Bright, fresh, and utterly delicious, this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe is a true celebration of vibrant flavors and textures. Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with sweet, ripe strawberries, while creamy goat cheese and aromatic mint leaves add layers of richness and freshness. Tossed with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this salad bursts with color and taste, making it a perfect dish for a sunny lunch or a light, elegant dinner that feels both special and effortless to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the balance of each ingredient. Every component plays an essential role, from the juicy chicken that adds hearty protein, the strawberries offering a sweet pop, to the tangy goat cheese and refreshing mint that brighten every bite.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein-packed base that’s juicy when grilled just right.
- 6 cups mixed salad greens: Adds fresh crunch and a variety of textures and flavors.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (sliced): Naturally sweet and bursting with summer flavor.
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (chopped): Brings a cool, herbal brightness that lifts the salad.
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese: Creamy, tangy richness that adds depth.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For brushing the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all components.
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances acidity with gentle natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle kick and emulsifies the dressing.
- 1 small shallot (minced): Gives a mild onion flavor that complements the dressing.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for dressing): The rich, fruity base for the vinaigrette.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Grill the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then brush them with olive oil. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this is key to keeping it juicy—before slicing it thinly for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing becomes nicely emulsified. This vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will tie the whole salad together.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced strawberries, chopped mint, and nuts if using. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top, then sprinkle with the crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle your homemade vinaigrette over everything, and gently toss to combine so every bite is flavorful and well-coated.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair and texture, consider adding a few whole mint leaves or a sprinkle of additional chopped nuts right before serving. A few cracked black peppercorns or a light dusting of lemon zest can also elevate the freshness and add zing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread for soaking up the dressing, or a light soup like chilled gazpacho or a simple tomato basil. For a more substantial meal, serving alongside roasted sweet potatoes or grilled asparagus works wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or add a bit of fun, serve the salad in hollowed-out strawberry halves or small mason jars layered in the order of greens, chicken, strawberries, cheese, and mint. This portable presentation is just as tasty and adds a bright, colorful aesthetic to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep the grilled chicken refrigerated for up to 3 days, and store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting. When ready to eat, toss everything fresh to maintain that crisp texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not highly recommended, especially because fresh strawberries and goat cheese do not freeze well. However, you can freeze the grilled chicken to use later in wraps or other dishes.
Reheating
If you have leftover grilled chicken, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a cover to avoid drying out. Reheat just until warmed through and add to the fresh greens and toppings right before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Feta cheese is a fantastic alternative providing a similar tangy creaminess. For a milder flavor, try ricotta salata or even fresh mozzarella for a different texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the grilled chicken for grilled tofu or a hearty bean salad. The mint, strawberries, and goat cheese keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling over the salad to recombine the ingredients.
What nuts work best in the salad?
Walnuts and pecans are the most common choices for their crunch and slightly sweet flavor, but toasted almonds or pine nuts would also be delicious.
How long can the assembled salad sit before serving?
Because of the fresh strawberries and greens, it’s best to serve the salad immediately after tossing with dressing. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a celebration on a plate, I can’t recommend this Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe enough. It’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive—perfect for those warm days when you want something light but truly satisfying. Do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try; it just might become your new go-to summer favorite!
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Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese features juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and fresh mint leaves. Tossed with a light balsamic vinaigrette and served over mixed greens, it makes for a vibrant, elegant, and easy-to-prepare meal perfect for warm weather lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush both sides with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear them over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly to maintain juiciness.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, chopped mint, and nuts if using. Add the sliced grilled chicken and crumbled goat cheese on top.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and vibrant colors.
Notes
- You can substitute feta cheese for goat cheese if preferred.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and richness.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu.
