Summer Berry Salad w/Chicken

Some of the best things about summer are the fresh foods the season brings. Light, crisp, and full of flavor — it’s the perfect time to enjoy what my husband jokingly calls “chick food” or “rabbit food.” (Though, let’s be honest — he secretly loves it.)

This quick and tasty salad is super versatile. It makes a delicious side (just as it is), or you can add grilled chicken to turn it into a satisfying main dish.

Chances are, you’ve had a version of this before. The beauty of it is how easily you can make it your own — swap out ingredients and tailor it to your taste.

Enjoy!
  • Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 yield(s)
Cook Time: 9 mins
Ingredients
  • 4 Grilled Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Sliced)
  • 2 cup Fresh Strawberries Sliced (Washed)
  • 1 cup Fresh Blueberries (Washed)
  • 5 oz Arugula (Washed & Dried)
  • 5 oz Spinach (Washed & Dried)
  • Feta or Goat Cheese (Crumbled)
  • 1/2 cup Candied Walnuts (Or Nuts of Choice)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
  • tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Garlic Clove (Minced)
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • Salt & Pepper (To Taste)
Instructions
  1. The salad is versatile for a variety of dressings, A simple Balsamic Vinaigrette is a wonderful alternative. For Strawberry Basil Balsamic Dressing, add the following ingredients and blend until creamy. Refrigerate. 1 cup fresh strawberries washed sliced ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon dijon mustard ¼ cup fresh basil 1 clove garlic 1 teaspoon honey salt and pepper to taste Assemble Salad: Place the arugula and spinach into a large salad bowl or arrange it on a serving platter or on individual plates as desired. Spread greens out evenly to create a fresh bed for the toppings. Scatter the fresh strawberries and blueberries evenly over the green mixture. Crumble the goat cheese over the top so every bite has a touch of creamy tang. If desired, add chicken strips. Sprinkle the candied walnuts across the salad for a sweet crunch. Just before serving, drizzle with strawberry basil dressing. You can also serve the dressing on the side if you prefer. A simple Balsamic Vinaigrette is a wonderful alternative or even a squeeze of lemon juice. Give the salad a gentle toss — just enough to combine, but not enough to smash the berries. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors of summer!