Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach! It’s one of those dishes that’s not only delicious but also makes you feel like you’re treating yourself to something special. I remember the first time I made it—a warm summer evening, the smell of the grill wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients just popping on my countertop. The sweetness of the strawberries paired with the savory grilled chicken creates this incredible balance that’s just delightful. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat! Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s fresh, healthy, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a picnic in the park!
Ingredients List
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, let’s get that grill ready! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your chicken gets those beautiful grill marks and a juicy inside.
- While the grill is heating up, season your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also add some garlic powder or your favorite herbs if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure you coat the chicken evenly.
- Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This is super important—don’t skip this step for food safety!
- When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken juicy and tender! You can use this time to prep your salad ingredients.
- Now, let’s assemble the salad! In a large bowl, combine the washed spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled feta cheese. The colors here will make you smile, I promise!
- Next, slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and layer them on top of the salad mixture. This not only looks beautiful but gives you a hearty serving of protein.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the salad for that perfect crunch. They add such a lovely texture that complements the softness of the spinach and strawberries.
- Finally, drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and toss gently to combine. You can always add more dressing based on your taste preferences—just don’t drown it, okay? We want to taste all those fresh flavors!
- Serve immediately and enjoy this colorful, flavorful salad! It’s perfect as a light dinner or a side dish for a gathering. And don’t worry if you have leftovers; they’re just as tasty the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those last-minute weekend gatherings.
- Health Benefits: Packed with lean protein from the grilled chicken and loads of vitamins from the fresh spinach and strawberries, this salad is a nutritious choice you can feel good about!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and the tangy balsamic vinaigrette creates a flavor harmony that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a delightful adventure!
- Freshness: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients really makes this salad shine. You’ll taste the difference, and it will brighten up any meal!
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish, a side, or even pack it for lunch. It’s delicious any way you serve it!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach, you can feel good about the nutrition it offers! This salad is estimated to provide a well-rounded meal with approximately 350 calories per serving. It’s loaded with about 30 grams of protein, making it a fantastic option for those looking to stay full and satisfied. You’ll also find around 15 grams of fat, including healthy unsaturated fats from the walnuts, along with 20 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber to keep your digestion happy. Plus, it has a touch of natural sweetness with about 8 grams of sugar from those delightful strawberries. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, you’re in for a nutritious treat!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach turns out absolutely perfect! First up, don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken—salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or Italian herbs for extra flavor. When grilling, make sure your grill is hot enough to create those lovely char marks, but not so hot that it burns the chicken. Keep an eye on the chicken and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it should hit 165°F (75°C).
For the freshest taste, use ripe strawberries; they’ll add that natural sweetness we all love. And don’t forget, you can serve this salad immediately or let it chill for a bit—the flavors meld beautifully! If you’re prepping for a gathering, consider serving the dressing on the side so everyone can customize their salad just the way they like it. Enjoy!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to shake things up a bit with your grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! First, why not swap out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits? Fresh blueberries or juicy peach slices can bring a whole new flavor profile to the salad. You could also add some sliced avocado for that creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the feta.
For the nuts, instead of walnuts, try toasted pecans or even some crunchy sunflower seeds for a different bite. And if you’re looking to change the dressing game, a honey mustard vinaigrette or a citrusy orange dressing can elevate the dish to a whole new level! The best part? You can mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Have fun experimenting—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Oh, I totally get it—sometimes you just can’t finish a big salad in one sitting! If you have leftovers of your grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach, don’t worry, it stores beautifully. To keep it fresh, place the salad in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend keeping the chicken separate if you can. Just warm it up in a microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, but be careful not to overdo it, as you want to avoid drying it out. As for the salad, enjoy it cold! The fresh ingredients really shine when served chilled, so just give it a gentle toss and dig in. Trust me, it’s still delicious the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are best for this grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach, you can use frozen if that’s all you have. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing—or if you’re looking for a dairy-free option—try using goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. They both add a nice creaminess that complements the salad perfectly.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the grilled chicken and chop your veggies ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness. This way, you can whip it up quickly right before mealtime!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
What other proteins can I add?
Feel free to mix things up! Grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or even chickpeas can make a great addition to this salad, boosting the protein content and adding new flavors.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Spinach Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and healthy grilled chicken salad with strawberries and spinach.
Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked.
- Allow chicken to cool and slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and feta cheese.
- Add the grilled chicken slices on top.
- Sprinkle walnuts over the salad.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor.
- Can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans.
- Adjust dressing quantity based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, strawberries, spinach, healthy salad