or light dinner that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying, look no further than Strawberry Chicken Salad. This colorful medley brings together juicy strawberries, tender chicken, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and crisp greens, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The result is a salad that’s bursting with contrasting flavors and textures, making every bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something vibrant and healthy, this salad is sure to become a regular on your table.

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this salad truly shine is its blend of simple, fresh ingredients—each one playing a vital role in both taste and presentation. With just a few grocery staples, you’ll create a dish that feels fancy enough for company yet easy enough for any day of the week.

Cooked chicken breast: Use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed, savory base that pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries.
Fresh strawberries: Hulled and sliced, these provide juicy sweetness and a pop of summer color.
Mixed greens or baby spinach: Four cups of greens add freshness, crunch, and a mild base that lets the other flavors shine.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle bite and a touch of sharpness to balance the salad.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, the cheese adds richness and a salty contrast to the fruit.
Sliced almonds or chopped pecans: For crunch and a nutty depth; toast them first to intensify their flavor.
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing: A quarter cup brings everything together with its sweet-tart zip—try a poppy seed or honey mustard for a fun twist.
Salt and pepper: Just a pinch of each to highlight every ingredient without overpowering the salad.

How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients

Grab your largest salad bowl and add the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, mixed greens or baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion. This is your salad’s colorful foundation. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly—be careful not to crush the strawberries.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad, followed by the sliced almonds or chopped pecans. These touches bring a creamy richness and crunchy texture that elevate the whole dish. If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the nuts in a dry skillet will add even more flavor.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad. Use salad tongs or clean hands to gently toss everything together, ensuring the greens and toppings are lightly coated but not soggy. The vinaigrette ties all the flavors together and helps each forkful shine.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Give the salad one last gentle toss, then serve it immediately while the greens are still crisp and the strawberries are at their juiciest. Every bite will be bursting with flavor and texture!

How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect presentation, top your Strawberry Chicken Salad with a few extra sliced berries, a sprinkle of cheese, and a scattering of toasted nuts. A little fresh cracked black pepper or a handful of microgreens adds a lovely finishing touch and elevates the salad’s look and flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread, a cup of chilled soup, or a small bowl of fresh fruit. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a quinoa pilaf or herby couscous.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on the classic, serve Strawberry Chicken Salad in hollowed-out avocados or on mini crostini for party appetizers. You can also layer the salad in mason jars for a portable picnic lunch, or roll it up in a tortilla for a fresh and satisfying wrap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep everything as fresh as possible, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. The greens and berries will stay crisp for up to a day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Strawberry Chicken Salad, as the fresh greens and berries lose their texture after thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken on its own and assemble the salad fresh whenever you crave it.

Reheating

There’s no reheating required for this salad, but if you prefer your chicken warm, gently heat it before adding to the bowl. Everything else should stay cool and crisp for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, feel free to try blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches for a different twist on this salad. Each fruit brings its own unique sweetness and color.

How can I make Strawberry Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Simply omit the feta or goat cheese, or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still be deliciously fresh and flavorful.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

You can use grilled, roasted, baked, or rotisserie chicken—whatever is easiest for you! Just make sure it’s fully cooked, cooled, and chopped or shredded before adding to the salad.

Can I prepare Strawberry Chicken Salad in advance?

Yes! Prepare all the ingredients and keep them separate in the fridge, then assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, Strawberry Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as your dressing and cheese are gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with Strawberry Chicken Salad after just one bite. The mix of juicy berries, savory chicken, creamy cheese, and crunchy nuts is truly irresistible. I hope you’re inspired to give this salad a try—trust me, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad combines tender cooked chicken breast with fresh, juicy strawberries, crisp mixed greens, and tangy feta cheese. Enhanced with crunchy nuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing and healthy meal perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a light but satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, mixed greens, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss these ingredients together to mix them without bruising the strawberries or greens.
Add Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the salad mixture evenly with crumbled feta or goat cheese along with the sliced almonds or chopped pecans. This adds a creamy texture and crunch to the salad.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly once more to coat all ingredients evenly without making the salad soggy.
Season and Serve: Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

Use grilled, roasted, or store-bought rotisserie chicken based on convenience and flavor preference.
For enhanced nuttiness, toast the almonds or pecans lightly before adding to the salad.
Alternative dressings like a poppy seed or honey mustard vinaigrette work wonderfully with the flavors in this salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American