Every summer, the sun shines a little brighter, the days feel longer, and there’s a palpable joy in the air that makes outdoor gatherings irresistible. One dish that never fails to steal the spotlight on my table is a Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad. There’s something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries and tender chicken nestled on a bed of vibrant spinach. It’s a colorful dish that looks impressive but is incredibly simple to make. Whenever I serve it at family gatherings, I see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they dig in, and the compliments that follow make my heart sing. Trust me, you’ll feel like a culinary superstar once you whip this up!
Why make this recipe?
This Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The salad is quick to prepare, which means you can whip it together even on the busiest weeknights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. You get a complete meal packed with wholesome ingredients without breaking the bank.
Kids love it too, thanks to the sweet taste of strawberries and crunchy almonds. It’s nutritious and visually appealing, making it a great option for picky eaters. You don’t need to be a master chef to make this salad shine; it’s perfect for beginners who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will rave about!
How to make Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad
Making this salad requires minimal time and effort. You’ll need around 20-25 minutes to prepare and assemble everything. All you need is a sharp knife, a cutting board, and some mixing bowls. While you don’t need any fancy tools, a salad spinner can come in handy to make sure the spinach is thoroughly dried. Trust me—having dry greens helps the dressing cling better!
Ingredients
You’ll need the following fresh ingredients to make this delightful salad:
- 4 cups baby spinach (washed and dried)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced, about 1 pound)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Step-by-step directions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this scrumptious salad:
Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, start by grilling or baking it until it’s thoroughly cooked, then let it cool before slicing. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even faster option!
Slice the Strawberries and Red Onion
Next, grab your knife and slice the hulled strawberries into quarters. Thinly slice the red onion to add a nice crunch and flavor complexity to your salad.
Toast the Almonds
While you’re getting all the veggies prepped, heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the sliced almonds. Keep an eye on them—toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. This step enhances their natural flavor!
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference. This dressing is simple yet elevates the salad!
Assemble the Salad
Now it’s time for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced chicken, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and red onion. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together.
Serve and Enjoy
Your salad is now ready to shine on the dinner table! Serve it immediately for the best presentation and taste.
How to serve Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad?
Offer your Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad as a light meal for lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a side of avocado to boost the healthy fats. You might also consider serving it alongside a bowl of hearty soup or some grilled veggies for a complete meal. For an added touch, sprinkle some more crumbled feta on top or add slices of ripe avocado.
How to store Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad?
If you happen to have leftovers—though it’s hard to believe you will!—store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate, so the spinach doesn’t wilt. Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the fresh ingredients won’t hold up well in the freezer.
When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, simply drizzle your stored dressing on top, give it a gentle toss, and you’re good to go!
Tips for perfect Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad
- Fresh Ingredients: Always choose the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find. Freshness enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Dressing Last: Dress the salad just before serving. This keeps the spinach crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the honey and vinegar in the dressing based on your taste preferences. A little more honey brings out the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Protein Substitutes: If you want to make it vegetarian, consider using chickpeas or grilled tofu instead of chicken.
- Add Crunch: You can experiment with other crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy bacon for added flavor.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations to consider:
- Nut-Free Version: Skip the almonds if there are nut allergies and instead include sunflower seeds for that added crunch.
- Different Fruits: Substitute the strawberries with other fruits, such as sliced peaches, apples, or blueberries. Each offers a unique twist to the flavor.
- Add Grains: For extra heartiness, toss in some cooked quinoa or farro. It adds texture and makes the salad more filling.
FAQs about Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance but avoid assembling the salad until you’re ready to serve. Keep the washed spinach, sliced chicken, and fresh fruit in separate containers for best results.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your favorite, you can try crumbled goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella. Each gives a different flavor profile and texture.
Why did my salad turn out soggy?
This happens when the greens are too wet or if you dress the salad too early. Make sure to thoroughly dry your spinach before assembling, and add the dressing just before serving.
Ready to impress your family and friends with this vibrant and delicious Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad? With its bright flavors and delightful textures, you’re in for a treat that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your culinary journey!
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Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional
Description
A vibrant and nutritious salad combining fresh strawberries, tender chicken, and crisp spinach, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach (washed and dried)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced, about 1 pound)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, grill or bake it until thoroughly cooked, let it cool, and slice.
- Slice the hulled strawberries into quarters and thinly slice the red onion.
- Toast the sliced almonds in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine baby spinach, sliced strawberries, sliced chicken, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and red onion. Drizzle dressing over the top and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best presentation and taste.
Notes
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. Freshness enhances taste, so always choose the best ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salad, summer recipe, healthy, chicken salad, strawberry salad, easy recipe