Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
5 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
1
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Calories
273 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
Description
The dish starts with chicken breasts trimmed and butterflied, then marinated in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for at least 2 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize. The chicken is grilled over medium heat until cooked through, resulting in a flavorful, slightly charred exterior and juicy interior.
The salad base consists of chopped romaine or mixed greens topped with halved strawberries, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled goat cheese, which adds a tangy creaminess that contrasts nicely with the fruit and chicken. The grilled chicken is sliced and added on top to provide protein with a balsamic flavor profile.
Finished with a light balsamic vinaigrette combining balsamic and apple cider vinegars, olive oil, water, honey, and Dijon mustard, the salad achieves a well-rounded tangy and sweet dressing that ties the ingredients together. It makes for a balanced, flavorful dish that offers a mix of textures and tastes.
For preparation convenience, the chicken can be cooked in the oven with temperature and timing adjustments. The salad ingredients can be assembled just before serving to avoid sogginess, and dairy-free options are possible by omitting or substituting the goat cheese.
Ingredients
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breast
- 2 lb. chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 60g
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil 30g
- 1.5 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Salad:
- 3 cups romaine lettuce chopped, or mixed greens
- 3/4 cup strawberries halved
- 1/4 cup onion thinly sliced, red, 30g
- 1.5 Tbsp goat cheese crumbled
- 82 g chicken breast balsamic grilled
Light Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 60g
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 30g
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp honey 21g
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming off any excess fat and butterflying each breast. This will allow the chicken to have more flavor and help ensure even cooking throughout.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients (balsamic vinegar through garlic powder).
- Place chicken in a bowl or a zip-top bag and pour marinade over chicken. Move chicken around to make sure it's all coated with marinade. Place in the fridge and let marinate for at least 2 hours up to 24 hours before grilling. See notes for oven version.
- When ready to grill, remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard marinade. Grill chicken over medium heat (~450°F) for 5 minutes. Then flip, and grill for another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Next, we'll assemble the salad. In a bowl or meal prep container, add your greens. Then, add the chicken strips, strawberries, red onions, and goat cheese.
- Top with light balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite salad dressing and enjoy!
Notes
- The recipe yields 8 servings; store chicken separately if combining with salad to prevent soggy greens.
- To cook chicken in the oven, bake at 425°F for 22-25 minutes, flipping halfway, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For a dairy-free version, omit or substitute the goat cheese with a suitable non-dairy alternative.
- The balsamic vinaigrette can be prepared separately to control dressing amounts or for meal prep.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 273 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 full salad with chicken | |
| Calories | 273kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 15.4g | 5% |
| Protein | 32.2g | 64% |
| Fat | 9.2g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1g | 16% |
| Fiber | 4.5g | 18% |
| Sugar | 7.5g | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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