A Refreshing Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado and Olive Oil Dressing Recipe

Salads can be more than just side dishes. They can transform into vibrant, satisfying meals. One delightful option is the Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad. This salad combines the sweet taste of strawberries, the creamy texture of avocado, and the hearty goodness of grilled chicken. Add some red onion for a bit of zing and drizzle on an olive oil dressing, and you're set for a treat.

Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side for a larger meal, this salad shines bright during summer when strawberries are fresh and full of flavor.

Let’s explore the ingredients and steps to make this delicious dish right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To make the Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad, gather the following ingredients:

• For the Salad:

- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried

- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

- 1 medium avocado, diced

- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced

- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Olive Oil Dressing:

- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients are commonly found in grocery stores and can be prepped quickly.

Preparing the Salad

With your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the salad. Follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   If you haven’t cooked your chicken yet, you can grill, bake, or poach it. The cooking method doesn’t matter as long as you season it with salt and pepper. For example, grilling chicken breast can add a smoky flavor, while poaching keeps it juicy. Once cooked, let it cool before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces.

   
   

2. Mix the Dressing:

   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing balances sweet and tangy flavors. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add an extra half tablespoon of honey.

   
   

3. Assemble the Salad:

   In a large bowl, start with the fresh spinach. Layer in the sliced strawberries, diced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and chicken on top.

   
   

A vibrant chicken strawberry spinach salad ready to be served.

1. Dress the Salad:

   Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. For best results, toss in a large bowl to prevent smashing the avocado.

   
   

2. Garnish:

   If you're using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top for a salty contrast. Add extra salt and pepper if you wish.

   
   

Your refreshing salad is now ready to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad is versatile. You can enjoy it alone or as a side dish. For added crunch, consider tossing in walnuts or almonds. If you're looking for variety, swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. In keeping with the seasons, feel free to replace strawberries with seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries, which add their own unique sweetness.

Serves 4

A close-up view showcasing the freshness of the salad ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not just tasty; it also offers plenty of nutrients:

• Spinach provides vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and magnesium, which are essential for overall health. Just 1 cup of spinach contains about 40% of your daily vitamin K needs.

• Strawberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, a nutrient that supports the immune system. One cup of strawberries supplies about 150% of your daily vitamin C requirement.

  
  

• Avocado is packed with healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which supports heart health. Just half an avocado contributes around 15% of daily potassium intake.

  
  

• Chicken is a lean protein, crucial for muscle repair and body maintenance. A cup of cooked chicken contains approximately 43 grams of protein, satisfying your hunger significantly.

  
  

By combining these ingredients, you create a nutrient-dense dish that delivers vitamins, minerals, and protein, helping you feel full and energized.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best experience, keep the dressing separate until you're ready for round two. This way, your ingredients will stay fresh longer, and the flavors won’t get soggy.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Making your own Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad is simple and lets you customize flavors. Whether for a light lunch at home or a potluck gathering, this salad will impress everyone. The fresh ingredients combined with a light, flavorful dressing ensure each bite bursts with flavor, unlike pre-packaged salads that can lack freshness.

So why not give it a try? You'll enjoy a nourishing, refreshing meal that pleases your taste buds and your health.

An enticing salad dish featuring fresh strawberries, chicken, and greens.

Enjoy Your Culinary Creation

Incorporating fresh and seasonal ingredients elevates your meals. This Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado and Olive Oil Dressing is a prime example. It is easy to make, delicious, and satisfying.

Now that you have the recipe, gather your ingredients and dive into the delightful flavors this salad offers. Whether you are hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this salad will surely be a hit! Happy cooking!