Description
This Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad is a fresh, sweet, and savory dish that’s perfect for summer lunches or light dinners. Featuring juicy grilled chicken, ripe strawberries, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy homemade balsamic reduction, it’s both satisfying and delightfully refreshing.
Ingredients
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2 large chicken breasts
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2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (for marinade)
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Salt, to taste
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8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
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8 oz strawberries, sliced
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3 Tbsp fresh basil, minced
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (for reduction)
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1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
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Optional: 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken breasts in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes.
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Grill or pan-cook the chicken until cooked through and golden. Set aside to cool.
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In a small pan, simmer 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar with 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar until reduced by half and thick enough to coat a spoon. Let cool.
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Chop the mozzarella and strawberries, and place in a mixing bowl.
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Mince fresh basil and add it to the bowl.
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Once the chicken has cooled, chop and add it to the bowl.
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Drizzle in olive oil and the balsamic reduction. Toss gently to combine.
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Optionally, add chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
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Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
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This salad is best eaten the same day as the strawberries tend to wilt overnight.
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You can use rotisserie chicken for a faster version—just marinate it briefly before assembling.
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For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salad , Lunch
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg