The delightful Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe is the perfect way to bring together sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in one refreshing dish. Imagine juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and creamy goat cheese mingling with crisp greens and bright mint, all drizzled with a tangy honey-balsamic dressing. It’s the kind of salad that feels light but still satisfying enough to serve as a full meal, and it’s unbelievably simple to whip up whenever you crave something vibrant and nourishing. Whether you’re packing lunch for a sunny day or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this salad sing with flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, adding freshness, crunch, or creaminess to make every bite exciting and balanced.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or sliced chicken for a hearty and protein-rich base.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries: Hulled and sliced for that natural sweetness and juiciness.
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach: Provides a fresh, leafy contrast and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves: Torn or chopped for a bright, aromatic burst that elevates the salad.
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese: Adds creamy tanginess that balances the sweet strawberries perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans: Toasted for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons red onion: Thinly sliced to bring a little sharpness and color contrast.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Forms the smooth base of the dressing with healthy fats.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Gives the dressing a rich, slightly sweet acidity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness to the dressing to tie everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This simple yet flavorful dressing ties all the salad ingredients together with its perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and subtle spice.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, fresh strawberries, mixed greens or baby spinach, torn mint leaves, crumbled goat cheese, toasted almonds or pecans, and thinly sliced red onion. Each ingredient adds a unique texture and flavor that plays off one another beautifully.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Gently toss everything to coat the ingredients without bruising the tender greens or strawberries. This step ensures every bite bursts with that perfect blend of flavors.
How to Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To make your salad look as irresistible as it tastes, feel free to sprinkle a bit of extra crumbled goat cheese or a few fresh mint leaves on top. A light drizzle of extra dressing just before serving can also add an elegant touch and boost the flavor intensity.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a main course, but pairing it with a crusty baguette, garlic bread, or a light soup can turn your meal into a well-rounded feast. Its vibrant flavors complement savory sides exceptionally well without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress at your next gathering, try serving the salad in individual mason jars or pretty bowls to highlight the colorful layers. Alternatively, plate it on a bed of extra greens or alongside grilled peaches or avocado slices for an extra gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad components separately if possible—keep the dressing in one container and the salad ingredients in another to avoid sogginess. Refrigerate the salad ingredients in an airtight container and use within 1-2 days for the best freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate greens, fresh strawberries, and creamy goat cheese. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze only the cooked chicken and nuts, and assemble the rest of the salad fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer warm chicken, gently reheat the chicken before mixing it with the other salad ingredients and serving immediately.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a convenient and flavorful shortcut that saves time while keeping this salad delicious.
What if I don’t like goat cheese?
You can substitute goat cheese with feta cheese or even blue cheese for different but equally tasty results. For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese altogether or use a plant-based alternative.
Is it okay to make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk or shake before using as it may separate over time.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches are excellent additions or substitutes that bring their own sweetness and texture.
How do I toast the nuts for the salad?
Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the nuts, and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both healthy and indulgent at the same time. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh flavor, and perfect for any season when you want a salad that truly satisfies. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find it becoming your go-to for effortless, joyful meals.
Print
Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This fresh and vibrant Strawberry Chicken Salad with Mint & Goat Cheese is a perfect light meal combining juicy strawberries, tender cooked chicken, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic mint. Tossed in a simple balsamic honey dressing and topped with toasted nuts, this gluten-free salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors ideal for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or sliced)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (torn or chopped)
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (toasted)
- 2 tablespoons red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified to form a smooth dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, mixed greens or baby spinach, torn mint leaves, crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the combined salad just before serving. Toss gently again to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh mint leaves or additional goat cheese for presentation.
Notes
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor.
- For more depth, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking.
- Substitute goat cheese with feta cheese if desired for a different tanginess.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the dressing vegan-friendly.
