Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese is the perfect celebration of summer’s best ingredients. With tender, juicy grilled chicken laid over a bed of fresh greens, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans, this colorful salad is as nutritious as it is elegant. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a light yet satisfying dish ideal for lunch, dinner, or an elevated picnic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and flavorful: A combination of sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors in every bite.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Nutritious and balanced: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and seasonal produce.
Beautiful presentation: A colorful and visually appealing dish for entertaining or casual meals.
Customizable: Easily adjusted to suit different diets and preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and black pepper, to taste
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup crumbled goat cheese
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
⅓ cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
balsamic vinaigrette, to taste

Optional:

fresh basil or mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Grill the Chicken:

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Assemble the Salad:

In a large salad bowl or on a platter, arrange the mixed greens.
Top with sliced strawberries, red onion, goat cheese, and toasted pecans.

3. Add Chicken and Dressing:

Slice the grilled chicken and place on top of the salad.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss or serve dressing on the side.

4. Garnish and Serve:

Add fresh basil or mint leaves for an aromatic garnish if desired.
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the greens are crisp.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

Add grains: Serve over quinoa, farro, or couscous for a heartier meal.
Dairy-free: Omit goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Fruit swap: Try blueberries, raspberries, or mandarin oranges in place of strawberries.
Nut-free: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Herb vinaigrette: Mix fresh herbs into the balsamic vinaigrette for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the grilled chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
Note: Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately to prevent wilting.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut for quicker preparation.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for keto with a sugar-free vinaigrette.

Can I grill the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. Grill and slice the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge.

What’s a good substitute for goat cheese?

Feta or blue cheese also offer great tang and texture in this salad.

How do I toast the pecans?

Place in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I make this into a meal prep salad?

Yes, store all ingredients separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.

What dressing works best besides balsamic vinaigrette?

A honey mustard, lemon poppy seed, or raspberry vinaigrette would also complement the flavors well.

How do I keep strawberries fresh in salad?

Add them just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, this salad is just as delicious served cold as it is warm.

What wine pairs well with this salad?

A chilled rosé or sauvignon blanc pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese is a vibrant, wholesome dish that captures the essence of summer on a plate. With juicy grilled chicken, ripe berries, creamy cheese, and a light vinaigrette, this salad balances freshness and indulgence in one colorful, delicious bowl. Whether for a quick weekday meal or an alfresco weekend lunch, it’s a simple, satisfying favorite.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese is a refreshing, high-protein summer salad filled with juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans. This healthy salad recipe is perfect for a low-carb lunch, picnic, or easy weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Instructions:

Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
In a large bowl or on a platter, arrange the mixed greens.
Top with strawberries, red onions, goat cheese, and toasted nuts.
Add the grilled chicken slices on top.
Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss or serve with dressing on the side.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.