Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever wished your next salad could whisk you away on a flavor adventure, cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese is about to become your passport. Imagine juicy grilled chicken resting atop a lush bed of greens, joined by sweet blackberries, creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and crispy, golden rounds of fried goat cheese. Finished with a tangy blackberry balsamic vinaigrette, every bite is full of contrast and harmony—a riot of color and texture that’ll make you fall in love with salads all over again.

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese is made with everyday ingredients that transform into something downright show-stopping. Each component is there for maximum flavor impact, bringing the salad to life through punchy pops of fruit, earthy nuts, and that impossibly creamy-yet-crunchy fried cheese. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Blackberries: These add bold sweetness to both the salad and the vinaigrette—if you can, use in-season berries for the best flavor.
  • White balsamic vinegar: Brings gentle tang and a gorgeous translucence to the blackberry vinaigrette—swap regular balsamic if that’s what you have.
  • Extra virgin olive oil: For a silky, rich vinaigrette with lovely mouthfeel.
  • Honey: Balances tartness in the dressing and highlights the berries’ natural sweetness.
  • Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and binds the vinaigrette together.
  • Tamari or soy sauce: Gives a deep, umami undertone that elevates everything.
  • Garlic: Adds savory warmth—just one clove is all you need.
  • Salt and pepper: To bring out the best in every component.
  • Goat cheese: The creamy, tangy hero of the crispy rounds—keep it cold for easier slicing or rolling.
  • Flour: For your first breading layer to help the egg stick.
  • Egg: Acts as glue to hold the breadcrumbs to the cheese.
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers an irresistible shatter-crisp finish—regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko is magical here.
  • Chicken breasts: Grill these to juicy perfection; they soak up the marinade so beautifully.
  • Lettuce: Your crisp green foundation—use your favorite variety for freshness and crunch.
  • Avocado: For an extra layer of creamy decadence.
  • Red onion: Gives a vibrant punch and the prettiest pop of color.
  • Walnuts (or pistachios or almonds): Adds crunchy contrast—a nutty, toasty finish.

How to Make cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Begin by blending together the blackberries, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, tamari or soy sauce, and garlic until ultra-smooth. The berries infuse the dressing with a lush, vibrant hue and a sweet-tart flavor that sets the whole tone for our cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside. Reserve half for later—this will serve as both marinade and dressing.

Step 2: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a dish or zip-top bag and pour half of your freshly made vinaigrette over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight if you’re planning ahead) so every bite is juicy and bursting with blackberry balsamic goodness. Once the flavors have sunk in, grill the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and sporting those gorgeous grill marks—around 2 to 5 minutes per side. Let it rest, then slice it thinly to crown your salad later.

Step 3: Get Ready to Fry the Goat Cheese

While the chicken is marinating, prep the goat cheese. Slice it into 1/4-inch thick discs or gently roll it into small balls. Next, create a simple breading station: flour first, then egg, then a coating of crisp panko. Gently fry each piece in a slick of oil over medium heat, turning until golden on all sides. Once your goat cheese pieces are crunchy outside and melty inside, set them on paper towels to drain. These crispy nuggets are the soul of our cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese!

Step 4: Build Your Salad

Now it’s time for the fun part—composing your salad masterpiece. Spread a generous layer of lettuce on a platter or individual bowls. Scatter more blackberries, avocado slices, and slivers of red onion across the greens. Sprinkle with walnuts for irresistible crunch. Top each salad with slices of grilled chicken and (the moment we’ve all been waiting for) the still-warm, crispy fried goat cheese. Drizzle everything lavishly with the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette you reserved earlier.

How to Serve cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For that restaurant-style finish, sprinkle your cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese with a pinch of flaky sea salt, a crack of fresh black pepper, and a few extra berries or torn basil leaves. A light zesting of lemon brightens everything and adds an extra layer of aroma. The contrast of warm cheese and cool greens, dusted with these simple garnishes, will have everyone swooning.

Side Dishes

This salad doesn’t need much to become a satisfying meal, but for a special spread, pair it with a crusty baguette or a side of herby couscous. If you’re leaning into a picnic vibe, serve with chilled gazpacho or a light rosé to complement the berry notes. The flavors of cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese play especially well with anything fresh, crisp, and simple.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow at your next gathering, try assembling the salad on a long platter, with the fried goat cheese arranged artistically on top so everyone gets one (or two). For a more playful touch, turn the cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese into mini jar salads or mason jar parfaits, layering each ingredient for a grab-and-go lunch. Or, skewer pieces of the fried goat cheese and place them atop each serving for an elegant, party-ready twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep things fresh, store salad greens and toppings separately from the dressing and fried goat cheese. Place each component in airtight containers in the fridge. The fried goat cheese is best enjoyed right after frying, but will keep for a day or two—just reheat before serving to restore its crunch.

Freezing

While the salad ingredients and dressing don’t freeze well, you can absolutely freeze the breaded (but unfried) goat cheese rounds! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, fry straight from the freezer (add a minute or two to the cooking time). This is a smart way to always have crunchy goat cheese on hand for a speedy cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese.

Reheating

The best way to reheat the fried goat cheese is in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5-8 minutes, just until hot and crisp. Microwaving is quick, but you’ll sacrifice that glorious crunch. Bring any leftover grilled chicken to room temperature or gently warm in a covered skillet for a fresh-tasting salad experience.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken or swap it for grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or extra avocado. The salad is still deeply satisfying with the tangy vinaigrette and crispy fried goat cheese as the stars.

What’s the best way to keep goat cheese from falling apart when frying?

Chill the goat cheese well before slicing or rolling, and handle gently during breading. Double-dipping in egg and panko can help if you want an even thicker crust. Don’t overcrowd your pan to prevent the rounds from sticking together.

Can I use frozen blackberries for the vinaigrette?

Yes! Just thaw the berries first and drain off any excess juice before blending. Frozen berries are a fantastic way to enjoy cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese all year round.

What lettuce works best for this salad?

You can use any crisp, sturdy lettuce like romaine, butter lettuce, or a mix of baby greens. Even peppery arugula is delicious if you like a bit more bite. Use what looks freshest at the market!

How do I make the fried goat cheese gluten-free?

Simply swap the flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions. Crushed gluten-free crackers work beautifully as well. This adjustment lets everyone get in on the joy of cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a salad that truly impresses, you can’t go wrong with cken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese. It’s indulgent enough for a special dinner, yet easy enough to whip up for a weekday lunch. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving it again and again—happy cooking!

Print

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

This Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that come together beautifully in a colorful and satisfying dish.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing:

  • 1/2 cup blackberries
  • 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the fried goat cheese:

  • 8 ounces goat cheese, either sliced into 1/4 inch thick discs or formed into small balls
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs)

For the salad:

  • 1/2 pound chicken breasts
  • 6 cups lettuce
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (or pistachios or almonds)

Instructions

  1. For the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing: Puree everything in a food processor or with a blender.
  2. For the fried goat cheese: Dredge the goat cheese slices/balls in the flour and coat in egg followed by breadcrumbs and fry in oil over medium heat until lightly golden brown before setting aside on paper towels to drain.
  3. For the salad: Marinate the chicken in half of the vinaigrette for 30 minutes to overnight before grilling over medium-high heat until cooked and slightly charred, about 2-5 minutes per side, and setting aside to cool and slice. Assemble the salad and enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Blackberry Balsamic, Grilled Chicken Salad, Fried Goat Cheese, Salad Recipe

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