Indulge in the vibrant flavors of my Grilled Chicken Salad, featuring sweet summer strawberries and creamy goat cheese, perfect for the sunny seasons of spring and summer! The seasoned grilled chicken pairs so well with the sweet, juicy strawberries, the tangy, creamy goat cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. This salad is a perfect combination of textures and tastes, celebrating the best of seasonal ingredients.
I absolutely adore berries in late spring and summer when they’re at their peak and bursting with sweetness. They bring vibrant flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
This Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese has been a cherished family favorite for years! It’s an amazing blend of flavors, ideal for lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken harmonizes beautifully with the sweet strawberries and the creamy, tangy goat cheese.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Almonds
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
- Olive oil
- High-quality balsamic vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Mixed greens
- Goat cheese
- Strawberries
- Sliced toasted almonds
How to Make Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
Step 1
Start by marinating seasoning the chicken with the spices and olive oil. Grill the chicken until it’s cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part to be safe to eat. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Step 2
To create the perfect balsamic vinaigrette, begin by adding dark brown sugar to a bowl. Gradually whisk in a quarter cup of high-quality balsamic vinegar, then slowly incorporate the olive oil until the mixture becomes luxuriously thick. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle this delicious dressing over or serve alongside your salad for an inspiring culinary experience. Trust me you will want to make this dressing over and over again!
Step 3
Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add the sweet sliced strawberries, creamy crumbled goat cheese, and the crunchy toasted almonds. Top it all off with tender slices of grilled chicken for an irresistible salad. Season the salad with salt and pepper. then serve with a loaf of crusty bread and of course extra dressing alongside the salad! Enjoy!
Choosing the Best Strawberries
Summer is finally here, and nothing captures the taste of the season quite like a freshly picked strawberry. Since strawberries are a key ingredient in this chicken salad, it’s essential to select the most flavorful ones you can find. Here are some tips for choosing the freshest strawberries.
Buy in Season
Strawberries taste best when they’re in season and at their peak of freshness. As with all produce, in-season strawberries offer the richest flavor. Avoid buying strawberries out of season, like in January, when they are less likely to be at their best.
Smell Them
A sweet, candy-like aroma is a telltale sign of ripe, flavorful strawberries. The smell alone should make your mouth water.
Buy Local
Whenever possible, buy local strawberries. Locally grown berries have less travel time, allowing them to ripen fully and develop their sweetness on the plant before being picked.
Size Doesn’t Always Matter
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to strawberries. Often, the smaller berries are much sweeter, while larger ones can be more watery, leading to a diluted flavor.
Look for Bright Red Color
Choose strawberries that are bright red all over. Avoid berries with white or green areas around the stem, as these were picked before they were fully ripe.
Check for Soft Spots
Inspect the strawberries for any soft spots. These indicate that the berries are overripe and may be mushy, affecting their texture and taste.
Examine the Container
Before purchasing, pick up the container and look at the bottom. If you see any juices leaking out or if the white padding at the bottom is stained, it’s a sign that the berries are overripe.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose the best strawberries, ensuring that your chicken salad is bursting with the sweet, vibrant flavors of summer. Enjoy the fresh, juicy goodness in every bite!
Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1-3 tablespoon good quality olive oil
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
The Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil and a mix of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and salt and pepper
- Preheat the grill to 400°F. Oil the grates and place the chicken on them. Grill for 6-7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5-6 minutes, depending on the thickness. The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken rests, it’s time to prepare the salad ingredients and whip up the balsamic vinaigrette. Begin by adding 3 tablespoons of dark brown sugar to a bowl and drizzling in 2 tablespoons of rich balsamic vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, allowing the dressing to become luxuriously thick and smooth.
- Add the mixed greens to a large bowl or serving platter. Top the greens with the sliced strawberries and chicken, crumbled goat cheese and toasted almonds. Serve the salad topped with the balsamic vinaigrette
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