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
Scale
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.