Description
A bright, tangy, and deeply satisfying summer salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, caramelized strawberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette over mixed greens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 4 cups baby spinach or arugula
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness and season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Hull and halve strawberries. Slice red onion into thin half-rings and soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain and pat dry.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Oil grates and grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- Reduce grill heat to medium. Toss strawberries in a little olive oil and grill cut-side down for 2-3 minutes until warm and marked. Remove from grill.
- Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Toss mixed greens with half the dressing. Arrange greens on a platter, top with sliced chicken, grilled strawberries, feta, and nuts. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Do not freeze this salad as greens will wilt and strawberries will lose texture. Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: grilled chicken, strawberry salad, summer salad, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy dinner, quick meals, gluten-free