Description
Fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Grilled Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe combines juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, tender spinach, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese with a delicious homemade dressing
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grilled Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that grills beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Keeps the chicken juicy.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds brightness and tenderness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Provides rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds aromatic herbs.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds subtle smoky flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 6 cups baby spinach – Fresh, tender, and nutrient-rich.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced – Sweet, juicy, and colorful.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese – Creamy with a tangy flavor.
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch.
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced – Provides mild sharpness.
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional) – Adds creamy richness.
For the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – Creates a smooth dressing.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – Adds sweet tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Balances the acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds – Adds texture.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra strawberries
- Toasted almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade and marinate the chicken for 20–30 minutes.
- Whisk together the balsamic poppy seed dressing ingredients.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
- Wash and dry the spinach, then prepare the strawberries, onion, avocado, and pecans.
- Arrange the spinach in a serving bowl and top with the strawberries, feta, pecans, onion, and avocado.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken over the salad.
- Drizzle with the balsamic poppy seed dressing.
- Garnish with fresh basil or extra strawberries and serve immediately.
Notes
- Let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.
- Toast the pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 430 calories
