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
2 large chicken breasts
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (for marinade)
Salt, to taste
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
8 oz strawberries, sliced
3 Tbsp fresh basil, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (for reduction)
1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
Optional: 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Marinate the chicken breasts in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes.
Grill or pan-cook the chicken until cooked through and golden. Set aside to cool.
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.
Chop the mozzarella and strawberries, and place in a mixing bowl.
Mince fresh basil and add it to the bowl.
Once the chicken has cooled, chop and add it to the bowl.
Drizzle in olive oil and the balsamic reduction. Toss gently to combine.
Optionally, add chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
This salad is best eaten the same day as the strawberries tend to wilt overnight.
You can use rotisserie chicken for a faster version—just marinate it briefly before assembling.
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