Imagine a salad that's not just a meal, but a vibrant explosion of flavors dancing on your plate! This Strawberry Chicken Salad with Warm Citrus Dressing is the ultimate summer recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. With its perfect balance of sweet strawberries, savory chicken, crunchy walnuts, and a tantalizing warm citrus dressing, this dish is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool slightly, then shred using two forks.
- Toast the walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the citrus dressing: In a small saucepan, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, and honey. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring continuously until warm and slightly emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the salad greens: Wash and thoroughly dry mixed salad greens. Tear or chop into bite-sized pieces if needed.
- Slice fresh strawberries into thin, uniform pieces.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base. Top with shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, and toasted walnuts.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the warm citrus dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain the temperature and prevent wilting of the greens.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad.
Tips
- For the juiciest chicken, brine it for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure maximum moisture and flavor.
- Toast walnuts carefully - they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir constantly.
- Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the most intense sweet flavor.
- Let the warm citrus dressing sit for a minute before drizzling to enhance its emulsification.
- For a gourmet touch, use a mix of salad greens like arugula, baby spinach, and butter lettuce.
- If you're meal prepping, keep dressing and salad components separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
