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Fresh Strawberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Walnuts

fresh strawberry balsamic grilled chicken salad - featured image

A quick, easy, and healthy salad combining juicy strawberries, smoky grilled chicken, toasted walnuts, and a tangy balsamic glaze dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz each), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a blend of oregano and thyme
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, spring mix)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  3. While chicken grills, toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey. Optionally, warm balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat for 5-7 minutes to reduce by half for a thicker glaze. Add Dijon mustard and olive oil, whisk until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced strawberries, red onions, and toasted walnuts. Toss gently.
  6. Lay sliced grilled chicken over salad. Sprinkle crumbled cheese on top if using.
  7. Drizzle balsamic glaze dressing over salad. Toss lightly or serve dressing on the side. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Toast walnuts carefully to avoid burning. Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. For thicker balsamic glaze, reduce vinegar by simmering. Dressing can be served on the side to keep greens crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry salad, grilled chicken salad, balsamic glaze, healthy salad, walnut salad, summer salad, easy dinner