Refreshing Zesty Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad Recipe

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you suddenly find yourself craving something fresh and zesty. Enter the Zesty Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, sweet strawberries, and crunchy spinach in a flavor explosion that’s sure to make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Imagine biting into juicy strawberries that playfully flirt with the zesty lime dressing while the chicken adds a satisfying heartiness. It’s like a party on your plate!

Now, let’s be honest: salads sometimes get a bad rap for being boring or bland. But trust me, this salad is anything but ordinary! Perfect for those sunny picnics or even as a light dinner option when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. The moment you whip up this recipe, you’ll be greeted with smiles and compliments—definitely not your average salad experience. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

I remember the first time I made this Zesty Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! They practically licked their plates clean. For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch ideas recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, adjusting based on your crowd size; they grill beautifully.
• Fresh Spinach: Look for vibrant green leaves; they provide great texture and nutrients.
• Strawberries: Choose ripe berries; their sweetness brightens up the entire salad.
• Red Onion: Slice thinly for a mild sharpness that complements the sweetness of strawberries.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creamy saltiness; feel free to substitute with goat cheese if preferred.
• Candied Pecans: These add delightful crunch and sweetness; store-bought ones work fine if you’re short on time.

For the Ginger-Lime Dressing:

• Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it!
• Grated Ginger: Fresh ginger packs a punch; it brings warmth and zing to the dressing.
• Honey: Use local honey for added depth; it balances acidity beautifully.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the dressing’s richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that pull everything together nicely.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preparing the Chicken

Start by heating a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes per side until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.

Making the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, grated ginger, honey, and olive oil until well combined. Taste it—it should be tangy with just enough sweetness!

Assembling the Salad

In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach leaves with sliced strawberries and red onion. Pour half of the ginger-lime dressing over it. Toss gently until everything is coated.

Adding Chicken and Toppings

Slice grilled chicken into strips and arrange them atop the salad mix. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and candied pecans generously over everything.

Final Touches

Drizzle remaining ginger-lime dressing over the top before serving. Give it one last gentle toss to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor!

Enjoy your Zesty Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad chilled or at room temperature—it’s perfect anytime!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in ginger-lime dressing, then grill until juicy. While the chicken rests, prepare the salad with fresh spinach and strawberries for vibrant flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out strawberries for blueberries or add nuts like pecans for extra crunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For best results, enjoy it cold without reheating, as this salad is meant to be fresh.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of summer picnics with friends where laughter was plentiful, and we devoured every bite of this colorful salad together.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in this salad?

Try grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delightful vegetarian option that still packs protein.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but dress it just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.

How do I store leftover ginger-lime dressing?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week for future salads.

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Zesty Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Zesty Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad is a delightful mix of juicy chicken, sweet strawberries, and vibrant spinach, all topped with a refreshing ginger-lime dressing. This salad is perfect for warm days when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. It comes together effortlessly and makes an eye-catching dish for picnics or dinner parties. With its explosion of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

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• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup candied pecans
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, grated ginger, honey, and olive oil until combined.
3. In a large bowl, toss spinach with sliced strawberries and red onion. Add half of the dressing and mix gently.
4. Slice the grilled chicken and place on top of the salad. Sprinkle with feta cheese and candied pecans.
5. Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (about 300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg