Chicken Berry Salad
This Chicken Berry Salad is sweet, savory and refreshing. Made with All-Purpose Chicken Breasts, three different kind of berries, avocado and a homemade White Balsamic Vinaigrette. Topped with crunchy toasted almond slivers, this is a divine summer chicken salad. Included also are time saving tips for the easiest of weeknight dinners.
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Balancing Flavors and Textures with this Chicken Berry Salad
Many people love salads but feel like they are eating a bowl of garden weeds when they make them at home. However, the secret to amazingly delicious homemade salads is to balance the flavors and textures.
With this Chicken Berry Salad the sweet berries are a tasty contrast to the tangy dressing and the savory chicken. Additionally, the creaminess of the avocado is a Wonderfull companion to the crunchy almonds and crisp veggies.
Ingredients Needed
- All Purpose Chicken Breasts– These chicken breasts can be cooked in the air fryer or oven. They turn out tender, juicy and incredibly flavorful because of the flavorful dry rub that is added before cooking.
- Spring Mix Lettuce– Romaine, arugula and spinach may be added or substituted for the spring mix lettuce.
- Fresh Berries– Using a combination of strawberries, blackberries and blueberries adds in a delicious contrast of sweet fruity flavors and textures. Plus, berries have amazing health benefits.
- Red Onion– The sharp flavor of red onion is delicious alongside the sweet berries.
- Avocado– The creamy texture along with the buttery flavor of avocado compliments the other ingredients while providing impressive health benefits.
- Toasted Slivered Almonds– Adding a heavenly crunch, buying slivered almonds in bulk and toasting them yourself is a great way to save money.
- White Balsamic Dressing– With a delicious balance of sweet to tart, White Balsamic Vinaigrette is a wonderful companion to this salad.
How To Wash and Store Berries
Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are all incredibly delicate fruit that can spoil quickly. This is because moisture and mold are the enemy of fresh berries. The best way to extend the life of fresh berries is to kill any existing mold spores by washing them in a vinegar and water solution.
- Place 3 cups of cool water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a large bowl. (Pro Tip: The vinegar kills mold spores.)
- Add berries and gently bath the berries in the solution.
- Drain and rinse the berries thoroughly.
- Transfer berries to paper towels and gently pat dry. (Pro Tip: Since moisture is an enemy of berries it is important to dry the berries off as best as possible.)
- Store berries in a produce storage container in the refrigerator or a paper towel lined plastic container.
How To Make {with time saving tips}
- Prepare the All Purpose Chicken Breasts and let cool to room temperature. (Time Saving Tip: Prepare the chicken a day in advance. Refrigerate in an air tight container and slice just before assembly of the salad.)
- Whisk together White Balsamic Vinaigrette and refrigerate until needed. (Time Saving Tip: Make the vinaigrette a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.)
- Toast almonds in the oven. (Time Saving Tip: Toast the almonds a day in advance and store in an airtight container.)
- Wash and prepare produce. (Time Saving Tip: Bathing the berries in water and vinegar solution immediately after purchase will extend the life of the berries and save time when making this salad. See section directly above.)
- Assemble the ingredients on a platter and top with vinaigrette.
Note: Preparing the chicken, vinaigrette, almonds and washing the berries a day in advance allows for a quick 10 minute prep of this Chicken Berry Salad.
Variations
- Sprinkling in a bit of feta, blue cheese, goat cheese or parmesan can add a richness that makes this salad even more satisfying.
- Lemon Dijon Dressing, Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing, Creamy Lemon Tahini Salad Dressing or Simple Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette are delicious alternatives to the White Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- All kinds of different nuts or candied nuts would be a fun twist on the slivered almonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen berries for this salad?
Unfortunately, when frozen berries are defrosted their texture changes dramatically from their fresh state, making them not a good option for garden salads.
Does the chicken need to be marinated before being cooked?
The All Purpose Chicken Breasts used for this salad does not need to be marinated. It is drizzled with oil and has a simple dry rub that gives it a ton of flavor.
What is the best way to tell if an avocado is ripe?
There are 3 things to look for when determining if an avocado is ripe.
- The color of the skin will be a dark green.
- There will be a slight give when applying a gentle squeeze to the avocado.
- The stem removes easily to reveal bright green flesh.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
It is best to make this salad just before serving. This will ensure that the berries remain fresh and intact.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Leftover rotisserie chicken can absolutely be used in place of the All Purpose Chicken Breasts for this salad.
More Delicious Summer Salads
Chicken Berry Salad
Ingredients
- 1 All Purpose Boneless Chicken Breasts Recipe *see Note #1 below
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 5 ounces spring mix
- 1/2 small red onion *thinly sliced, about 1/2 cup
- 6 ounces blueberries
- 10 ounces blackberries
- 16 ounces strawberries *see Note #2 below
- 1 large avocado *see Note #3 below for tips on determining if an avocado is ripe
- 1/2 cup White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Instructions
Chicken
- Prepare the All Purpose Chicken Breasts and let cool slightly before slicing for the salad. {Time Saving Tip: Prepare the chicken a day in advance. Refrigerate in an air tight container and slice just before assembly of the salad.}
Almonds
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Place almonds on a sided cookie sheet and bake until lightly toasted, approximately 6-7 minutes. {Time Saving Tip: Toast the almonds a day in advance and store in an airtight container. Also, it is helpful to toast a larger amount for multiple salads during the week.}
Vinaigrette
- Whisk together the ingredients for the White Balsamic Vinaigrette.{Time Saving Tip: Make the vinaigrette a day in advance and store in the refrigerator.}
Salad
- Wash and prepare the lettuce, berries and onions
- To a platter or large bowl add the spring mix, sliced chicken, berries, red onions and toasted almonds.
- Slice and add avocado. Drizzle with dressing just before serving. See Note #4 below.
Notes
- Place 3 cups of cool water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar into a large bowl. (Pro Tip: The vinegar kills mold spores.)
- Add berries and gently bath the berries in the solution.
- Drain and rinse the berries thoroughly.
- Transfer berries to paper towels and gently pat dry. (Pro Tip: Since moisture is an enemy of berries it is important to dry the berries off as best as possible.)
- Store berries in a produce storage container in the refrigerator or a paper towel lined plastic container.
- The color of the skin will be a dark green.
- There will be a slight give when applying a gentle squeeze to the avocado.
- The stem removes easily to reveal bright green flesh.
Made this as a meal for my family and it was a huge success. So light and refreshing. The salad dressing will be my go-to dressing from now on! Just love it!
I am so happy to hear this! Light and refreshing is a must have during the summer. Thank you so much for taking the time to make the salad and coming back to comment in it.