Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad Recipe | 5-Star Fresh Favorite

Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad isn’t just a salad—it’s sunshine in a bowl. From the very first bite, this colorful mix of juicy strawberries, tender grilled chicken, and vibrant greens gives you everything your body craves: freshness, protein, and a burst of summer flavor.

Loved by generations for its simplicity and stunning presentation, this salad turns a humble lunch into something that feels elegant and elevated. With a velvety balsamic poppy seed dressing and satisfying crunch from almonds, every forkful feels like a little celebration.

Whether you’re eating outdoors with friends or packing lunch for work, this Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad makes healthy eating feel effortless. Let’s dive into what makes it irresistible—and how to bring it to life in your own kitchen.

Want recipes like this sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe now and never miss a flavorful moment.

Why Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad Is a Must-Try

Flavor Fusion That Surprises

This is the kind of salad that wins people over—even those who claim they “don’t eat salad.” Why? Because it layers flavors in such a thoughtful, delightful way.

You’ve got:

• Sweet and slightly tart fresh strawberries
• Warm, savory slices of grilled chicken breast
• Earthy, soft baby spinach
• Salty, creamy crumbles of feta cheese
• Crunchy, nutty toasted almonds
• And a dressing that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp from Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar

It’s a symphony of textures and tastes. The strawberries lift the dish, the chicken adds substance, and the creamy feta brings it all together. Each bite is balanced—never boring, always refreshing.

Perfect for Healthy, Busy Lives

Whether you’re trying to meal prep for the week or whip up something quick and wholesome for dinner, this Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad checks every box.

Here’s what it offers:

• Lean protein from grilled chicken
• Antioxidants and vitamin C from strawberries and spinach
• Heart-healthy fats from olive oil and almonds
• Low sugar and customizable carb levels
• Gluten-free and easy to make dairy-free

This Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad keeps you full without weighing you down. It’s great for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side at gatherings. And it comes together fast—about 20 minutes start to finish.

Building the Perfect Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad

Choosing the Right Ingredients For Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad

Success starts with quality ingredients. Here’s how to make sure each component shines:

• Baby Spinach: Choose tender leaves that are vibrant green. Avoid any with wilted or slimy spots.
• Strawberries: Ripe, red, and juicy. Smaller berries tend to be sweeter—slice them just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breast or thigh. Grilled adds that smoky flavor; pan-seared works great too.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds richness. Look for sheep’s milk feta for more traditional tang or try a milder cow’s milk version.
• Red Onion: Adds sharpness and color. Soak in water for 5 minutes if you want to soften its bite.
• Almonds: Toasted and sliced for texture. You can sub with walnuts or pecans if desired.

Mastering the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

This homemade dressing brings everything together. It’s creamy, tangy, and just sweet enough.

Here’s the full recipe:

Whisk or shake everything in a jar until smooth. The Dijon emulsifies it beautifully, and the poppy seeds add texture without overpowering the salad.

Pro tip: Double the recipe and keep extra in the fridge—it pairs wonderfully with other greens, grilled veggies, or even roasted sweet potatoes.

Smart Tips for Preparation and Customization

Easy Prep & Grilling Tips

Cooking the chicken just right makes all the difference. Here’s how to get that juicy, golden perfection:

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Season well with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil.
• Grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Rest the chicken before slicing so the juices stay in.

Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken or pre-grilled strips—just warm slightly before adding to the Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad.

Make-ahead trick: Prep the dressing and toast the almonds up to 3 days in advance. Slice strawberries right before serving to avoid mushiness.

Custom Variations to Make It Yours

One of the best things about this Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad is how easy it is to adapt:

• Avocado adds creamy richness and healthy fat.
• Cucumber slices bring an extra crunch and refreshing coolness.
• Quinoa or wild rice makes it heartier for meal prep lunches.
• Swap almonds for pecans or pumpkin seeds.
• Use dairy-free feta or omit cheese for a paleo-friendly version.

Want to make it vegetarian? Just leave out the chicken or sub in chickpeas or grilled halloumi.

Serving, Storing & Enjoying This Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad

What to Serve with It

This salad works beautifully on its own, but here are a few pairings to elevate your table:

• A crusty sourdough slice brushed with garlic and olive oil
• Chilled cucumber soup or a light gazpacho for hot days
• A side of lemony roasted potatoes for dinner guests
• A refreshing sparkling lemonade or hibiscus iced tea

If you’re serving it for a brunch or potluck, arrange the components on a platter so guests can build their own bowl.

How to Store It Without Losing Freshness

Salads can go soggy fast—but not if you store them smartly:

Keep everything separate until you’re ready to eat. Tossing just before serving ensures maximum crunch and flavor.

Ingredients (with grams/ml)

For the dressing:

Necessary Tools

Nutritional Information (per serving – approx.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes—just store the dressing and ingredients separately. Toss right before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Just remove the skin and slice thinly.

Can I freeze this salad?
Not recommended. The spinach and strawberries lose texture when frozen.

What’s a good dairy-free substitute for feta?
Try almond-based cheese or simply skip it—the salad still has tons of flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad brings everything to the table—sweet, savory, tangy, and refreshing. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and surprisingly satisfying. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or a summer gathering, it’s sure to leave an impression.

Looking for more seasonal favorites? Try these:

• Peanut Butter Cucumber Salad
• Sweet Potato Arugula Salad
• Pickle Pizza

Tried this recipe?
Leave a comment and share your photo on Pinterest! We love seeing your kitchen creations.

Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad Recipe | 5-Star Fresh Favorite

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Carla
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 large salads or 4 side salads 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Strawberry Chicken Spinach Salad is everything a refreshing meal should be—light, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Juicy grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, creamy feta, and crunchy almonds come together on a bed of fresh baby spinach, all drizzled with a tangy homemade balsamic poppy seed dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or impressing guests at a summer gathering!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salad:

• 4 cups baby spinach (120g)

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced (150g)

• 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced (approx. 200g)

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (30g)

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (30g)

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted (20g)

• Optional: avocado slices or cucumbers for extra freshness

For the Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (15ml)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

• Salt & pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken
   Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Let it rest, then slice.

2. Prepare the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad
   In a large bowl or platter, layer the spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, grilled chicken, feta, and toasted almonds.

4. Dress & Toss
   Drizzle with balsamic poppy seed dressing just before serving and gently toss to coat.

5. Serve Immediately
   Enjoy this fresh, satisfying salad on its own or pair it with a crusty slice of bread or a bowl of chilled soup.

Notes

• Soaking red onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes makes them milder.

• For meal prep, store the salad ingredients and dressing separately.

• Swap feta with a dairy-free alternative to make this salad dairy-free.

• Add cooked quinoa or avocado for a heartier version.

 

• This dressing also pairs beautifully with other greens or roasted veggies.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilled
• Cuisine: American, Fresh

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 large salad
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 65mg