Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad With Ginger Lime Dressing

This delightful salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of strawberries, the tanginess of feta cheese, and the savory flavor of grilled chicken, all tied together with a zesty ginger lime dressing.

It’s a refreshing and healthy twist on traditional salads, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Let it cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, chopped pecans, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint leaves, and chopped scallions.

In a small bowl, whisk together the grated ginger, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Once the chicken has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the spinach mixture.

Drizzle the ginger lime dressing over the top of the salad and toss to combine.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.

Notes

Use chicken breasts that are fresh and of high quality, as they will yield the best flavor and texture.

Fresh spinach leaves are a must for this recipe, so make sure to choose a bunch with no wilted or brown leaves.

Don’t slice the strawberries too thin, as they will release their juices and make the salad soggy.

Pecans can be toasted in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to bring out their flavor, if desired.

Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different flavor profile.

Fresh mint leaves can be chopped just before using to release their oils and flavor.

Grate the ginger just before using, as it will lose its potency if grated too far in advance.

For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or sour cream.

This salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or potluck, as it serves 8 and can be made ahead except for the grilled chicken.

To make this salad more substantial, add some croutons or crispy onions on top.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 30g