If you’re craving a meal that’s as vibrant and lively as a summer picnic, look no further than this Strawberry Chicken Salad—a perfect marriage of sweet strawberries, tender chicken, and crunchy nuts all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. The blend of flavors and colors makes every bite delightful, whether you’re serving it for lunch, a light dinner, or wowing friends at your next potluck. Get ready to fall in love with a salad that’s equal parts fresh, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious!

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Chicken Salad celebrates the beauty of simplicity—each ingredient plays a unique role in making the salad pop with flavor, texture, and color. A few smart choices turn a handful of kitchen staples into a bowl of magic!

Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or chopped, this gives the salad substance—grilled or rotisserie options both work seamlessly.
Baby spinach: These tender green leaves are mild and nutritious, forming the perfect base for our salad.
Fresh strawberries: Sliced for sweetness, they add bright pops of color and a juicy bite.
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta creates a creamy, tangy accent that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts: A little crunch goes a long way—nuts add both texture and a nutty flavor.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it lends a sharp, zesty edge and gorgeous color ribbons.
Avocado: Diced for creaminess, avocado takes this salad to the next level of lushness.
Salt and black pepper: Sprinkled to taste, these enhance all the fresh flavors in the salad.
Olive oil: Forms the silky base of the homemade dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Brings mild acidity and a touch of sweetness for a perfectly balanced vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey: A little honey tames the vinegar and gives a subtle, floral sweetness.
Salt and pepper (for dressing): Adjust to your liking—they tie the flavors together seamlessly.

How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before assembling your Strawberry Chicken Salad, make sure everything is ready to go. Shred or chop your cooked chicken, slice the strawberries and red onion, crumble the feta, dice the avocado, and measure out the nuts. A little mise en place makes tossing the salad a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Salad

In a nice big mixing bowl, combine the chicken, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, nuts, red onion, and diced avocado. Toss gently so you don’t smash the ingredients (especially the avocado). This step is where all those gorgeous colors come together and start hinting at the flavor explosion ahead.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing looks shiny and smooth—taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This homemade vinaigrette brings the whole Strawberry Chicken Salad to life!

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the dressing all over the salad, then use large salad spoons (or even your hands) to toss everything gently and evenly. Coat every leaf and piece for the most flavorful bites. Serve the salad immediately to keep the spinach crisp and the avocado fresh.

How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can get playful! Top your Strawberry Chicken Salad with a few extra sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of feta, or a handful of toasted nuts for added crunch. A quick grind of black pepper or a pinch of fresh herbs like basil or mint can really elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty baguette, a cup of chilled gazpacho, or even a bowl of simple soup for a heartier meal. For a picnic feel, serve it with cold lemonade, iced tea, or a refreshing sparkling water to keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Strawberry Chicken Salad into an eye-catching starter by spooning it onto endive leaves or tucking it into mini croissant sandwiches. Mason jar salads are perfect for picnics or meal prep, or you can layer the salad in a trifle dish for a dramatic, colorful effect at parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 1–2 days, though the spinach may soften as it absorbs the dressing. If you anticipate leftovers, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving for the crispest results.

Freezing

This salad isn’t well-suited for freezing due to the delicate strawberries, greens, and avocado, which don’t thaw well. However, you can freeze cooked, shredded chicken in advance and just thaw before assembling for an easy shortcut.

Reheating

Because Strawberry Chicken Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating. If your chicken is chilled from the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes before assembling the salad for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

What type Salad, Main Course

Rotisserie, grilled, poached, or leftover roast chicken all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s cooked through and either shredded or diced for easy mixing and eating.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Definitely! Goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shaved parmesan can add a fun twist. For a dairy-free version, simply leave the cheese out and add extra avocado or nuts for richness.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss the diced avocado with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before adding to the salad. The acid helps prevent browning and keeps your salad looking fresh and appetizing.

Is this Strawberry Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Yes—it’s naturally gluten-free as written, making it a fabulous choice for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check any store-bought items (like mustard or cheese) if you need to be extra cautious.

Can I meal prep this salad?

Absolutely! Store the chicken, greens, and mix-ins separately from the dressing and avocado. When ready to eat, assemble and toss with dressing for the freshest taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Strawberry Chicken Salad is such a hit—it’s cheerful, delicious, and effortlessly satisfying. Give this recipe a whirl and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation. I hope you enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!

Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

This Strawberry Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a perfect summer dish that’s light, flavorful, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
1/4 red onion thinly sliced
1 avocado diced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, baby spinach, sliced strawberries, feta cheese, almonds, red onion, and avocado.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately.