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Vibrant Spring Chicken Salad with Strawberries

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A fresh and lively spring salad combining sweet strawberries, tender chicken, crisp greens, and a tangy dressing for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 4 cups mixed spring greens (baby spinach, arugula, butter lettuce)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook and prepare chicken if not pre-cooked: poach, grill, or roast 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g total). Let cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the nuts: place ½ cup pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Prepare the dressing: in a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Wash and dry greens thoroughly to avoid soggy salad.
  5. Hull and slice 1 cup strawberries; thinly slice ½ small red onion.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, mixed greens, sliced strawberries, toasted nuts, crumbled cheese (if using), and sliced onion.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

Notes

Dry greens thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Toast nuts to enhance flavor. Use poached chicken for juiciness or grilled chicken for smoky flavor. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained well.

Nutrition

Keywords: spring salad, chicken salad, strawberry salad, healthy recipe, easy salad, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/vibrant-spring-chicken-salad-with-strawberries-easy-healthy-recipe/