Healthy Strawberry Chicken Salad
Healthy Strawberry Chicken Salad
This vibrant salad is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and refreshing! Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries, crisp greens, crunchy almonds, and a light honey balsamic dressing. It’s high in protein, naturally sweet, and absolutely delicious — a perfect warm-weather meal!
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: Juice of ½ lemon or balsamic vinegar splash (for marinating)
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup sliced almonds (or walnuts or pecans)
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Optional: ½ avocado, sliced
For the Healthy Honey Balsamic Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Rub chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill or sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
2. Make the Dressing:
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss greens with strawberries, onion, almonds, and cheese if using.
Add sliced chicken on top.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently or serve dressing on the side.
Tips & Variations:
Meal prep friendly: Store ingredients separately and dress just before serving.
Vegan option: Skip the chicken and cheese, and add chickpeas or quinoa for protein.
Add crunch: Use roasted seeds, croutons, or crispy shallots.
Extra flavor boost: Add a handful of fresh basil or mint leaves!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely — it makes this salad even faster!
Q: Can I use another fruit?
A: Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches work beautifully.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Undressed salad keeps well for 2 days in the fridge. Add dressing just before eating.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g