If you are searching for a refreshing and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor, look no further than this delightful Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe. It combines tender chicken, juicy strawberries, aromatic fresh mint, and creamy goat cheese atop crisp mixed greens, all brightened by a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes, making it an unforgettable meal that feels both light and satisfyingly rich. This salad is a surefire way to impress at your next lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients, each bringing something special: color, texture, or flavor. Using quality components really elevates the entire dish.
- Mixed salad greens: A fresh, crisp base that adds variety in texture and a mild green flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast: Lean protein that makes the salad hearty and filling.
- Fresh strawberries: Bright, sweet juiciness that contrasts beautifully with savory elements.
- Fresh mint: Thinly sliced for a refreshing, cool herbal lift.
- Crumbled goat cheese: Creamy, tangy notes that add richness without overwhelming.
- Sliced almonds or chopped pecans: Nutty crunch that adds texture balance.
- Olive oil: Rich base for the dressing, bringing smoothness and depth.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides a sweet-tart acidity to brighten the dressing.
- Honey: Natural sweetness to round out the tart balsamic.
- Dijon mustard: A sharp, pungent kick that helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing the mixed salad greens in a large bowl as the foundation for your salad. These vibrant greens are not only visually stunning, but they provide a refreshing crunch that perfectly supports the toppings.
Step 2: Add the Protein and Fruits
Evenly scatter the sliced or chopped cooked chicken breast over the greens. Next, layer on the hulled and sliced fresh strawberries. The strawberries add a juicy burst of natural sweetness that meshes wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Step 3: Sprinkle Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh mint leaves over the salad, followed by the crumbled goat cheese. The mint brings a unique freshness while the goat cheese adds creamy tang, creating a lovely contrast in each bite.
Step 4: Add the Crunch
Top everything with your choice of sliced almonds or chopped pecans. These nuts lend a delightful crunch that enhances the salad’s texture and offers a toasty flavor note.
Step 5: Whisk and Drizzle Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified. Drizzle this dressing evenly over the assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all the flavors without bruising the delicate ingredients.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint sprigs or a few whole strawberries can serve as pretty garnishes to elevate your presentation. A light dusting of cracked black pepper also adds an inviting finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic bread to soak up the vinaigrette. For something heartier, a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a light soup complements the fresh flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad inside hollowed-out heirloom tomatoes or atop toasted baguette slices for individual starters. You can also assemble it in mason jars for a beautiful picnic or lunchbox option that stays fresh and layered.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad components separately when possible—keep the dressing, nuts, and cheese apart from the greens and chicken to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate covered and consume within 24 hours for the best taste.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended; frozen strawberries and greens lose their texture and appeal once thawed.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm meal, gently reheat the chicken separately and toss with cold salad components just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient, flavorful option that works perfectly with this salad, saving you prep time without sacrificing taste.
Is goat cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
If goat cheese isn’t to your liking, feta cheese makes a fantastic substitute that still offers a tangy richness to the salad.
What can I do to make the dressing more tangy?
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for a brighter, more pronounced tanginess.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make this salad vegan, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas and swap goat cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative.
What type of nuts works best in the salad?
Both sliced almonds and chopped pecans are fantastic choices. Almonds provide a lighter crunch, while pecans bring a richer, buttery flavor. Choose based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. Its medley of fresh ingredients and balanced flavors delivers an exciting salad experience that feels both comforting and elegant. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your own favorite go-to dishes!
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese combines tender cooked chicken, fresh strawberries, and a zingy homemade dressing for a light and flavorful meal that’s perfect for warm weather or a quick, healthy lunch.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh mint, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed salad greens evenly as the base layer to create a fresh and colorful foundation for the salad.
- Add toppings: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, fresh mint, crumbled goat cheese, and almonds or pecans over the greens for a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified to create a harmonious dressing.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp, then gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated.
- Serve immediately: Present the salad right away to enjoy the vibrant flavors and maintain the fresh textures of the ingredients.
Notes
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used to add more flavor and convenience.
- For extra freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing.
- Substitute feta cheese for goat cheese if preferred.
- Use chopped pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.
