Strawberry Chicken Salad with Balsamic Dressing

This strawberry chicken salad is topped with fresh ingredients such as strawberries, grilled chicken, thinly sliced red onions,peanuts, and feta cheese.

I love a good chicken salad in the Summer time when fresh berries are at their peak. Many fast food restaurants are offering their own version of a strawberry chicken salad. I haven't tried Wendy's salad but I have tried Panera's. Both are great but this one I like because it has crumbled feta which is good on top of pretty much anything and peanuts for a little added crunch.

The chicken breasts are grilled and seasoned with crushed pepper and smoked paprika. If you don’t want to grill your chicken breasts there are other methods for cooking chicken breasts like using your Instant Pot or Air Fryer. The chicken is the only thing that needs to be prepped ahead of time and it’s easy to assemble for a quick lunch or dinner during the week. 

Make the balsamic vinaigrette or just use your favorite store-bought dressing. 

What Ingredients do I need for Strawberry Chicken Salad 

In this section, you can find substitutes or suggestions for certain ingredients here. 

Dressing Ingredients: Extra-virgin olive oil, divided, White balsamic vinegar, Honey, Chopped fresh thyme, Freshly ground black pepper, divided, Kosher salt, divided

Halved strawberries, divided - feel free to add in other fresh fruit like avocados, blackberries or blueberries 

2 (4-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast cutlets - grilled or cooked to whatever method you prefer

Smoked paprika

Cooking spray

Fresh baby spinach - chopped romaine lettuce

Thinly sliced red onion

Chopped peanuts, toasted - can sub toasted almonds or walnuts 

1 ounce reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled (about ¼ cup) - try goat cheese, gorgonzola, or blue cheese 

How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad 

Make the Balsamic Dressing: Combine 1 tablespoon oil, vinegar, honey, thyme, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk. Add 1 cup of strawberries, tossing to coat. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Brush chicken with remaining 1 teaspoon oil; sprinkle evenly with remaining ⅛ teaspoon pepper, salt, and paprika. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; let stand 5 minutes. Cut across the grain into slices.

Assemble the Salad: Divide spinach, remaining 1 cup strawberries, and onion between 2 plates. Top evenly with chicken slices and strawberry-balsamic mixture. Top each serving with 1 ½ tablespoons pecans and 2 tablespoons cheese.

Other  Recipes To Try 

Easy Cowboy Caviar 

Grinder Salad Sandwich 

Chocolate Covered Dates 

Baked Feta Pasta 

Stuffed Italian Sausage 

Sour Cream Noodle Bake 

If you like this recipe for Strawberry Chicken Salad et me know by leaving a comment below, uploading a picture to my Pinterest or tagging me on Instagram @recipediariesww

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Recipe adapted from myrecipes.com