Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad Recipe
A vibrant and refreshing Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad featuring fresh baby spinach, juicy strawberries, mandarin oranges, red onions, feta cheese, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and tender grilled chicken, all tossed with balsamic vinaigrette dressing for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is an ideal light meal or side dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh sliced strawberries
- 1 cup mandarin oranges in syrup, drained
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 12 oz. sliced or cubed cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)
Dressing
- Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large wide bowl, place the fresh baby spinach as the base of your salad to create a bed for the toppings.
- Add fruit and vegetables: Layer the sliced fresh strawberries, drained mandarin oranges, and thinly sliced red onions evenly over the spinach for fresh sweetness and mild sharpness.
- Add cheeses and nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sliced almonds on top to add a creamy texture and crunchy bite.
- Add dried cranberries and chicken: Scatter the dried cranberries for a chewy sweetness and then arrange the sliced or cubed cooked chicken on top for protein and heartiness.
- Dress the salad: Spoon some balsamic vinaigrette dressing evenly over the salad, ensuring all ingredients get a touch of the tangy dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately with extra balsamic vinaigrette on the side for those who want additional dressing.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries and high-quality balsamic vinaigrette.
- Chicken can be grilled, roasted, or store-bought rotisserie—use whichever is most convenient.
- Toasted the sliced almonds beforehand enhances their crunch and flavor.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different tangy twist.
- For a lighter option, reduce or omit the feta cheese and almonds.
- Perfect as a quick lunch, light dinner, or picnic salad.
