Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad featuring grilled or stovetop-cooked chicken breasts marinated in balsamic vinegar, combined with juicy strawberries, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction. This salad is perfect for a light yet flavorful meal, garnished with optional crunchy pecans for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade & Cooking
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz strawberries
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
Optional
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and marinate them with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: grill the chicken breasts over medium heat or cook them on the stovetop in a pan until fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains. Season with salt as needed during cooking.
- Cool Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and allow them to cool to a manageable temperature for handling and chopping.
- Prepare Balsamic Reduction: Heat a small pan over medium heat. Pour in 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar and stir in 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer gently until it reduces by about half and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool Reduction: Remove the balsamic reduction from heat and transfer it to a small bowl. Allow it to cool completely before adding to the salad, to avoid wilting the fresh ingredients.
- Assemble Salad Base: Chop the fresh mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces and hull and slice the strawberries. Place both into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Basil: Mince the fresh basil finely and add it to the mixing bowl with the strawberries and mozzarella.
- Add Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the mixing bowl.
- Season and Dress: Season the salad mixture with salt to taste. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the cooled balsamic reduction. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Add Optional Crunch: If desired, stir in 2/3 cup of chopped pecans to add a crunchy texture to your salad.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy this salad immediately or on the same day, as the strawberries will start to wilt if stored for longer periods.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken briefly enhances its flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Both grilling and stovetop cooking methods work well; grilling adds a smoky flavor while stovetop is convenient year-round.
- The balsamic reduction adds a sweet tang that complements the strawberries and mozzarella beautifully.
- Consume the salad the same day for optimal freshness and to prevent the strawberries from wilting.
- Chopped pecans are optional but recommended for added texture and nutty flavor.
Keywords: Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Fresh Mozzarella Salad, Summer Salad with Strawberries, Healthy Chicken Salad
