Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad, where the sweetness of fresh strawberries harmonizes with tender chicken and creamy mozzarella. Finished with a homemade balsamic reduction, this salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience! Perfect for warm evenings or impressing guests, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients into a delightful meal that nourishes both body and soul. With the aromatic touch of fresh basil and optional crunch from pecans, every bite offers a balance of taste and texture that will make you want to revisit it time and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz strawberries
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh basil
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (for reduction)
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar (for reduction)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 2/3 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Marinate chicken breasts in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar with salt for about 10 minutes.
- Cook marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Let it cool and then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small saucepan, combine remaining balsamic vinegar with brown sugar over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half and thickened to syrupy consistency (approximately 10 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together chopped mozzarella, sliced strawberries, minced basil, cooked chicken, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle with cooled balsamic reduction.
- Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg