Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is a delightful mix of fresh, vibrant flavors. The tender chicken thighs, seasoned with thyme and pepper, pair beautifully with the crisp baby spinach and sweet, juicy strawberries. The addition of feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element, while the toasted walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is balanced and full of flavor. It’s a perfect choice for meal prep, ensuring you have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go all week.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground pepper
8 cups baby spinach
2 cups sliced strawberries
¼ cup feta cheese (Optional)
¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
6 tablespoons Balsamic Vinaigrette

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken thighs with salt, dried thyme, and ground pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Prepare the salad base: While the chicken is cooking, place the baby spinach in a large bowl or divide it into individual meal-prep containers.
Assemble the salad: Top the spinach with sliced strawberries, feta cheese (if using), and toasted walnuts.
Add the chicken: Add the sliced chicken thighs on top of the salad.
Dress the salad: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss everything together just before serving, or pack the dressing separately for meal prep to keep the salad fresh.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add extra veggies: You can add cucumber, avocado, or red onion for added freshness and flavor.
Use a different protein: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken thighs for grilled chicken breast, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Make it vegan: Skip the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative, and opt for a vegan-friendly dressing.
Add grains: For a more filling salad, you can add cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the salad in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate if meal prepping to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Reheating: If you prefer warm chicken, you can reheat the sliced chicken in the microwave or in a skillet before adding it to the salad. However, the salad is also delicious served cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, but chicken thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful.

2. Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this salad.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for meal prep! Prepare all the ingredients in advance, but store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even apple slices for additional flavor and variety.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as the balsamic vinaigrette you use does not contain gluten.

6. Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different dressings such as a lemon vinaigrette, honey mustard, or a creamy dressing if you prefer.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

8. Can I make this salad low-carb?

Yes, this salad is already low in carbs, but if you want to reduce the carbs even further, skip the walnuts or reduce the amount of balsamic vinaigrette.

9. Can I make this salad spicier?

For a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or top the salad with some spicy pickled jalapeños.

10. How can I add more texture to this salad?

For added crunch, you can add seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or even crispy chickpeas.

Conclusion

Spinach & Strawberry Meal-Prep Salad is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for meal prepping or as a fresh, light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and toasted walnuts offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep option or a quick, flavorful salad to enjoy, this recipe will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.