This Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and tender chicken. It’s topped with a nice sprinkle of nuts for a little crunch, making it refreshing and delightful!
There’s something fun about eating a salad that feels like a party on your plate! I love it with a light dressing that really brings out the flavors. Perfect for lunch or a warm day meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Spinach or Mixed Greens: Baby spinach adds a soft texture. If you can’t find it, arugula or kale could work too. Arugula will give a peppery kick, while kale needs a gentler toss to soften it.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is great for protein. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. You could also use turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring a sweet touch. In winter, consider using thawed frozen strawberries, but drain excess juice to avoid sogginess.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds crunch and flavor. If it’s too sharp for your taste, opt for green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Pecans: Toasted pecans give a nice crunch. If you want a nut-free salad, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a tasty substitute.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a creamy and salty element. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan feta or crumble some avocado for creaminess.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a savory crunch. If you don’t eat pork, turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative works well.
Vinaigrette: Any vinaigrette works here. I like balsamic for a tangy flavor, but a honey mustard dressing would also complement the salad nicely.
How Do You Toss a Salad Without Losing Ingredients?
Tossing a salad well can be tricky if you’re not careful! The goal is to mix everything without letting the delicate ingredients fall out. Here are some friendly tips:
- Use two large utensils, like salad tongs or wooden spoons, to gently lift and turn the ingredients instead of stirring.
- Start with the greens at the bottom, then add other ingredients in layers. This helps prevent everything from getting pushed out.
- Drizzle the dressing on top of the salad right before tossing. This keeps everything moist without making the greens soggy.
- Be gentle and toss until everything is just mixed, avoiding over-mixing!
By following these steps, you’ll keep the salad looking beautiful and tasting fresh! Enjoy your Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad!
How to Make Strawberry Fields Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Salad Components:
- 4 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing:
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought vinaigrette (such as balsamic or poppy seed dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer. Just gather your ingredients, assemble, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Greens:
Start by adding the baby spinach or mixed greens to a large salad bowl. These greens will form the base of your salad, providing freshness and nutrients.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, sprinkle the cooked chicken over the greens. Make sure you evenly distribute it so that every bite has a nice portion of chicken.
3. Layer on the Strawberries and Onions:
Now, it’s time to add the sliced strawberries and thinly sliced red onion on top of the chicken. These will add a lovely sweetness and crunch to the salad.
4. Sprinkle the Pecans and Feta:
Don’t forget to add the toasted pecans and crumbled feta cheese over the salad for extra flavor and texture. The nuts will bring a nice crunch, while the feta adds creaminess.
5. Top with Bacon:
Next, crumble the cooked bacon on top of everything. This will give your salad a savory touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
6. Drizzle with Vinaigrette:
Now it’s time to drizzle your choice of vinaigrette over the salad. Use your preferred amount to suit your taste. More dressing will make it richer!
7. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed. This will bring all those amazing flavors together.
8. Season to Taste:
Lastly, season your salad with a bit of salt and pepper according to your liking. Then, serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad!
Can I Use Different Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While baby spinach and mixed greens are great choices, you can experiment with other greens such as arugula, kale, or romaine. Just be mindful that tougher greens, like kale, may require a bit of massaging to soften them before adding the other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can use goat cheese, which has a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan feta product or even avocado for a creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The greens will wilt quickly, so it’s best to keep them separate from the dressing and other toppings. Enjoy within 1-2 days for the best freshness!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, like chopping the veggies and cooking the chicken, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving. This way, your greens stay crisp and fresh!
