If you’re craving a dish that’s refreshingly vibrant, bursting with flavor, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, then you absolutely must try The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe. This delightful salad combines tender grilled chicken with juicy strawberries, crisp apple slices, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed over a bed of fresh romaine lettuce. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will brighten any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role, from the crispness of the romaine to the sweetness of the strawberries and the savory touch of mozzarella. The simple and fresh components come together easily, making the prep straightforward but the results extraordinary.
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce: The crisp, fresh base that provides structure and crunch to every bite.
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that’s juicy and flavorful after grilling, adding heartiness to the salad.
- 1 cup strawberries: Sweet and slightly tart, these add a bright burst of freshness and color.
- 1 gala apple: Adds a sweet, slightly crisp texture that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- 1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries): For a chewy sweetness that contrasts pleasantly with the fresh fruit.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creamy and mild, offering a subtle richness that balances the salad.
- 3 tablespoons crushed walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that ties the salad together.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly and enhancing all flavors.
- Creamy poppyseed dressing or raspberry vinaigrette: Choose your favorite for a finishing touch of tang and creaminess or fruity zing.
How to Make The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Lettuce
Start by chopping your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dividing them evenly between two bowls. Keep these in the refrigerator so they stay crisp and refreshing while you work on the other ingredients.
Step 2: Season and Grill the Chicken
Coat the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked chicken. After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier.
Step 3: Slice the Fruit
While the chicken rests, slice your strawberries and gala apple into thin, appealing pieces. The thin slicing helps the fruit blend seamlessly with the salad, ensuring each forkful has a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the sliced strawberries and apples on top of the chilled romaine. Sprinkle the craisins, shredded mozzarella cheese, and crushed walnuts evenly across both bowls for layers of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Dress
Slice your rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and place them on top of the salad. Finish with a generous drizzle of your chosen creamy poppyseed dressing or raspberry vinaigrette to tie all the ingredients together in a tangy, luscious embrace.
How to Serve The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra crushed walnuts or a handful of fresh mint leaves on top for added freshness and texture. A little cracked black pepper right before serving can also enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate balance of the salad.
Side Dishes
This salad works beautifully alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for a satisfying meal. Additionally, pairing it with a light soup, like a chilled cucumber or gazpacho, complements the fresh, summery notes in the salad perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning visually appetizing presentation, try layering the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or serving the salad in individual mason jars. You can also skewer the chicken and strawberries on small skewers and serve on the side for a fun twist that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator but keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. This prevents the lettuce and fruit from becoming soggy and keeps everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended because the fresh fruits and lettuce will lose their texture and become mushy. However, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts separately for future use in quick salads or sandwiches.
Reheating
When reheating leftover chicken, do so gently in the microwave on a low setting or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through. Add it back to the fresh salad ingredients and dress right before serving for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While romaine offers great crunch and freshness, you can swap it for spinach, mixed greens, or even kale if you prefer a different texture or taste.
What dressing pairs best with The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe?
Both creamy poppyseed dressing and raspberry vinaigrette complement the salad beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette for a new twist.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but with a few tips. Keep the dressing separate and store the salad ingredients in airtight containers. Assemble and dress the salad just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or pistachios work well and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the salad.
How long does the grilled chicken stay good in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, cooked grilled chicken can last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for quick salads throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you want something simple to prepare but amazingly fresh and flavorful, The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe is your perfect go-to. It’s light enough for warm days, satisfying enough for any meal, and loaded with ingredients you’ll love digging into. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite you’ll reach for time and time again!
Print
The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, gala apple, craisins, mozzarella, and walnuts on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, topped with your choice of creamy poppyseed or raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a light and nutritious meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Protein
- 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
Fruits & Nuts
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 gala apple, sliced
- 1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 3 tablespoons crushed walnuts
Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Dressing
- Olive oil, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Creamy poppyseed dressing or raspberry vinaigrette, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly among two serving bowls and place them in the refrigerator to keep fresh and crisp while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Grill the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill to medium-high and cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 6-8 minutes per side). Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Slice fruits: While the chicken is resting, slice the strawberries and gala apple into bite-sized pieces. Distribute them evenly over the romaine lettuce in the bowls.
- Assemble the salad: Top each salad bowl with craisins, shredded mozzarella cheese, crushed walnuts, and the sliced grilled chicken breasts.
- Add dressing and serve: Drizzle your choice of creamy poppyseed dressing or raspberry vinaigrette over the salads just before serving for a burst of flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra nuts or plant-based protein.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on preference or availability.
- Rinse romaine lettuce thoroughly and dry well to avoid soggy salad.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
