Delight your taste buds with the harmonious blend of savory grilled chicken and the natural sweetness of seasonal fruits in this vibrant Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit. This refreshing salad recipe is a perfect symphony of flavors and textures, combining the smokiness of grilled chicken with the juiciness of ripe, seasonal fruits.
1. Grilled Chicken Perfection:
Begin by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a flavorful blend of olive oil, herbs, and spices. Grill the chicken to perfection, achieving a smoky and charred exterior while ensuring the inside remains juicy and tender. Slice the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the salad.
2. Seasonal Fruit Extravaganza:
Explore the bounty of the season by incorporating a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits. Opt for a colorful mix, including berries, sliced peaches, grapes, or citrus segments. The natural sweetness of the fruits not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides a refreshing contrast to the savory grilled chicken.
3. Luscious Leafy Greens:
Choose a medley of leafy greens as the salad base. Fresh spinach, arugula, or a mix of baby lettuces create a bed for the Grilled Chicken Salad. These greens not only contribute to the salad’s visual appeal but also add nutritional value and a crisp texture.
4. Nutty Crunch and Creamy Cheese:
Enhance the salad with a delightful crunch by adding toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts. The nuttiness complements the grilled chicken and fruits. Additionally, incorporate creamy goat cheese or feta for a luxurious touch, balancing the flavors and textures within the Grilled Chicken Salad.
5. Zesty Vinaigrette Elegance:
Craft a zesty vinaigrette to tie the elements together. Combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper for a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, infusing every bite with a burst of flavor.
6. Optional Grainy Goodness (Optional):
For added substance, consider incorporating cooked grains like quinoa or farro into the Grilled Chicken Salad. These grains provide a hearty base, absorbing the flavors of the chicken and fruits while adding nutritional value and texture.
7. Assemble and Toss with Care:
Gently assemble the ingredients in a large salad bowl, taking care to distribute the grilled chicken, seasonal fruits, nuts, and cheese evenly. Toss the salad lightly just before serving to ensure that every forkful captures the perfect balance of flavors.
8. Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether enjoyed as a light and satisfying meal on its own or served as a vibrant side dish at gatherings, the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit is a versatile recipe that embodies the essence of seasonal freshness and culinary delight.
In conclusion, the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit is a celebration of seasonal abundance and culinary craftsmanship. With its succulent grilled chicken, a medley of seasonal fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and a zesty vinaigrette, this salad is a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dining experience.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipes
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
½ cup pecans
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
½ onion, minced
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
2 heads Bibb lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
Instructions: Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipes
Step 1: Preheat the grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate.
Step 2: Grill chicken until juices run clear, about 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat, cool, and slice. Set aside.
Step 3: Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pecans, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: To make the dressing: Combine red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth.
Step 5: Arrange lettuce on serving plates. Top with grilled chicken slices, strawberries, and pecans. Drizzle with dressing to serve.
Feedback of Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipes
The recipe was my starting point. I never can follow directions lol I always have to add my own spin.Thanks for the dressing and salad recipe. It was a hit!!I used honey instead of sugar for the dressing.I added a bunch of fruit for the salad (strawberries, raspberries, black berries, clementines, Apples and blueberries), feta cheese and craisins.
This is a delicious salad. I used Mandarin oranges, grapes, and strawberries and included candied almonds. I also added a bit of dried rosemary to the dressing and reduced the sugar by a third or so. I'll certainly make this again.
This is excellent! I used strawberries and ripe nectarines but what makes this recipe over the top is the dressing. I would recommend marinating the chicken before grilling. I used OJ, a little EVOO, garlic, low sodium soy sauce, a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a tablespoon of brown sugar. I am going to make a big batch of the dressing as I will be using it on this salad and others frequently. My new favorite, even Hubby loved it. Thanks for posting.
I’ve made this salad many times. It’s one of our favorites. I make it just as the recipe states. I put chicken on grill at times, but like tonight, I took chicken tenderloins and seasoned them... then put plenty of butter in a cast iron Pan and cooked them in the pan. I use my cooking scissors to cut the chicken over the salad.!I always use strawberries, mandarin oranges and top with pecan. I get the spring mix salad from my local grocery store. This is so delicious!
The dressing is DELISH! We used strawberries, mandarin oranges, and the pecans are even better toasted as well!
What a great salad. I did cheat a little and used
Delicious exactly as it is.
Oh my word! My mouth is in ecstasy!!!!
Good recipe. I didn't use the fruit though. I just used regular salad greens and vegetables. I grilled chicken strips on my indoor grill and used regular bottled dressing. It still tasted pretty good. I may use the fruit the next time.
All Nutrifacts of Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit Recipes
✅Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well, providing a juicier alternative. Adjust the grilling time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
✅Q: What are some recommended seasonal fruits for the salad in winter?
In winter, opt for fruits like vibrant orange segments, pomegranate seeds, or dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots. These additions bring a delightful burst of flavor to the Grilled Chicken Salad.
✅Q: Can I prepare the grilled chicken in advance for the Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit?
Certainly! Grill the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate. Warm it slightly before serving or enjoy it chilled for a refreshing twist. This makes meal prep more convenient.
✅Q: Are there alternatives to goat cheese or feta for the Grilled Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Consider using creamy blue cheese or even a mild, shredded cheddar for a different flavor profile. Customize based on your preference and dietary choices.
✅Q: Can I make the vinaigrette in a larger batch and store it for future use?
Certainly! Prepare a larger batch of the vinaigrette and store it in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before use to ensure the flavors are well-mixed for future salads.
✅Q: What's the recommended way to toast nuts for the Grilled Chicken Salad?
Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven until golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye, as they can burn quickly. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
✅Q: Can I add both quinoa and farro to the Grilled Chicken Salad for extra grains?
Absolutely! Combining quinoa and farro adds a delightful variety of textures and nutritional benefits to the salad. Cook them separately and toss them into the salad before serving.
✅Q: How do I prevent the seasonal fruits from making the salad too watery?
To prevent excess moisture, pat the seasonal fruits dry before adding them to the salad. This helps maintain the salad's crispness and prevents it from becoming overly watery.
