If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that feels like summer on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese tossed with a fragrant basil-infused balsamic dressing makes every bite a delightful explosion of flavor. It’s light enough for a healthy lunch but satisfying enough for dinner, perfect to share with friends or enjoy as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients are simple, approachable, and each plays an important role in bringing this salad to life—from the sweet notes of fresh strawberries to the aromatic punch of fresh basil. Using quality ingredients really makes this dish shine, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Fresh basil leaves (½ cup): This herb is the star of the vinaigrette, lending it a fresh, peppery aroma that brightens the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil (½ cup): Provides a rich, smooth base for the dressing and adds healthy fat.
- Balsamic vinegar (¼ cup): Adds the perfect sweet acidity to balance the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
- Honey (½ tablespoon): Brings a touch of natural sweetness to the vinaigrette without overpowering it.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky texture.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of savory depth.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Seasons the dressing and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Offers just a tiny kick to keep things interesting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4x 6-ounce): The protein centerpiece, juicy and tender when cooked just right.
- Mixed greens (6 cups, about 7.5 ounces): Provides a fresh, crisp base with plenty of color and variety.
- Candied pecans (⅓ cup): Adds irresistible crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Red onion (¼ small, thinly sliced): Gives a sharp, zesty contrast to the fruits and cheese.
- Avocado (1, chopped): Brings creamy texture and healthy fats to the mix.
- Strawberries (½ pound, hulled and sliced): Juicy and sweet, these are the heart of the salad’s summery vibe.
- Feta cheese (4 ounces, crumbled): Offers a salty, tangy creaminess that ties everything together.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
Start by blending together the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. This vibrant dressing will infuse the salad with herbal freshness and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that really make this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe stand out.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Breasts
Season your chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear them for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy. Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing it thinly — this step ensures tender, flavorful bites throughout your salad.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with the sliced strawberries, chopped avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and candied pecans. This mix offers a rainbow of colors and a balance of sweet, creamy, crisp, and crunchy textures that make each forkful interesting and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine and Toss with Vinaigrette
Add the sliced chicken and crumbled feta cheese on top of your greens and fruits. Drizzle generously with the basil balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat everything evenly. The key to the best flavor is making sure each ingredient is lightly kissed by the dressing.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider topping your salad with extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A few more candied pecans or a handful of microgreens makes this salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks that help soak up the delicious vinaigrette. For a light meal, alongside a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with citrus slices, this combo hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or individual lettuce cups for a finger-friendly option perfect for summer parties. You can also arrange the ingredients artistically on a large platter for a stunning family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover salad components separately if possible — store the dressing in an airtight container, the chicken and greens in different containers — to maintain freshness. The salad will stay delicious in the fridge for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
This salad is not a great candidate for freezing because the fresh greens, avocado, and strawberries lose their texture when thawed. Instead, freeze any extra cooked chicken without dressing so you can repurpose it for future meals.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before adding it back to freshly tossed salad components and vinaigrette. Avoid reheating the salad all together as the greens and fruit will wilt and become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of greens for this salad?
Absolutely! While mixed greens provide a variety of textures and flavors, you can swap in spinach, arugula, or baby kale depending on your preference. Just make sure they are fresh and crisp for the best results with the basil balsamic vinaigrette.
What can I substitute for candied pecans if I have a nut allergy?
You can replace the pecans with toasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. Alternatively, omit the nuts entirely and increase the avocado for creaminess and texture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, with a little planning! Keep the dressing and protein separate from the salad greens and toppings to avoid sogginess. Assemble everything just before eating for a fresh, vibrant meal any day of the week.
Can I make the basil balsamic vinaigrette in advance?
Definitely! The vinaigrette keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using to recombine the ingredients.
What’s a good alternative if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can try substituting with fresh mint or arugula in the vinaigrette, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. However, fresh basil gives the dressing its unique character, so it’s worth seeking out if you can.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe enough when you want something that feels light, fresh, and downright delicious. It’s an effortless way to impress guests or nourish yourself with colorful, wholesome ingredients. Trust me — once you taste this salad, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites for warm-weather meals!
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring tender grilled chicken breasts, mixed greens, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, candied pecans, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed with a homemade basil balsamic vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweetness and zest.
Ingredients
For the Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups mixed greens (about 7.5 ounces)
- ⅓ cup candied pecans
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, pitted and chopped
- ½ pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken Breasts: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, candied pecans, thinly sliced red onion, chopped avocado, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss and Serve: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and add them to the salad bowl. Drizzle the prepared basil balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and evenly coat with the dressing. Serve immediately for a fresh, colorful meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh strawberries and fresh basil in the vinaigrette.
- You can substitute candied pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- If you don’t have a grill, cook chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the honey in the dressing to your preferred sweetness level.
