Pin it Last July, my kitchen was sweltering and I refused to turn on the oven. My neighbor had just dropped off a basket of strawberries from her garden, and I had chicken defrosted on the counter with zero inspiration. That's when I remembered a restaurant salad I'd loved years ago and decided to recreate it from memory.
I served this to my book club during our monthly meeting, and everyone went silent after the first bite. Someone actually asked if I'd catered it. Now it's the most requested dish whenever we gather.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cook evenly and slice beautifully over the salad
- Olive oil: Creates a nice sear and keeps the chicken moist while cooking
- Mixed greens: Arugula adds peppery bites while spinach brings tenderness
- Fresh strawberries: Look for berries that are deep red and slightly fragrant
- Feta cheese: The salty creaminess balances the sweet fruit perfectly
- Pecans or walnuts: Toasting them in a dry pan for 3 minutes transforms their flavor
- Balsamic vinegar: Reducing it creates a syrupy glaze that clings to everything
- Honey: Tames the vinegar's acidity and adds subtle floral sweetness
Instructions
- Make the glaze first:
- Simmer balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until it coats the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes. Watch carefully because it can burn quickly.
- Season and cook the chicken:
- Rub the chicken with olive oil and spices, then grill or sear it for 6 to 7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes so the juices redistribute.
- Build your salad base:
- Spread the mixed greens across a large serving platter or divide among individual plates. Scatter the strawberries, feta, toasted nuts, and red onion on top.
- Finish and serve:
- Slice the chicken against the grain and arrange it over the salad. Drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze right before eating so everything stays crisp.
Pin it This salad has become my go-to for summer dinner parties because it looks impressive but requires almost no actual cooking. People always ask for the recipe, and I love watching their faces when they realize how simple it is.
Make It Your Own
Swap goat cheese for feta if you prefer something milder. Add avocado or cucumber for extra freshness, or try sliced almonds instead of pecans for a lighter crunch.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or chilled rosé cuts through the richness beautifully. For non wine drinkers, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon works just as well.
Meal Prep Magic
This salad travels surprisingly well for picnics and potlucks if you pack the components separately. The glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in a jar at room temperature.
- Keep the sliced strawberries and greens separate until serving time
- Store the glaze in a small container for easy transport
- Pack the chicken separately and add it just before eating
Pin it This is the kind of meal that makes summer feel effortless and abundant. Hope it becomes a regular in your rotation too.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make the balsamic glaze ahead?
Yes, prepare the balsamic reduction up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Drizzle just before serving to maintain salad crispness.
- → What's the best way to grill chicken for this salad?
Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Letting it rest for 5 minutes keeps the meat moist and easier to slice.
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Prepare individual components separately: cook chicken, make the glaze, and wash greens. Assemble just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. Store dressed components in separate containers for up to 4 hours.
- → What cheese alternatives work well here?
Goat cheese offers a creamier, tangier option. Blue cheese adds richness. For dairy-free, try nutritional yeast or cashew crumbles. Each brings unique flavor dimensions to the strawberry and balsamic combination.
- → How do I prevent strawberries from getting soggy?
Hull and slice strawberries just before assembly. Add them after dressing the greens, then drizzle the balsamic glaze at the very end. This keeps everything at peak freshness and texture.
- → Is this salad naturally gluten-free?
Yes, all core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always verify your specific ingredient brands, especially for feta cheese and processed nuts, which may have gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination warnings.