Name: The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487559H59M53S
Total time: PT-487559H59M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the salad:; 2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled or shredded); 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 5 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix); 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup candied pecans or walnuts (optional); 1 avocado, sliced (optional); For the dressing:; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/2 tsp poppy seeds

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The best strawberry chicken salad is fresh, juicy, and loaded with bold flavors that work perfectly together. I love how the sweetness of strawberries pairs with tender grilled chicken, crisp greens, creamy feta, and a punchy homemade dressing. It’s light enough for lunch, but filling enough for dinner—and always makes me feel like I’m eating something special.

The Best Strawberry Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it checks all the boxes: sweet, savory, tangy, crunchy, and satisfying. The strawberries bring brightness, the chicken adds protein, and the mix of textures keeps every bite interesting. It’s quick to throw together and makes a beautiful, colorful plate that feels like a restaurant-quality salad made right at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salad:

Cooked chicken breast (grilled or shredded)
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
Cucumber, thinly sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Crumbled feta cheese
Candied pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
Avocado slices (optional)

For the dressing:

Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Optional: poppy seeds for a fun twist

Directions

I start by cooking the chicken if I haven’t already—grilling or pan-searing works great. Once it’s cooked through, I let it rest and then slice it thinly.
In a large bowl, I toss together the salad greens, strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and feta.
I whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything to coat.
I top it all with the sliced chicken, a sprinkle of nuts, and avocado if I’m using it.
I serve it immediately while everything is fresh and crisp.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 as a main dish, or 4–5 as a side.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time (if cooking chicken): 10–15 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the feta for goat cheese or blue cheese if I want a different flavor. I’ve also added quinoa or farro for extra bulk. For a vegetarian version, I leave out the chicken and add more avocado or some chickpeas. If I’m craving more crunch, I throw in croutons or sunflower seeds.

Storage/Reheating

I store all the components separately if I’m making it ahead. Once the salad is dressed, it’s best eaten immediately to avoid soggy greens. The chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the dressing can be refrigerated for up to a week.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I love using rotisserie chicken when I want to save time. It’s flavorful and ready to go.

What greens work best?

I like using a mix of baby spinach and arugula, but spring mix or romaine work well too.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, I skip the chicken and cheese, use maple syrup in the dressing, and add a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

Can I meal prep this salad?

Definitely. I prep everything in separate containers and assemble right before eating. I keep the dressing in a small jar to add fresh.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

A sweet-tangy vinaigrette like balsamic or poppy seed works best. I like making my own with olive oil, vinegar, and a little honey or mustard.

Conclusion

The best strawberry chicken salad is the kind of meal I keep coming back to—fresh, light, and full of flavor. It’s easy to throw together, beautiful to look at, and perfect for warm days when I want something simple but satisfying. Once I try it, it’s hard not to crave it again and again.