Description
This Blackberry Basil Grilled Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in a homemade blackberry balsamic dressing, served over arugula and basil with creamy avocado, sweet blackberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. Perfect for a healthy lunch, light dinner, or summer entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Blackberry Dressing & Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 oz fresh blackberries
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Salad
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 cups fresh basil, torn
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Extra fresh blackberries, for serving
- 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Add blackberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Reserve about two-thirds of the dressing for serving.
- Pour the remaining dressing over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the chicken for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Divide arugula and basil among serving bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken, avocado, blackberries, and pumpkin seeds.
- Drizzle with the reserved blackberry dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Straining the blackberry dressing creates a smoother texture.
- Goat cheese or feta makes a delicious addition.
- Store dressing separately if making ahead.
- Toast pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg