As I tossed the vibrant ingredients into a bowl, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me. The Low-Carb Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad has quickly become one of my go-to meals, blending a delightful medley of juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, and creamy feta into a dish that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a fantastic low-carb option perfect for those busy weekdays or laid-back weekend lunches. With a homemade balsamic vinaigrette bringing it all together, this salad proves that healthy can be delicious. Are you ready to elevate your salad game and savor the delightful contrast of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds? Why Is This Salad a Game-Changer? Vibrant Ingredients: Each component brings fresh, bold flavors, making your taste buds dance with delight. Low-Carb Wonder: Perfect for those following a keto or sugar-free lifestyle, this salad is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Quick & Easy: With simple prep steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time! Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the ideal dish to impress guests at gatherings or to treat yourself on a relaxing day. Versatile: Easily swap out proteins or add in seasonal fruits for a unique spin each time. Pair it with a delightful Quinoa Chickpea Salad or a cozy creamy tomato bacon soup for a complete meal that’ll keep everyone coming back for more! Balsamic Strawberry Salad Ingredients For the Salad • Salad Greens – Choose a mix of leafy greens for varied texture and flavor. • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Provides lean protein; cut in half for quicker cooking. • Sliced Strawberries – Adds a natural sweetness and freshness; use fresh for the best flavor. • Red Onion – Offers crunch and a sharp bite; soak in water if you want to mellow the flavor. • Sliced Almonds – Adds a delightful crunch and healthy fats; can substitute with walnuts or pecans. • Feta Cheese – Provides creaminess and a salty kick; use crumbled for even seasoning. For the Marinade/Vinaigrette • Olive Oil – Adds healthy fat to the salad; substitute with avocado oil if desired. • Balsamic Vinegar – Brings tanginess and depth; essential for that bold vinaigrette flavor in this balsamic strawberry salad. • Sugar-Free Honey – A perfect sweetener for both the marinade and dressing; keeps it low-carb. • Minced Garlic – Elevates the chicken marinade with a burst of flavor. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste, enhancing all the ingredients’ flavors. This vibrant Balsamic Strawberry Salad is not only nutritious but also a joy to prepare, making it a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Balsamic Strawberry Salad Step 1: Make the Marinade In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of sugar-free honey, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This marinade will infuse your chicken with delicious flavor, so ensure everything is well combined and emulsified into a smooth dressing. Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Taking the boneless skinless chicken breasts, toss them in the marinade until fully saturated. Make sure every side is coated for optimal flavor. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the marinade to penetrate the meat and enhance its juiciness, while you get ready for cooking the chicken. Step 3: Grill the Chicken Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 375°F (190°C). Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and grill for approximately 10-15 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning halfway through for even cooking. Look for a beautiful char and firm texture as a sign of doneness. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Step 4: Prepare the Salad Base While the chicken is resting, take a large serving bowl and layer in a variety of salad greens. Aim for a colorful mix, adding a base that is crisp and vibrant. This will create a fresh foundation for your Balsamic Strawberry Salad, ready to hold all the delicious toppings you will add next. Step 5: Assemble the Ingredients Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the greens. Follow with freshly sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds. The contrast of colors and textures will not only make your dish visually appealing but also elevate the flavors in each bite, ensuring your Balsamic Strawberry Salad is a delight. Step 6: Make the Vinaigrette In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar-free honey, and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. This dressing is the perfect finishing touch that will tie all flavors together in your salad. Make sure it’s well mixed and adjust the seasoning if needed. Step 7: Dress the Salad and Serve Drizzle the vinaigrette over the assembled salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring even coverage of all ingredients. The sweet and tangy flavors of the dressing will enhance the fresh toppings beautifully. Serve the Balsamic Strawberry Salad immediately for the freshest taste and enjoy the vibrant burst of flavors! Storage Tips for Balsamic Strawberry Salad Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: It’s best to avoid freezing this salad as the textures of fresh ingredients, like strawberries and greens, can become mushy when thawed. Reheating: If needed, reheat the grilled chicken in the microwave or on a skillet, but avoid reheating the salad greens or strawberries to keep them crisp. Dressing Storage: Store extra vinaigrette separately in a sealed jar for up to a week; just shake well before drizzling on the salad again! Make Ahead Options This Low-Carb Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in advance, ideally up to 24 hours, allowing it to soak up all the flavors and ensuring it remains juicy when grilled. Additionally, wash and chop your salad greens, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—this keeps them crisp and fresh! When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the marinated chicken, slice it, and assemble the salad by tossing in the strawberries, feta, onions, and almonds. Finish with the homemade vinaigrette, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time! Balsamic Strawberry Salad Variations Feel free to get creative with this delicious recipe; your taste buds will thank you! Shrimp Swap: Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp for a light and seafood twist. The sweet and tangy combination pairs beautifully with the strawberries! Tofu Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled chicken with marinated tofu. It absorbs the marinade wonderfully and adds a satisfying texture. Avocado Addition: Slice up some creamy avocado to enhance the salad’s richness and provide healthy fats. Each bite will deliver a delightful creaminess! Nut Variety: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans for additional flavor and crunch. Both will complement the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. Heat It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat. It’ll create a zesty contrast to the sweet strawberries. Fruity Twist: Incorporate other seasonal fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful explosion of flavors in each bite. Their freshness will brighten up the whole dish! Leafy Greens: Mix in some arugula or spinach for varying textures and added health benefits. It’s a fantastic way to keep things interesting! Cheese Change: Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese to bring a whole new flavor profile to the salad. Each variation offers a different tang that can elevate your salad experience. For even more delicious inspiration, try pairing this salad with a refreshing Quinoa Chickpea Salad or a cozy creamy tomato bacon soup. Enjoy customizing your Balsamic Strawberry Salad! What to Serve with Low-Carb Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad Elevate your meal experience with complementary plates that brighten the palate and harmonize beautifully with your vibrant salad. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: Offers a smooth and velvety texture, making each bite satisfying while keeping the dish low-carb. Grilled Asparagus: Adds a savory crunch that pairs well with the sweetness of strawberries, enhancing the fresh elements of the salad. Zucchini Noodles: A fun, low-carb alternative to pasta that adds delightful volume and absorbs the dressing flavors perfectly. Savory Stuffed Peppers: These colorful veggies filled with seasoned meat or quinoa provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of your salad. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until caramelized, they deliver a crunch that complements the soft textures of the feta and strawberries beautifully. Chilled Cucumber Soup: A refreshing, light soup that cools down the palate and balances the bold flavors of the vinaigrette. Herbed Quinoa: This nutrient-packed side delivers a nutty flavor that complements the ginger notes in the dressing while keeping it wholesome. Iced Green Tea: A light and refreshing drink that enhances the overall freshness of the meal, perfect during warm days. Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries: A sweet finish to your meal, the chocolate perfectly contrasts with the salad’s vinaigrette, elevating the berry notes. Expert Tips for Balsamic Strawberry Salad Marinate Properly: Ensure chicken is marinated for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor infusion; don’t rush this step! Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh strawberries and crisp greens to achieve the best taste and texture in your Balsamic Strawberry Salad. Watch Your Grill: Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling—overcooking can lead to dryness, so aim for perfectly grilled, juicy breasts. Rest Your Chicken: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing; it helps retain juices and adds tenderness. Customize Nut Choices: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pecans for added richness and crunch that suits your taste! Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe strawberries for the salad? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft, as these can indicate overripeness. Freshness is key! What is the best way to store leftover salad? Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that adding the vinaigrette at the time of serving helps maintain the salad’s crispness. Can I freeze this Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad? Not recommended! Freezing the salad is not ideal, especially with ingredients like strawberries and greens that can lose their texture and become mushy once thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste! What should I do if the chicken is dry after grilling? Oh no! If your chicken turns out dry, ensure it’s marinated adequately next time and keep an eye on cooking time. To help, let your grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier overall. Is this salad suitable for people with nut allergies? Yes! If you or anyone you’re serving has a nut allergy, you can easily omit the sliced almonds. The salad will still be delicious, but feel free to add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead to maintain that nice crunch! How can I customize this salad for different dietary needs? Very! For a vegetarian version, simply swap the grilled chicken for tofu or chickpeas. You can also add avocado slices for creaminess or use vegan feta cheese for a dairy-free option. This salad is versatile and can cater to various dietary preferences! Balsamic Strawberry Salad That Will Brighten Your Day This vibrant Balsamic Strawberry Salad combines juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, and creamy feta into a refreshing low-carb dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsMarinade Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad4 cups Salad Greens A mix of leafy greens for varied texture and flavor2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Cut in half for quicker cooking1 cup Sliced Strawberries Use fresh for the best flavor0.5 cup Red Onion Soak in water if you want to mellow the flavor0.5 cup Sliced Almonds Can substitute with walnuts or pecans0.5 cup Feta Cheese Use crumbled for even seasoningFor the Marinade/Vinaigrette3 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil if desired3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Essential for vinaigrette flavor2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Honey Keeps it low-carb1 clove Minced Garlic Elevates the marinadeto taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning Equipment mixing bowlGrillServing Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of sugar-free honey, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Toss the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the marinade until fully saturated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.Preheat your grill to medium-high (375°F or 190°C). Grill the chicken for approximately 10-15 minutes until cooked through.While the chicken is resting, layer a variety of salad greens in a large serving bowl.Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the greens with freshly sliced strawberries, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of sugar-free honey, and 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.Drizzle the vinaigrette over the assembled salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 70mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesMarinate chicken for at least 1 hour for maximum flavor. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Avoid overcooking chicken for juiciness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
