Chicken Spinach Salad

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a Chicken Spinach Salad that just makes my taste buds dance. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, the grill heating up, and the aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken wafting through the air. I often whip up this salad when I want something light yet satisfying. It’s become a go-to for family gatherings and casual lunches, and it never fails to impress! The combination of tender chicken, vibrant greens, and juicy fruits creates a medley of flavors that feels both indulgent and healthy. Every bite is a reminder of warmer days, laughter, and connection over a shared meal. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just treating myself, this Chicken Spinach Salad always delivers joy. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!

First off, the bright, leafy greens like spinach are loaded with nutrients, making them the perfect base for this salad. The addition of fresh blueberries, strawberries, and clementines not only adds a burst of sweetness but also a rainbow of colors that makes the dish visually appealing. And let’s not forget about the feta cheese and sliced almonds; they provide a delightful crunch and creaminess that elevates the salad to another level. Every ingredient plays a role, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture that you’ll keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Spinach Salad

When making a Chicken Spinach Salad, the ingredients play a crucial role in elevating the dish. Each one brings its own unique flavor and texture, creating a delightful balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. The combination of chicken, fresh greens, and fruits not only enhances the taste but also contributes to a healthy and vibrant meal.

• 8-1/2 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast: This is the protein powerhouse of the salad, ensuring you feel satisfied. Cooked until juicy and tender, it brings a savory element to contrast with the sweet fruits.
• 4 cups baby spinach: The base of the salad, spinach is packed with nutrients and provides a fresh, green crunch.
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and color, making the salad visually appealing.
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries: Sliced thin, they provide a lovely sweetness that complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1/2 cup clementine oranges: Their citrusy flavor enhances the freshness of the salad, adding a zesty touch.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons feta cheese: This adds creaminess and a tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sliced almonds: For crunch and a nutty flavor, almonds bring additional texture to the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these ingredients enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Used in the dressing, it provides richness and helps to bring all the flavors together.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: This adds a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the fruits.
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard: A small amount of this mustard enhances the tanginess and depth of the dressing.
• 1-1/2 teaspoons honey: A touch of sweetness to the dressing, marrying all the flavors beautifully.

The Process for Making Chicken Spinach Salad

Making a Chicken Spinach Salad is not just a culinary task; it’s an opportunity to infuse your kitchen with delightful aromas and vibrant colors. Follow these steps to create a beautiful and satisfying dish. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to get creative!

1. Start by preparing your fruits. First, wash and dry the blueberries and strawberries. Ensure they are free of moisture, as wet ingredients can prevent the dressing from adhering properly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them thinly. Peel the clementines and, if desired, remove large stems from the spinach. I also like to tear the larger spinach leaves for better bites.

2. Next, focus on the chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast and slice it in half width-wise. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Drizzle some olive oil over both sides of the chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the chicken grilling blend. This seasoning will really bring out the flavors.

3. Drizzle about 2 to 3 teaspoons of olive oil over a large grill pan. Preheat it over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can reduce the heat slightly. Once cooked, remove from heat and cover with foil to keep warm.

4. While the chicken is resting, it’s time to make the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Close the lid and shake vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. In a large bowl, add the washed spinach. Toss it with a few tablespoons of the dressing to coat. This will infuse the greens with flavor from the start. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and clementines to the bowl.

6. Now, slice or chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped chicken to the salad bowl. Sprinkle the feta cheese and sliced almonds on top for added texture and flavor. Drizzle more dressing over the top as desired.

7. Finally, gently toss everything together until well mixed. Make sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Enjoy your Chicken Spinach Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Expert Tips about Chicken Spinach Salad

As you venture into preparing your Chicken Spinach Salad, here are some expert tips to ensure you get the best results. These pointers will help you elevate your dish and make it a hit every time!

• Storage: To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients. This prevents the greens from wilting.
• Freezing: It’s not ideal to freeze this salad as the fresh fruits and greens lose texture and flavor when frozen.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with a light white wine vinaigrette or a side of crusty bread for a more filling meal.
• Customization: Try adding grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. It’s a great way to change things up!
• Seasonal Fruits: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor. In the summer, peaches or nectarines would be a delicious addition.

Accompaniments for Chicken Spinach Salad

Serving your Chicken Spinach Salad is all about making the meal feel complete and satisfying. Here are some ideas on how to serve this lovely dish:

• Side Dishes: Pair your salad with light side dishes like garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing gazpacho to complement the salad.
• Occasions: This salad is perfect for summer picnics, casual lunch gatherings, or as a side for grilled meats during BBQ events.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within a day or two for the best quality.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, fresh corn on the cob or a slice of watermelon would go wonderfully with this salad.
• Make it a Meal: Add some quinoa or farro to the salad to make it more filling, perfect for a dinner option.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Spinach Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it a standout dish in any season. It combines fresh ingredients with a touch of creativity, ensuring that every bite is enjoyable. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of creating something healthy and delicious. It’s an easy way to elevate your meals, and I believe you’ll love how satisfying it is. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this delightful salad tonight!

Chicken Spinach Salad

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Spinach Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring juicy chicken, crisp greens, and sweet fruits. Perfect for a light dinner or a healthy lunch, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and will leave you craving more. Make it tonight for a delicious and nutritious meal!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 2 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large grill pan

Ingredients

  

• 8-1/2 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup clementine oranges
• 2 to 3 tablespoons feta cheese
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sliced almonds
• Salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1-1/2 teaspoons honey

Instructions

 

• Start by preparing your fruits. First, wash and dry the blueberries and strawberries. Ensure they are free of moisture, as wet ingredients can prevent the dressing from adhering properly. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them thinly. Peel the clementines and, if desired, remove large stems from the spinach. I also like to tear the larger spinach leaves for better bites.
• Next, focus on the chicken. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breast and slice it in half width-wise. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Drizzle some olive oil over both sides of the chicken pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the chicken grilling blend. This seasoning will really bring out the flavors.
• Drizzle about 2 to 3 teaspoons of olive oil over a large grill pan. Preheat it over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can reduce the heat slightly. Once cooked, remove from heat and cover with foil to keep warm.
• While the chicken is resting, it’s time to make the dressing. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon-style mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Close the lid and shake vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• In a large bowl, add the washed spinach. Toss it with a few tablespoons of the dressing to coat. This will infuse the greens with flavor from the start. Add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and clementines to the bowl.
• Now, slice or chop the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped chicken to the salad bowl. Sprinkle the feta cheese and sliced almonds on top for added texture and flavor. Drizzle more dressing over the top as desired.
• Finally, gently toss everything together until well mixed. Make sure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Enjoy your Chicken Spinach Salad immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Tip 1: To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients. This prevents the greens from wilting.
• Tip 2: It’s not ideal to freeze this salad as the fresh fruits and greens lose texture and flavor when frozen.
• Tip 3: This salad pairs beautifully with a light white wine vinaigrette or a side of crusty bread for a more filling meal.
• Tip 4: Try adding grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. It’s a great way to change things up!
• Tip 5: Use seasonal fruits for the best flavor. In the summer, peaches or nectarines would be a delicious addition.

Keyword Chicken Spinach Salad, easy summer salads, healthy salad recipes, meal prep salad

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.