Strawberry Pecan Salad With Chicken

Imagine a vibrant bowl of fresh greens, tossed with juicy slices of grilled chicken that still carry a hint of smoky warmth. Refreshing red grapes burst with sweetness, while strawberries add a touch of summery brightness, and sweet mandarin orange slices bring a cozy taste of autumn. Candied pecans and crumbles of feta cheese add a nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the tangy citrus dressing. This salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, offering a comforting yet refreshing embrace on a breezy afternoon.

Ingredients for Strawberry Pecan Salad With Chicken

• Spring Mix: A blend of tender baby greens that provides a fresh and delicate base for the salad.
• Spinach: Adds heartier, more nutritional depth with its tender, earthy leaves.
• Strawberries: Bring a touch of freshness with their natural sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color.
• Red Grapes: Add a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with crunchy pecans and feta.
• Mandarin Oranges or fresh mandarins soaked in orange juice: Add sweet, juicy, and citrusy flavor.
• Candied Pecans or walnuts: Sweet, crunchy, and full of seasonal spice and nutty richness.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and slightly salty, adding a lovely contrast to sweet fruits and pecans.
• Vinaigrette: Strawberry Citrus or Citrus Balsamic- Both dressings offer a refreshing, sweet finish.
• Chicken (optional): Grilled balsamic chicken recipe or your choice of preparation sliced or cubed.

Strawberry Pecan Salad With Chicken Recipe

• 6 cups (150 grams) fresh spring mix
• 4 cups (100 grams) fresh baby spinach
• 2 medium-sized grilled chicken breasts (400 grams or 2 cups) sliced or cubed (recipe)
• 1 1/2 cups (200 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 cup whole red grapes (150 grams)
• 1 cup (200 grams) mandarin oranges or fresh mandarins soaked in sweet orange juice
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) candied pecans or walnuts (recipe)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) feta cheese, crumbled, more if preferred
• 1/3 cup vinaigrette: Strawberry citrus or citrus balsamic (2 tablespoons/30 ml per serving)

Recommended Equipment

• Oval or Rectangular Serving Plate: For a stunning presentation, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the salad to shine, while offering a practical and elegant way to serve.

How to Make Strawberry Pecan Salad With Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Use chicken breasts and marinate according to this recipe. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest, then slice or cube (about 2 cups), or use any grilled chicken of your choice. Set aside and keep warm.

Assemble the Salad Base: On a large oval or rectangular serving plate, or in individual bowls, start with a mix of spring greens and spinach. The greens should cover the plate.

Add the Fruits: Evenly distribute the quartered strawberries, red grapes, and mandarin oranges across the greens. These colorful fruits bring a sweet and freshness.

Tip: Mandarin Oranges or Fresh Mandarins soaked in freshly squeezed sweet orange juice: Soaking fresh mandarins in orange juice for 30 minutes makes them extra juicy, sweet, and full of citrus flavor. These sweet and tangy citrus slices add a zesty brightness that ties together the richness of the chicken and pecans.

Top with Chicken: Arrange the slices or cubes of grilled chicken on top of the salad, ensuring each serving gets some of the delicious smoky flavor. For a vegan version, simply omit the chicken.

Add Toppings: Scatter the candied pecans or walnuts and crumbled feta cheese across the salad. The crunch of the nuts and the creaminess of the feta provide a perfect contrast to the fruits and chicken.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle your choice of vinaigrette—Strawberry Citrus or Citrus Balsamic—over the entire salad, adding a sweet and tangy finish that ties all the flavors together.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, while the greens and fruits are still vibrant in color and texture. Serve as a light main course or as a colorful side dish and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors!
 

Storage and Serving

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the grilled chicken, vinaigrette, and fruits in advance. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers until ready to assemble the salad.

Storage: Store the assembled salad (without dressing and chicken) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and grilled chicken in separate airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.

Serving: Serve the salad immediately after assembling. Drizzle the dressing just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or enjoyed cold.

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