Description
This vibrant Strawberry Balsamic Chicken Salad is the ultimate gourmet meal for warm summer days. It combines juicy, pan-seared chicken breast, sweet fresh strawberries, peppery greens, and a satisfying crunch from toasted nuts. Tied together with a house-made balsamic glaze dressing, this protein-packed dish is fresh, healthy, and comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant lunches at home.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon olive oil
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup pecans, toasted
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Season chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
Add chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
Place the mixed greens in a large bowl and arrange sliced chicken, strawberries, red onion, toasted pecans, and feta cheese on top.
Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving.
Notes
You can prep the chicken and the dressing in advance to save even more time. Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer, or use goat cheese instead of feta. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a perfect sear.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Modern American