Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken, baby spinach, sweet strawberries, blueberries, crisp cucumber, red onion, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts. Perfectly complemented by a balsamic or honey balsamic dressing, this salad is a quick and healthy meal option ideal for warm days or light lunches.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 6 oz bag baby spinach (170g) (4 cups)
- 16 oz cooked chicken (450g) (about 1 1/3 lb raw chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup strawberries (137g), chopped
- 1 cup blueberries (143g)
- 1 Persian cucumber (120g), sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion (50g), sliced
- 1 oz goat cheese (28g), crumbled
- 1 oz walnuts (28g), chopped
- Fresh slivered basil leaves (quantity as desired)
Dressing Suggestions
- Balsamic vinegar, for serving
- Or olive oil with vinegar
- Or honey balsamic dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Base: Add the baby spinach to a medium-sized salad bowl or divide it equally onto four dinner plates as the foundation for your salad.
- Add the Toppings: Arrange the cooked, chopped chicken evenly over the spinach, followed by the strawberries, blueberries, sliced Persian cucumber, and sliced red onion. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts on top along with some fresh slivered basil leaves for additional aroma and flavor.
- Serve with Dressing: Offer dressing on the side—balsamic vinegar works wonderfully, or you may choose a simple drizzle of olive oil and vinegar, a honey balsamic dressing, or your favorite prepared dressing. Toss just before eating to keep ingredients fresh and crisp.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or cook and chop your own chicken breast or thigh meat.
- For added crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a bright herbal note that complements the fruit.
- Dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilted spinach.
- To make it vegan, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and omit goat cheese or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American