Grilled Chicken Strawberry Salad with Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette

Grilled Strawberry Chicken Salad With Feta

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 large Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (approx. 350g total)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 cup Fresh or Frozen Raspberries (thawed if frozen)
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Neutral Oil (e.g., grapeseed)
• 2 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
• Pinch of Salt and Pepper (for dressing)
• 6 oz Mixed Salad Greens (e.g., Baby Spinach, Spring Mix)
• 1 pint Fresh Strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup Pecans or Walnuts, lightly toasted
• 1/2 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese
• 1/4 medium Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions:

• Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium high heat for 5 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, and allow the chicken to cool completely (about 15-20 minutes) before slicing into thin strips.
• Place raspberries, apple cider vinegar, neutral oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt/pepper into a blender. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. For a silky dressing, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in the poppy seeds. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Wash and dry the mixed greens. Hull and slice the strawberries. Place pecans/walnuts in a small dry pan over medium heat and toast for 3 4 minutes until fragrant. Allow nuts to cool fully.
• In a very large bowl, lightly drizzle the mixed greens with a small amount of the vinaigrette and toss gently. Transfer the dressed greens to serving plates or a large platter. Artfully arrange the sliced cooled chicken, sliced strawberries, and red onion over the greens. Sprinkle liberally with the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	3111 kcal
Protein	18.2 g
Fat	97.3 g
Carbs	83.2 g
Fiber	15.3 g
Sodium	529 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Salad
Cuisine	American

Elevating the Classic: Why This Strawberry Chicken Salad is a Game Changer

Forget everything you think you know about chicken salad. We are moving far beyond the heavy, mayonnaise laden versions often relegated to sad picnic baskets. This Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is a composed masterpiece, offering a truly fresh, textural, and vibrant eating experience perfect for any season where berries shine.

Instead of binding the ingredients in cream, we rely on bright, juicy strawberries and a tangy homemade vinaigrette to create a light, cohesive flavour profile. When you combine tender grilled protein, sharp feta cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet sliced fruit, you don't just get a meal; you get a culinary moment.

This method elevates the simple components into a sophisticated dish that works beautifully for a refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad Lunch or an elegant weeknight dinner.

Escaping the Ordinary: A Seasonal Twist on Dinner Centrepieces

While many people view salads as merely a side dish, the Chicken Strawberry Salad Bowls we are creating here are substantial enough to serve as the main event. Designed to be prepared in stages, this recipe is ideal for taking advantage of peak berry season.

Unlike recipes that rely on heavy starches or rich sauces, this composition celebrates freshness, making it the perfect antidote to those hotter days when you crave something substantial yet remarkably light.

This isn't just about mixing greens; it's about composing a visual and gustatory experience that sings of summer.

The Philosophy of a Composed Salad: Textures and Layers

The secret to a truly exceptional salad lies in balancing five key elements: flavour, temperature, texture, colour, and aroma. Our approach involves carefully layering ingredients, ensuring that the cooked protein is fully cooled to prevent the wilting of the delicate mixed greens.

We balance the soft sweetness of the fresh strawberries with the sharpness of crumbled feta and the woody crunch of toasted pecans. The slight bitterness from the optional, thinly sliced red onion provides a necessary counterpoint, ensuring every forkful is dynamic and engaging.

The Secret Weapon: Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette Explained

What truly differentiates this offering is the bespoke dressing. The homemade Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette provides a tart and sweet counterpoint that marries the savoury chicken with the fruit base.

Unlike standard dressings that can dominate the flavour, this vinaigrette, made from fresh raspberries, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, cuts through the richness of the feta and the succulent protein beautifully.

It is this specific fruity tang that ties the entire Strawberry Chicken Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing together, creating a symphony of balanced flavours.

Gathering the Goods: Essential Components for a Vibrant Summer Dish

This recipe relies on three distinct pillars of flavour and texture. First, the protein, provided by two large, perfectly seasoned and grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Second, the sweet tart Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette, requiring fresh or frozen raspberries, apple cider vinegar, a neutral oil, and poppy seeds.

Finally, the assembly components: a base of mixed salad greens, a full pint of fresh, ripe strawberries, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. The quality of your ingredients here is paramount; seek out the ripest berries possible.

Tools of the Trade: Equipment for Effortless Assembly

While this recipe is categorized as medium difficulty primarily due to the scratch made dressing the required equipment is straightforward. The most essential item is a quality blender or food processor to ensure the vinaigrette achieves a smooth, emufied finish.

You will also need either an outdoor grill, a sturdy grill pan , or a sheet pan for preparing the chicken. A small dry frying pan is necessary for toasting the nuts, a step we never skip for maximum flavour.

Finally, a sharp chef’s knife and cutting board are indispensable for hulling the berries and slicing the cooled chicken.

Mastering the Grill: Selecting and Preparing Your Chicken Breasts

The flavour process starts with the protein. Select two large chicken breasts, aiming for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking. Before they hit the heat, pat them completely dry this helps achieve a better sear.

Rub the breasts simply with a tablespoon of olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Grilling adds a lovely smoky depth that plain boiled chicken simply cannot replicate, contributing substantially to the complexity of the finished Strawberry Chicken Salad .

From Field to Bowl: Choosing the Freshest Greens and Berries

The base of this salad is crucial for texture and nutritional value. While a simple spring mix works well, incorporating baby spinach is highly recommended. The robust leaves of Spinach Strawberry Salad stand up well to the dressing without wilting immediately, providing a hearty canvas for the toppings.

Ensure both your spinach and strawberries are washed thoroughly and dried completely before assembly. Excess moisture will dilute the flavour of your vinaigrette.

Pantry Power: Nuts, Cheese, and the Feta vs. Goat Cheese Debate

The final textural elements come from the nuts and cheese. We call for pecans or walnuts, which are lightly toasted to enhance their nutty aroma and crunch. For the cheese component, crumbled feta is the standard recommendation, offering a wonderfully salty, briny counterpoint to the sweet berries.

However, for those who prefer a creamier, earthier note, firm goat cheese (chèvre) makes an excellent substitution, providing a softer texture that melts slightly when combined with the greens. This choice is largely a matter of personal preference regarding sharpness versus earthiness.

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The Preparation Phase: Crafting the Perfect Raspberry Vinaigrette

Making your own dressing is a simple yet high impact step. To start the vinaigrette, combine the fresh or thawed raspberries, apple cider vinegar, neutral oil (such as grapeseed), honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in your blender. Process this mixture until it is perfectly smooth.

The combination of acid (vinegar) and emufier (mustard) helps hold the oil and vinegar together, preventing separation. Once blended, you can optionally strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds, achieving that coveted silky restaurant quality texture.

Finally, stir in the poppy seeds by hand to distribute them evenly before chilling.

Cooking and Cooling: Grilling Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Cook the seasoned chicken breasts over medium high heat. Whether you use an outdoor grill or a grill pan, aim for 5– 6 minutes per side. The internal temperature must reach a safe 165°F (74°C). However, the most vital step often overlooked is the rest.

Immediately remove the cooked chicken and allow it to sit undisturbed on a cutting board for five minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains incredibly tender.

After resting, the chicken must be allowed to cool completely about 15 to 20 minutes before moving to the final assembly stage. Lukewarm chicken will sabotage your crisp greens.

Final Assembly: Layering the Components for Visual Appeal

This is How To Make Strawberry Chicken Salad look as good as it tastes. Begin by lightly dressing the mixed greens in a very large bowl with only a small amount of the Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette. Toss gently to coat.

Transfer these dressed greens to your serving platter or individual Chicken Strawberry Salad Bowls . Next, artfully arrange the cooled, sliced chicken and the vibrant strawberry slices over the base.

Finish by scattering the toasted pecans/walnuts and crumbled feta cheese across the top, drizzling the remaining vinaigrette just before serving.

Blending for Brilliance: Achieving the Right Consistency

As detailed in the vinaigrette preparation, the key to brilliance is ensuring the dressing is fully emufied. If your dressing looks separated after blending, return it to the processor and slowly drizzle in a tiny bit more oil while blending on high.

If you choose to strain the dressing, you will discard the raspberry solids, resulting in a cleaner, smoother mouthfeel, which works particularly well for sophisticated composed salads like this one.

Marinating or Seasoning: Prepping the Chicken for Maximum Flavour

While we don't use a long marination process, the simple seasoning rub applied before grilling is critical. The combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder not only creates a desirable crust on the chicken but also acts as the foundational savoury flavour that balances the sweetness of the berries and the tang of the dressing.

Ensure the chicken is generously coated just before hitting the heat.

The Art of the Slice: Post Grill Resting and Cutting Technique

After the crucial 5-minute rest, wait until the chicken is fully cooled. Slicing warm chicken prematurely releases precious juices and risks wilting the greens. Slice the cooled breasts thinly, against the grain, for maximum tenderness.

These clean, thin strips of chicken breast make for easier layering and ensure that you get a perfect bite of chicken, berry, and crunch in every forkful.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Chicken Salad Experience

The difference between a good salad and a great salad lies in these simple details. First off,, always heed the cooling instruction as noted, warm protein equals wilted greens, severely compromising the texture.

Next,, never underestimate the power of toasting nuts; it takes less than five minutes in a dry pan and radically amplifies their nutty, complex flavour. Thirdly, only dress the greens immediately before serving.

If you need to make this ahead, keep all components separated and combine them at the last moment to ensure ultimate freshness and crunch. Using the freshest available seasonal ingredients will always yield the best results.

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding the Health Benefits of Berries and Protein

This salad is a fantastic source of lean protein, provided by the chicken, which supports muscle health and provides long lasting satiety. The strawberries and the raspberry vinaigrette deliver a powerhouse of antioxidants, Vitamin C, and fiber, contributing to good digestive health and reducing inflammation.

On top of that,, the inclusion of healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil ensures better nutrient absorption, making this Strawberry Chicken Salad a wholesome and satisfying choice that averages between 420 and 460 calories per generous main course serving.

Making It Ahead: Storage Solutions for Crisp Greens and Dressing

For optimal preparation, especially if serving this as a Strawberry Chicken Salad Lunch for the week, the components should be stored separately. The prepared Raspberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

The cooled, sliced chicken should be kept refrigerated in its own container. The mixed greens should remain unwashed until just before assembly. If you wash them ahead, spin them completely dry and store them in a container lined with paper towels to maintain maximum crispness.

Dietary Swaps: Vegan, Dairy Free, and Nut-Free Variations

This versatile recipe adapts easily to various dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, substitute the grilled chicken with pan-seared Halloumi or firm tofu. For a dairy free approach, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a high quality vegan cheese alternative.

If you require a nut-free variation, swap the pecans for toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), which still deliver a necessary textural boost without the allergens. For those seeking extreme convenience, rotisserie chicken provides a fantastic shortcut without compromising flavour.

Boosting the Crunch: Recommended Toppings and Textural Elements

While the base recipe is perfect as is, you can enhance the meal by incorporating complex carbohydrates. Adding 1/2 cup of cooked and cooled quinoa or farro per serving transforms the dish into an even heartier meal, perfect for a fuel packed day.

If portability is your goal, dice the chicken finely, add half the dressing, and serve the mixture inside large, crunchy lettuce cups or whole wheat wraps for a delicious Strawberry Chicken Salad Sandwich alternative.

Serving the final bowls alongside crusty sourdough bread is also highly recommended for mopping up every last drop of that incredible vinaigrette.