Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Our Strawberry Chicken Salad is a vibrant symphony of flavors that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the savory richness of roasted chicken, and the bold kick of cracked black pepper. Perfect for those looking to elevate their lunch game or impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish that takes just 35 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 cups roasted chicken, shredded
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the roasted chicken by shredding it into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked chicken, ensure it is at room temperature before adding to the salad.
- Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. This ensures crisp and fresh greens for the salad.
- Slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Choose ripe, vibrant red strawberries for the best flavor.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a pleasant crunch.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base layer, creating an even foundation for the other ingredients.
- Layer the shredded roasted chicken evenly over the greens, distributing it across the entire salad surface.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively on top of the chicken, creating visual appeal and ensuring each serving will have fruit.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds and crumbled feta cheese over the salad, adding texture and depth of flavor.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad, using a light hand to prevent oversaturation.
- Finish by generously grinding fresh cracked black pepper over the entire salad, adjusting to personal taste preference.
- Gently toss all ingredients together just before serving to ensure even distribution of dressing and ingredients.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and the temperature of the chicken.
Tips
- Choose the freshest ingredients possible - ripe strawberries and high-quality roasted chicken make all the difference.
- Toast the almonds just before serving to maximize their nutty crunch and aroma.
- Use a light hand when drizzling balsamic vinaigrette to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, consider briefly warming the chicken before adding it to the salad.
- If preparing in advance, keep dressing and ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- Experiment with different types of greens like arugula or baby spinach for varied flavor profiles.
- For a protein boost, you can add grilled chicken or swap feta with goat cheese for a different taste experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
