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
Scale
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.
