The Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese recipe is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, combining lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh greens. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect meal for health-conscious individuals or anyone looking for a satisfying yet light dish.
Ingredients and Preparation:
At the heart of this salad is fresh baby spinach, known for its tender texture and slightly sweet flavor. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and its vibrant green color makes for an appealing base.
Grilled or roasted chicken breast is added for protein. The chicken is seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary, along with salt and pepper, then grilled or oven-roasted to perfection. Once cooked, it’s sliced into strips or cubes, adding a hearty element to the salad.
The richness of the salad comes from ripe avocado slices. Avocado not only adds creaminess but is also a great source of healthy fats and fiber. Its buttery texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp spinach leaves.
Crumbled goat cheese is the final key ingredient. Its tangy and slightly earthy flavor complements the other elements of the salad. Goat cheese also adds a creamy texture, making the salad more satisfying.
Dressing:
A simple yet flavorful dressing is made by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a touch of honey for sweetness, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is light and helps to balance the richness of the avocado and goat cheese, while also enhancing the natural flavors of the spinach and chicken.
Assembly and Serving:
To assemble the salad, the baby spinach is spread out on a large platter or divided into individual servings. The grilled chicken, avocado slices, and crumbled goat cheese are then arranged on top of the greens. The salad is drizzled with the prepared dressing just before serving to ensure the spinach remains crisp.
Variations and Tips:
This salad is highly adaptable. For a vegetarian version, the chicken can be replaced with chickpeas or grilled tofu. Nuts like almonds or walnuts can be added for extra crunch, and for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness, dried cranberries or sliced strawberries make excellent additions.
The Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a substantial side. Whether for a quick lunch, a dinner party, or meal prep for the week, this salad is sure to satisfy both the palate and the body’s nutritional needs.
Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients For Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipes
¼ cup pine nuts
8 cups chopped spinach
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken
1 large avocado - peeled, pitted, and sliced
½ cup corn kernels
⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipes
Step 1: Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat. Toast pine nuts in hot skillet until lightly browned and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Put spinach into a large salad bowl; top with pine nuts, tomatoes, chicken, avocado, corn kernels, and goat cheese.
Step 3: Beat white wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat.
Feedback of Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipes
I made this salad for my card game friends and they loved it. They have all asked for the recipe which I gave them. I wouldn’t make any changes. It was delicious.
I love this recipe. The flavors meld wonderfully. I would like to make this for some friends but they only eat fish. Has anyone made this recipe using Shrimp?
I loved this recipe. We did not use the dressing it called for as we served to to our very picky teen boy but he ate all of it and did not complain about avocado and tomato that he normally complains about!! Yay!!
This was a great dinner salad. I did substitute toasted sunflower seeds for the pine nuts. And used crumbled Feta Cheese instead of goat cheese. DELICIOUS! Shared with my family and friends too. :)
It was delicious! This is without the dressing but I made the dressing on the side. That was delicious too!
The dressing is very good which I made as stated. It really makes it. Unfortunately I didn’t have all of the other ingredients so made some substitutions, but still good. I will make again.
Excellent salad! The pine nuts pair well with the avocado and the goat cheese enhances the flavor.
I loved it! I did 'customize' it a bit, tho. I had some leftover grilled salmon which I used in lieu of chicken - I've always liked salmon & spinach together. I tossed in a few slices of red onion, a bit of fresh dill, & added probably 1/2 tsp sugar to the dressing, for a more 'sweet & sour' profile. Would definitely make it again.
Loved this recipe! I left out the pine nuts due to allergies and added some homemade garlic croutons for the crunch factor. Oh, and a few beets sliced too. Simply deliish!!
All Nutrifacts of Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipes
TOP 5+ FAQ Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese Recipes
✅What are the main ingredients in the Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh spinach leaves, grilled chicken breast, ripe avocado slices, crumbled goat cheese, and a choice of nuts like almonds or walnuts. These ingredients are combined to create a salad that is not only flavorful but also rich in nutrients and textures.
✅What makes this spinach salad recipe unique and flavorful?
What sets this recipe apart is the combination of creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and savory grilled chicken, all complementing the fresh spinach. The addition of nuts provides a crunchy texture, and the dressing, typically a balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing, ties all the flavors together for a delightful culinary experience.
✅How does this salad align with healthy eating habits?
This salad is aligned with healthy eating habits as it's packed with essential nutrients. Spinach is a great source of vitamins and iron, chicken adds lean protein, avocado provides healthy fats, and goat cheese offers calcium. The combination of these ingredients results in a balanced, nutritious meal.
✅Can the Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese be customized for dietary preferences?
Absolutely, this salad is versatile and can be customized. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken or replace it with tofu. For those who prefer a different type of cheese, feta or blue cheese can be used instead of goat cheese. Additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers can also be added.
✅What is the recommended dressing for this salad, and how is it made?
A recommended dressing for this salad is a simple balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-olive oil dressing. To make it, whisk together balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice with olive oil, a touch of honey or Dijon mustard for sweetness, garlic for depth, salt, and pepper. This dressing complements the salad's ingredients perfectly.
✅Is this salad suitable for meal prep and how can it be stored?
This salad is suitable for meal prep. Store the grilled chicken, chopped vegetables, and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, assemble the salad and add the dressing. This method keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
✅How can one ensure the avocado stays fresh in the salad?
To keep the avocado fresh in the salad, add lemon or lime juice to the avocado slices. The citric acid helps prevent browning. Also, it's best to add the avocado to the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.
✅What are some suggested pairings with this spinach salad for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, this salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving it with a light soup, like tomato or vegetable, or with a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice. For a heartier meal, it can be accompanied by a slice of rustic bread or a small portion of pasta.
