This Summer Grilled Chicken Salad with Fresh Berries is a refreshing and nutritious meal that’s perfect for warm days. Packed with vibrant fruits, crunchy nuts, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and torn into small pieces
- 6-8 oz (170-225 g) baby spinach or spring greens
- 12-16 oz (340-450 g) chicken, seasoned and grilled
- 8 oz (225 g) strawberries, sliced
- 8 oz (225 g) blueberries or other berries of your choice
- 4 oz (120 g) crumbled feta or shredded fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced toasted almonds
Dressing
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey or sugar
- 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 cracks freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup (225 g) raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries or a combo
- 2/3 cup (160 ml) canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions
Dressing
- Combine the white wine vinegar, honey, garlic, grated onion, kosher salt, pepper, and berries in the jar of a blender. Blend until smooth.
- With the blender running on low speed, add the canola oil in a steady stream until fully incorporated.
- Turn off the blender and whisk in the poppy seeds, or pour the dressing into a mason jar, add poppy seeds, cover, and shake.
- If possible, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Salad
- Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken with your preferred spices and grill until fully cooked. Let it rest, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce and baby spinach or spring greens.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
- Assemble and Serve: For serving a large crowd, toss all the salad ingredients together in the serving bowl and add dressing to taste. For individual servings, arrange ingredients on plates and serve the dressing on the side.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dressing a day ahead of time. Buy pre-washed and chopped romaine and spinach. Toast the almonds the day before and store them in an airtight container.
- Berries: Wash and slice berries within an hour or two of serving to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Chicken: Grill the chicken as you start assembling the salad, grill it the day before and store in the fridge, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 28g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Summer Grilled Chicken Salad with Fresh Berries is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with fresh fruits providing natural sweetness, and the grilled chicken adding a satisfying protein boost. The homemade berry dressing is a delightful addition that ties all the flavors together. It’s a wholesome, colorful, and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any summer occasion.
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