Summer Berry Salad with Chicken

Mixed greens and berry salad is sweet, fresh and summery. A medley of luscious berries dances with crisp greens, creating a symphony of flavors and colors that celebrate the season.

With every bite, experience the freshness of summer captured in a bowl – a refreshing and indulgent journey that’s as delightful as a warm, sunny day.

Ingredients For Summer Berry Salad

• Spring Mix: A combination of mixed greens forms the perfect salad base
• Baby Spinach: Go for baby spinach with its smaller leaves, ideal for salads
• Carrots: Choose carrots with green tops or baby carrots, they’re sweeter and tender
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery taste and crispness, also used for garnishing
• Strawberries: These delicious and nutrient-rich berries bring color, brightness, and flavor
• Blueberries: Infuse the salad with color, a festive touch, and balanced sweetness.
• Feta Cheese: The creamy, tart notes of feta elevate and perfectly complement the berries.
• Nuts: (Optional) pecans, or walnuts provide a crunchy bite and rich caramelized flavors.
• Chicken: This recipe features rosemary chicken. Rotisserie chicken is also a great alternative.
• Vinaigrette: Strawberry vinaigrette harmonizes beautifully with the flavors of this salad.

Summer Berry Salad with Chicken Recipe

• 5 oz. (124g) spring mix or 10 oz. of (50/50 blend of spinach and spring mix)
• 5 oz. (124g) fresh baby spinach
• 1 medium raw carrot (about ½ cup/71g), peeled and julienned
• 1/2 cup (28g) fresh parsley, leaves pulled (only), more for garnish
• 2 cups (10 oz./284g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup (5 oz./142g) fresh blueberries
• 1/3 cup (1.5 oz./43g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4-1/3 cup (1.5 oz./43g) toasted, chopped pecans, optional for crunch
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or diced, for serving
• 1 cup (240ml) strawberry chia vinaigrette recipe, for serving

Recommended Equipment

• Salad Platter/Dish: Preferably deeper than regular plates.
• Cutting Board: Slice, chop, and prep all your ingredients safely.
• Mandoline: Use a mandoline to julienne carrots.

How to Make Summer Berry Salad with Chicken

Toss with Care: Gently combine spring mix, baby spinach, fresh parsley leaves, and julienned carrots.

Note: These ingredients are delicate and can bruise if handled roughly, potentially compromising their texture.

Arrange Mixed Greens: Place the mixed greens onto a salad platter or in a deep bowl.

Tip: Opt for a deeper dish or even multiple larger prep containers for an appealing presentation and convenient storage and serving.

Berries: Slice strawberries thinly and arrange them on the bed of greens. Add blueberries next to the strawberries.

Chicken: For a non-vegetarian option, slice or cube chicken and place it on top or to the side of the salad. Alternatively, omit the chicken for a vegetarian version.

Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped nuts over the salad.

Note: Consider dietary restrictions when serving nuts and cheese in the salad to guests with dietary concerns.

Garnish: Enhance the presentation by adding more fresh parsley leaves.

Serve: Drizzle your preferred dressing/vinaigrette or serve it on the side, then savor the delightful flavors!

Tips: If preparing a larger batch for immediate serving, consider lightly drizzling the entire salad just before serving for added convenience.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

• Mixed Greens: Any preferred leafy greens are great options, except iceberg lettuce.
• Prep Greens: If not using prepackaged mixed greens, ensure to wash and thoroughly dry them
• Strawberries: Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries without bruises for optimal flavor and presentation.
• Blueberries: Select firm and non-mushy fresh berries.
• Dairy: Feta cheese complements spinach and strawberries wonderfully in most salads.
• Protein: Chicken is the ideal protein choice, as other options may not pair well with this salad.
• Vegetarian: Easily transform this into a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken.
• Serve Fresh: Serve salad on the day of preparation, when the greens are crisp and at their peak.
• Dressing: The strawberry vinaigrette strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
• Serving: For best results, serve the dressing separately to avoid wilted leftovers.

Storing & Serving

This salad is best enjoyed fresh immediately after preparation. For leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness.

Make-Ahead: Assemble the salad and refrigerate it in an airtight container up to 2 hours ahead. Keep the dressing separate until serving. Alternatively, prep and store each component separately for up to 1 day.

Storage: Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It’s not advised to store the dressed salad, as the dressing’s acidity can spoil and wilt it.

Serve: This salad is most flavorful when served cold from the fridge. Ensure the dressing is chilled until it’s time to dress the salad.

Serving Suggestions

• Brunch Elegance: Elevate your brunch table with this elegant salad.
• Lunch Delight: Enjoy the salad as a satisfying and healthy lunch option.
• Side Star: Serve the salad as a vibrant side dish at barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.
• Light Supper: Enjoy with crusty bread or a light soup for a well-rounded evening meal.
• Quick Dinner: Create a quick and wholesome dinner by adding chicken or roasted vegetables.

You May Also Like…

• Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe
• Strawberry Chia Seed Dressing Recipe
• Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe