How to Master Strawberry Chicken Salad Technique

Chicken Marination Technique

Balanced acid-to-oil ratio for optimal flavor penetration. This approach ensures tender, flavorful chicken without compromising texture.

Strawberry Preparation Strategy

Specific slicing method for proper juice retention. This technique maximizes flavor while preventing excess moisture in the salad.

Dressing Emulsion Process

Proper ingredient sequencing for stable vinaigrette creation. This method creates a dressing that coats evenly without separating.

Component Layering Approach

Strategic ingredient arrangement for optimal visual and flavor impact. This approach ensures balanced distribution and appealing presentation.

Baking Tips

For the most flavorful chicken, allow it to marinate for the full 4 hours

To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own

Pat chicken completely dry before grilling to ensure proper browning

For best results, bring goat cheese to room temperature before crumbling

Make the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator

Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant for enhanced flavor

If making ahead, keep all components separate and assemble just before serving

For a dairy-free version, substitute avocado for the cheese

Use a mandoline for paper-thin red onion slices, then soak in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness

Select ripe but firm strawberries for the best texture in the salad

To turn this into a meal prep option, store the components separately and assemble day-of

For a more substantial meal, add 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or farro to the salad

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Name: Strawberry Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American-Fusion
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Balsamic Dressing:; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 small shallot, finely minced; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; For the Salad Base:; 8 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce work well); 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 4 oz goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup candied or toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; For Garnish:; Additional sliced strawberries; Fresh ground black pepper; Edible flowers (optional); Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

This vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad creates an appealing harmony between tender grilled chicken and sweet juicy strawberries. The colorful array of ingredients offers contrasting textures while notes of tangy balsamic, creamy cheese, and toasted nuts create a sophisticated flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, this versatile salad pairs surprisingly well with both white wine and iced tea. The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken while eliminating the need for overly sweet dressings, making this a satisfying meal with better-for-you benefits that doesn't sacrifice on taste.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Balsamic Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 small shallot, finely minced

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad Base:

8 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce work well)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 avocado, diced

4 oz goat cheese or feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup candied or toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

For Garnish:

Additional sliced strawberries

Fresh ground black pepper

Edible flowers (optional)

Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper for the chicken marinade.

Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure chicken is well coated, then seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).

While chicken marinates, prepare the dressing. In a glass jar with lid or small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk well, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuing to whisk until emulsified. Add minced shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk again to combine.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stove.

Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

While chicken rests, prepare the salad components. In a large bowl, gently toss mixed greens with about half of the prepared dressing, just enough to lightly coat the leaves.

Transfer dressed greens to a large serving platter or individual plates.

Slice the chicken against the grain into strips.

Arrange sliced chicken, strawberries, red onion, and avocado over the greens.

Sprinkle crumbled cheese, chopped nuts, and torn basil leaves over the top.

Drizzle with additional dressing as desired and garnish with extra strawberry slices, fresh ground pepper, and edible flowers if using.

For an extra touch of elegance, finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Strawberry Chicken Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Master Strawberry Chicken Salad Technique

Strawberry Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Instructions