This Spinach Strawberry Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one bowl. It features juicy grilled chicken, sweet ripe strawberries, crunchy nuts, and tender baby spinach leaves, all drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch or a crowd-pleasing starter, this salad is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds, toasted
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients: Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, then slice them into strips. Wash and slice the strawberries, toast the nuts, and slice the red onion thinly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or platter, spread out the baby spinach. Arrange the sliced chicken, strawberries, red onion, nuts, and feta cheese over the greens.
- Dress and season: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Season with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Toss lightly to combine right before serving, or serve arranged for presentation. Best served fresh.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 26g
- Vitamin A: 70% DV
- Vitamin C: 80% DV
- Calcium: 10% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Flavor Profile of Spinach Strawberry Chicken Salad
The Spinach Strawberry Chicken Salad offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory elements. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries contrasts beautifully with the savory, tender grilled chicken. The addition of red onions adds a mild sharpness, while feta cheese introduces a salty creaminess. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy and slightly sweet notes, enhancing the overall flavor harmony.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and energizing meal. Spinach is loaded with iron, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Strawberries contribute vitamin C and fiber, while grilled chicken provides lean protein to support muscle repair and satiety. When topped with nuts and a light vinaigrette, the salad delivers healthy fats and additional micronutrients, supporting overall wellness.
Perfect for Weight Management
Due to its high protein content and low-calorie ingredients, this salad is a great choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. The fiber from spinach and strawberries, combined with the protein from chicken, helps keep you full longer, reducing the likelihood of snacking between meals. It’s a smart option for health-conscious eaters.
Great for Meal Prep
Spinach Strawberry Chicken Salad is ideal for meal prepping. You can grill the chicken and slice the strawberries ahead of time, storing components separately to preserve freshness. Assemble when ready to eat, and keep the dressing in a small container until serving. This makes it an easy, time-saving lunch or dinner option.
Ideal for Warm Weather Meals
Light, refreshing, and hydrating, this salad is perfect for spring and summer dining. The cool crispness of spinach and the juiciness of strawberries provide relief from the heat, making it a popular dish at picnics, barbecues, or patio lunches. It’s a seasonal favorite that showcases fresh produce.
Family-Friendly Option
The sweetness of strawberries and the familiar taste of grilled chicken make this salad appealing to both adults and children. It’s a fantastic way to encourage picky eaters to enjoy leafy greens. You can even modify ingredients—such as swapping feta for shredded cheddar or using a fruit-based dressing—to suit younger palates.
Dressing Pairing Ideas
While balsamic vinaigrette is a classic and delicious choice, other dressings also pair well with this salad. Try a poppy seed dressing for a sweeter touch, a honey-mustard vinaigrette for tang and depth, or a light raspberry vinaigrette to complement the strawberries. The salad’s flexibility allows you to explore different flavor profiles.
Customizable Protein Additions
Though grilled chicken is the protein of choice in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with alternatives like grilled shrimp, turkey slices, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. These swaps make the dish adaptable for various diets and taste preferences without compromising its balance and appeal.
Textural Contrast and Enjoyment
One of the pleasures of eating this salad is the variety of textures. You get the crunch of toasted nuts, the creaminess of cheese, the juicy burst from strawberries, the tenderness of chicken, and the fresh bite of spinach. This multidimensional mouthfeel makes each forkful satisfying and far from boring.
Ideal for Entertaining
With its colorful appearance and gourmet flavor combination, this salad is excellent for entertaining. Serve it as a plated starter or a shared salad bowl during brunches, bridal showers, or garden parties. Its visual appeal and fresh ingredients are sure to impress guests without demanding too much kitchen time.
Balanced Macros for Active Lifestyles
If you lead an active lifestyle or follow a fitness routine, this salad aligns well with your nutritional needs. It’s high in protein, moderate in healthy fats, and contains complex carbs from fruits and veggies. This macro-friendly profile aids muscle recovery and provides steady energy.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Friendly
This salad is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free when prepared with a gluten-free dressing. It suits those following paleo, keto (with slight modification), and other low-carb dietary plans. Just be sure to check the ingredient labels of store-bought dressings if you’re being strict with gluten intake.
Supports Heart Health
The combination of leafy greens, berries, lean protein, and nuts contributes positively to cardiovascular health. Spinach contains heart-supporting nitrates, while strawberries offer antioxidants like anthocyanins. The inclusion of healthy fats from nuts and olive oil-based vinaigrette supports good cholesterol levels.
Kid-Friendly Variations
To make this salad more appealing for children, you can reduce or skip onions, swap the vinaigrette with a fruity dressing, or include sweeter cheeses. Let kids help with assembly by layering ingredients—it increases the likelihood they’ll try and enjoy the dish.
Sustainable and Seasonal Eating
This salad encourages sustainable eating by utilizing seasonal produce like strawberries and spinach. When bought in-season, these ingredients are not only more flavorful but also more affordable and environmentally friendly. It’s a delicious way to eat with the seasons.
Lunchbox-Ready Solution
Packed in a container with the dressing on the side, this salad makes an ideal lunchbox meal for work or school. It’s light yet filling and won’t leave you feeling sluggish. Just add the vinaigrette right before eating to keep the spinach crisp.
Elegant Yet Simple to Prepare
Despite its sophisticated flavor and presentation, this salad is incredibly easy to make. It doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques or expensive ingredients. With just a bit of chopping and grilling, you have a gourmet dish ready in minutes.
Conclusion
The Spinach Strawberry Chicken Salad stands out as a go-to recipe for those seeking flavor, nutrition, and ease. It seamlessly blends sweet and savory ingredients while supporting a variety of dietary needs. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or at a social gathering, it offers a wholesome, refreshing, and satisfying option that anyone can enjoy. Its flexibility, health benefits, and visual appeal make it a must-have addition to any recipe collection.