Think salads are nothing more than sensible sides? Think again! This zesty, nutrient-rich Strawberry-Chicken Salad is filled with incredible flavors and textures!
When it comes to salads, I must admit that I can easily get bored. I need varied, fun, and exciting toppings to make my salads interesting, especially in the summer when I’m eating them for lunch (and sometimes even dinner!) almost every day. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that, in that case, the typical green salad with plain dressing just won’t cut it. It’s a good thing that salads lend themselves to endless variations and can be so much more than a sensible side. In fact, some of my favorite salads are really a meal on their own and bountifully filled with fresh greens, healthy proteins, starches, and just about any other suitable ingredient I may have on hand. That’s the real beauty of salads, if you ask me—their versatility!
Today’s strawberry-chicken salad recipe is going to make you want to hop aboard the salad train, too! With its vibrant colors and lively flavors, this refreshing salad brings together the goodness of fruits and vegetables, marrying them with a deliciously zesty strawberry vinaigrette. The scattering of tart goat cheese and crisp pecans not only adds texture, but also complements the rich palette of flavors that makes this salad so exciting.
Is This Strawberry-Chicken Salad Healthy?
It sure is! Chock-full of wholesome ingredients like iron-rich spinach, strawberries, lean chicken breast, and healthy fats from the pecans and avocados, this salad punches well above its weight in terms of nutritional density.
The great thing is that you can easily adapt it to suit your specific dietary needs. Want a vegan version? Shredded and sautéed oyster mushrooms can replace the chicken, and for added protein, you could throw in a handful of chickpeas or even edamame beans. The cheese can be omitted or substituted with a good-quality plant-based variety. If you’re allergic to nuts, try pumpkin seeds instead of pecans. Not in the mood to make the dressing or looking to cut down on oils? Drizzle it with balsamic glaze instead. And why not mix those greens or add in more fruit?
A More Substantial Salad
If you’d like to add a serving of healthy carbs to your salad or are looking for ways to make it a little more substantial, the possibilities abound. Whole-grain, spelt, or chickpea pasta varieties such as penne, farfalle, and fusilli will add both protein and fiber. You could also try topping it with healthy grains such as quinoa, bulgur, buckwheat, or couscous. To keep things simple, a slice of sourdough bread or some sourdough croutons would also be a great addition to the salad.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Mixed salads such as this one always taste best fresh, but you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Bread always goes well with a hearty salad. Serve this strawberry-chicken salad with a thick slice of Avocado Bread, Keto Almond Flour Bread, or a wedge of warm Cornbread. Soup and salad are a classic pairing. The sweet flavors in this Sweet Potato Soup Recipe will mirror those in the salad beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 batch Strawberry-Lime Dressing (click for recipe)
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 18 cups baby spinach (3 cups per salad)
- 4 cups strawberries thinly sliced
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast cubed
- 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup goat cheese
- 2 avocados diced
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the strawberry-lime dressing according to the recipe. It should make about 1 cup.
- Toast the pecans in a 400°F oven until golden and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. Watch them closely so they don't burn.
- Divide the spinach between 6 bowls, followed by the strawberries, chicken, onion, cheese, and diced avocado. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Divide the dressing between each bowl (about 2.5 tbsps per salad). Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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