Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad with Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Dressing: A Summer Delight

Summer is the perfect time for fresh, vibrant salads that are both healthy and satisfying. This Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad with Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Dressing ticks all those boxes and more. The sweetness of the strawberries, the tang of the feta, and the savory chicken combine perfectly, all brought together by a luscious homemade balsamic dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect dish for a summer brunch, a light lunch, or even a casual dinner. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed salad!

## Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is simply irresistible.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this salad comes together quickly.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a complete meal.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant colors and textures make this salad a showstopper.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need for both the salad and the dressing:

### For the Roasted Strawberries:

* **Strawberries:** 1 pound, fresh, hulled and halved (or quartered if large).
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons, high-quality balsamic vinegar.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon, extra virgin olive oil.
* **Honey:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra sweetness).
* **Salt:** A pinch, to enhance the flavors.
* **Black Pepper:** A pinch, freshly ground.

### For the Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad:

* **Cooked Chicken:** 2 cups, grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced. (Approximately 1 pound before cooking).
* **Mixed Greens:** 6 cups, a blend of your favorite greens like spinach, romaine, or spring mix.
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces, crumbled feta cheese (about 1 cup).
* **Red Onion:** 1/4 cup, thinly sliced.
* **Toasted Almonds or Pecans:** 1/4 cup, for added crunch (optional).
* **Fresh Mint Leaves:** 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a refreshing touch (optional).

### For the Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:

* **Roasted Strawberries:** From the above recipe.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons, high-quality balsamic vinegar.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon, for emulsification and flavor.
* **Honey:** 1 teaspoon (or to taste, for sweetness).
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** For roasting the strawberries.
* **Parchment Paper:** To line the baking sheet (optional, but recommended).
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the salad.
* **Small Bowl or Jar:** For making the dressing.
* **Whisk or Fork:** For emulsifying the dressing.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to creating this amazing Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad:

### Part 1: Roasting the Strawberries

Roasting the strawberries intensifies their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that takes this salad to the next level.

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. (Optional but recommended).
2. **Prepare the Strawberries:** Wash and hull the strawberries. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size. You want them to be relatively uniform in size so they roast evenly.
3. **Season the Strawberries:** In a bowl, gently toss the strawberries with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey (if using), a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Make sure the strawberries are well coated.
4. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Spread the strawberries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding them, as this will steam them instead of roasting them.
5. **Roast the Strawberries:** Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the strawberries are softened and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
6. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the strawberries cool slightly before using them in the dressing and salad.

### Part 2: Making the Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Dressing

This dressing is the star of the show, bringing all the flavors together.

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl or jar, combine the roasted strawberries (including the juices from the baking sheet), 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of honey (or to taste).
2. **Blend or Whisk:** Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the dressing until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a whisk or fork to vigorously mix the ingredients until well emulsified. If you prefer a chunkier dressing, you can skip the blending step and simply mash the roasted strawberries with a fork.
3. **Season to Taste:** Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness with more honey if needed.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For the best flavor, chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

### Part 3: Assembling the Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad

Now for the fun part – putting it all together!

1. **Prepare the Greens:** In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cooked chicken, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the chopped mint leaves if using.
2. **Add Roasted Strawberries:** Gently fold in about half of the roasted strawberries. Reserve the remaining strawberries for garnish.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle the Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy.
4. **Toss Gently:** Gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients and evenly distribute the dressing.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish the salad with the remaining roasted strawberries and toasted almonds or pecans (if using). Serve immediately or chill for later.

## Tips and Variations

* **Chicken Options:** Feel free to use grilled chicken, baked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover chicken. You can also use leftover turkey for a different twist.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. You can add chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese for extra protein.
* **Cheese Alternatives:** If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese, mozzarella, or even blue cheese.
* **Nut Alternatives:** If you have nut allergies, you can skip the almonds or pecans or use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado.
* **Make it a Meal Prep:** Prepare the ingredients separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Keep the dressing separate until serving.
* **Grill the Strawberries:** For a smoky flavor, try grilling the strawberries instead of roasting them. Thread them onto skewers and grill them over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Instead of mint, try using basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** The sweetness of the dressing can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less honey.

## Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Light Lunch:** Serve a generous portion of the salad as a light and refreshing lunch.
* **Side Dish:** Pair it with grilled fish, chicken, or steak for a complete meal.
* **Summer Brunch:** Add it to your brunch spread for a healthy and delicious option.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring it to a potluck or picnic for a crowd-pleasing dish.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* **Protein:** 30-40g
* **Fat:** 25-35g
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30g

## Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. The roasted strawberries are best used within 1-2 days for optimal flavor.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
* Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time. Roast the strawberries, make the dressing, and cook the chicken. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving.
* **Can I freeze the roasted strawberries?**
* Freezing roasted strawberries is not recommended, as they may become mushy when thawed. It’s best to use them fresh.
* **Can I use frozen strawberries?**
* While fresh strawberries are preferred, you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before roasting.
* **Is this salad gluten-free?**
* Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients.
* **Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
* While balsamic vinegar is recommended for the best flavor, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

## Conclusion

This Strawberry Feta Chicken Salad with Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Dressing is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer. With its vibrant flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delicious and beautiful salad!