Description
This balsamic strawberry chicken salad combines juicy chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil with a tangy balsamic reduction. It is light, refreshing, and packed with sweet and savory flavor perfect for warm-weather meals.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt, to taste
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
8 oz strawberries, sliced
3 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional: 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes.
- Grill or pan-cook the chicken until fully cooked and golden on the outside. Let it cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small saucepan, simmer 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar with the brown sugar until reduced by half and thick enough to coat a spoon. Let it cool.
- Place the chopped mozzarella cheese, sliced strawberries, and minced basil into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the chopped chicken to the bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic reduction over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top if desired.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
Fresh mozzarella provides the best creamy texture for this salad.
Serve over spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for extra freshness.
Store the balsamic reduction separately and drizzle just before serving for the best texture.
Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker preparation.
Toasted almonds or walnuts make great substitutes for pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
