Dessert

Strawberry Chicken Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing Recipe

ByElena Hart November 30, 2025November 30, 2025

Introduction

This Strawberry Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining tender chicken, sweet strawberries, and a tangy strawberry balsamic dressing, it’s a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, colorful meal.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad showing several layers: the bottom layer is green romaine lettuce with a crisp texture, scattered with slices of grilled chicken breast that are white with light brown grill marks; mixed within are thin slices of purple onion and small pieces of dark dried fruit, likely cranberries; the middle layer contains bright red sliced strawberries spread evenly throughout the salad; the top layer is drizzled with a pink dressing that adds a creamy texture, and sprinkled with small white cheese crumbles and thin light brown almond slices. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, halved strawberries are placed, and a bottle of the same pink dressing is slightly visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
4 cups romaine, chopped

2 cups strawberries, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup red onion, sliced
1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup almonds, sliced
1 cup strawberries
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth to create the dressing. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped chicken, romaine, chopped strawberries, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced almonds. Either toss with the dressing before serving or drizzle the dressing on top of individual portions.

Tips & Variations

For added crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
Replace goat cheese with feta for a different tangy flavor.

Use grilled chicken instead of cooked chicken for a smoky taste.
Add fresh herbs like basil or mint to brighten the salad even more.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the greens fresh. Reheat chicken if desired before tossing into the salad. Always add dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer has fresh green lettuce leaves with a crisp texture. On top are thick, juicy red strawberry slices, dark purple dried cranberries, and thin slices of grilled chicken with a light brown sear. There are also thin slices of red onion and some white crumbled cheese sprinkled all over. A woman's hand is pouring a pink creamy dressing from a glass bottle over the salad, adding a smooth and rich texture. Some strawberry halves and green leaves are scattered on the marbled surface near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the dressing?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery dressing.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, and store the salad components in containers to maintain freshness throughout the week.