Oh, let me tell you about one of my favorite summertime salads—the Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember! Every time I make it, it feels like I’m bringing a little bit of sunshine onto the table. There’s just something magical about the sweet strawberries mingling with tender grilled chicken and creamy avocado. It’s like a party in my mouth that’s refreshing, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
I first stumbled upon this delightful salad at a friend’s barbecue a few years back, and I was immediately smitten. I remember thinking, “Why have I never combined strawberries and chicken before?!” The flavors are fabulous, and each bite makes me feel like I’m lounging in a meadow. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and honestly, it never fails to impress guests at gatherings. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, gather the ingredients, and make this fabulous dish together!
What’s in Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the salad! Juicy chicken keeps the dish hearty and provides a great source of protein. I always choose organic if I can find it; the flavor is just so much better.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps to keep the chicken moist while adding flavor. Extra virgin is my go-to; it’s great for drizzling over the salad too!
Salt and pepper: The simplest of seasonings that elevate everything. Nothing fancy here—just make sure to season generously!
Mixed salad greens: I love using a combination of romaine, arugula, and spinach to keep things interesting. The variety adds texture, crunch, and a beautiful visual appeal.
Fresh strawberries: These juicy gems provide a burst of sweetness in each bite. Don’t shy away from using extra strawberries if you’re feeling indulgent!
Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and pair beautifully with the tangy strawberries. Plus, it’s super good for you!
Feta cheese: Crumbled feta offers a delightful tang that contrasts well with the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s like the little salt shaker of joy in this salad.
Pecans: Chopped pecans give an amazing crunch and nutty flavor that make every forkful exciting.
Red onion: Optional, but I personally love the sharp bite it adds to the mix. Just slice it thinly to avoid overpowering everything.
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing: This tangy drizzle ties everything together perfectly—like a finishing touch from a master painter!
Lemon wedges: For that extra zing! A little squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavors like sunshine!
Is Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is a nutritional powerhouse.
Chicken breasts: High in protein and low in fat, they make this salad a satisfying meal that fuels your body.
Strawberries: They’re not only delicious but also high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s like a health booster hiding in your salad!
Avocado: Packed with healthy fats that help with absorption of other nutrients, as well as being a good source of fiber. Talk about a win-win!
Pecans: These nuts are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are a good source of magnesium and vitamin E.
The only consideration? If you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to be careful about how much feta cheese and dressing you use. But other than that, this salad is super nutritious and can easily fit into a balanced diet!
Ingredients
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
– Lemon wedges for serving
*Serves 4*
How to Make Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad?
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has those beautiful grill marks. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, chopped pecans, and red onion (if you’re using it).
5. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the salad mixture.
6. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and gently toss to combine.
7. Serve the salad with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions and Tips for a Fabulous Salad
Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up by adding some grilled peaches or switching the nuts for walnuts or even sunflower seeds! If you want a heartier version, a scoop of quinoa or farro can transform it into a grain salad masterpiece.
Don’t forget to serve this salad fresh— it’s best enjoyed as soon as it’s made! And if you end up with leftovers (if that’s even possible!), the chicken and dressing can be stored separately and tossed together the next day.
I hope this Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad brightens your day and fills your tummy with happiness! Trust me; it’s so fresh and vibrant, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear all about your delicious experience! Happy cooking!
