Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad
This Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad is fresh, sweet, savory, and so satisfying. Crisp romaine gets loaded with juicy strawberries, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, radishes, grilled chicken, candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese.
A homemade balsamic vinaigrette shaken in a mason jar ties it all together. It is a light lunch or dinner that feels like summer.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
- Sweet and savory: strawberries and goat cheese.
- Protein packed: grilled chicken.
- Homemade dressing: shake it in a jar.
- 30 minutes: quick and fresh.
Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad Ingredients
Romaine
Finely chopped for the perfect bite.
Veggies and Strawberries
Cucumber, strawberries, tomatoes, red onion, and radishes.
Grilled Chicken
Sliced.
Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese
Crunch and creaminess. Feta works too.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
Good to Know: This salad is gluten-free. Skip the chicken for vegetarian.
How to Make Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
Step 1: Build the Salad
Toss the romaine in a large bowl and add the cucumber, strawberries, tomatoes, onion, radish, and chicken.
Step 2: Top
Add candied pecans and goat cheese.
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
Shake all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Chop finely. Every bite gets a bit of everything.
- Make extra dressing. It keeps for a week.
- Dress last. Keeps the romaine crisp.
- Slice chicken thin. It mixes in easily.
Make It Your Own
- Mixed greens: Swap for romaine.
- Feta: Use instead of goat cheese.
- Blueberries: Add with the strawberries.
- Salmon: Swap the chicken.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Grill the chicken and make the vinaigrette ahead. Store separately and assemble when ready.
What to Serve With Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
Serve with crusty bread, a cup of soup, or a glass of iced tea.
Storing and Reheating
Undressed salad: Store for up to 2 days.
Vinaigrette: Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Chicken: Keeps for up to 4 days.
What People Ask About Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad
Can I use mixed greens?
Yes. Mixed greens work great.
How long does the dressing last?
Up to a week in the fridge.
Can I use store-bought chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken works.
Can I make it ahead?
Store the parts separately.
Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Toss romaine in a large bowl.
- Add cucumber, strawberries, tomatoes, onion, radish, and grilled chicken.
- Top with candied pecans and goat cheese.
- Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a mason jar.
- Shake well until fully mixed. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Mixed greens can be used as a substitute for romaine lettuce.
- Make a large batch of balsamic vinaigrette and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- For added crunch, you can include croutons or additional nuts.
- Feel free to swap goat cheese with feta for a different flavor profile.
