As summer days stretch long and sun-kissed fruits fill the markets, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing salad to celebrate the season. Picture this: the vibrant colors of fresh strawberries dancing on a bed of crisp lettuce, perfectly cooked chicken nestled alongside slender green beans, all topped with a luscious strawberry vinaigrette that captures the essence of summertime in every bite. The process of creating this Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette is not just about feeding the body; it’s about savoring the flavors of the moment, turning humble ingredients into a culinary feast.
I conceived this salad on one of those sweltering afternoons where turning on the oven felt like a crime. Instead, I found myself joyfully mixing and tossing, and in doing so, I discovered a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard barbecue or simply wanting a light and healthy meal after a busy day, this salad promises to bring a burst of freshness to your table. So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this joyous summer creation that’s sure to impress!
Why is Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette a Must-Try?
Vibrant flavors collide in this dish, as juicy strawberries and savory chicken steal the show. Easy preparation makes this salad perfect for any skill level, allowing you to whip it up in just under an hour. Healthy and fresh, it combines wholesome ingredients like avocado and greens for a nutritious meal. Crowd-pleasing versatility means you can serve it warm or chilled, making it ideal for any occasion. For more quick and delightful meals, check out our other fresh salad recipes that are perfect for summer!
Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – a lean protein source that keeps the salad hearty and satisfying.
• Small onion – adds a subtle sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
• Lemon (halved into quarters) – brightens the flavors during cooking, enhancing the chicken’s taste.
• Garlic – infuses the chicken with aromatic depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Kosher salt – enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients as they cook.
• Whole black peppercorns – provide a fragrant spice that adds warmth to the dish.
For the Strawberry Vinaigrette
• Whole strawberries – the star ingredient that gives the dressing its refreshing sweetness; essential for your Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette.
• Extra-virgin olive oil – produces a luxurious texture and rich, fruity flavor in the vinaigrette.
• White balsamic vinegar – provides a tangy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Freshly ground black pepper – rounds out the dressing with a hint of spice.
• Honey (optional) – use this to add an extra touch of sweetness if desired.
For the Salad
• Haricots verts (slender green beans) – add a crisp-tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Butterhead lettuce (Bibb or Boston) – offers a soft, buttery base for the salad, making every bite tender and fresh.
• Strawberries (halved or quartered if large) – serve as a delightful topping, enhancing the salad’s color and flavor.
• Avocado – brings creaminess and healthy fats to the mix, making the salad even more satisfying.
• Whole toasted pecans (optional) – add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the strawberries.
• Fresh chives – provide a mild onion flavor that adds a pop of freshness.
• Fresh basil leaves – bring a fragrant aroma and a hint of herbal sweetness to the dish.
How to Make Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
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Combine Chicken Ingredients: In a large saucepan, place the chicken, onion, lemon, garlic, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and peppercorns. Cover with water, bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover tightly. Remove from heat when internal temperature reaches 155°, about 5 to 10 minutes.
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Rest Chicken: Carefully take the chicken out of the liquid and tent with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes, which ensures it remains juicy and tender when sliced.
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Blend Dressing: For the vinaigrette, add 2 cups of whole strawberries, olive oil, vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into a blender. Blend until smooth, and taste—add honey if you’d like it sweeter. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Blanch Green Beans: Bring salted water to a boil. Add the haricots verts and cook until crisp-tender, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to preserve the vibrant color and crunchiness.
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Slice Chicken: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips, ready to be layered into the salad.
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Assemble the Salad: On a platter or individual plates, arrange the butterhead lettuce as a bed. Add the sliced chicken (warm or chilled), crisp green beans, halved strawberries, avocado slices, and pecans if using. Garnish with snipped chives and fresh basil for a beautiful finish.
Optional: Drizzle extra vinaigrette on top for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette components are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can cook and slice the chicken up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it juicy and fresh. The strawberry vinaigrette can be blended and stored separately for up to 3 days as well, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare the green beans and chill them after blanching, so they retain their crispness. When it’s time to serve, just assemble the salad by layering the lettuce, chicken, green beans, and fresh toppings, then drizzle the vinaigrette to enjoy a delightful and refreshing meal that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
What to Serve with Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette?
As you savor the bright flavors of this delightful salad, consider pairing it with complementary dishes that elevate the dining experience.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover vinaigrette, the crunchy exterior with a soft, buttery center adds a satisfying contrast.
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Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy side offers a wholesome bite, balancing the refreshing salad with its subtle earthiness. It’s vibrant and filling!
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Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Charred, smoky veggies provide a rustic charm, harmonizing beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries and adding a pop of color.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Rosé will enhance the salad’s freshness. These refreshing sips underline those summer vibes beautifully.
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Honey-Lemon Sorbet: This light and refreshing dessert mirrors the salad’s flavor profile, creating a sweet finish to your meal that feels just right.
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Caprese Salad: The bright tomatoes and creamy mozzarella offer a traditional Italian touch that pairs well with the tangy vinaigrette, elevating your table presentation.
These pairing ideas will create a delightful ensemble, ensuring your summer dining experience is as joyful as it is delicious!
Expert Tips for Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
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Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F. Overcooking can make it dry, so use a meat thermometer for best results.
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Blend Smoothly: When making the vinaigrette, blend strawberries until completely smooth. This creates a beautiful texture that perfectly coats the salad, enhancing the Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette.
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Chill for Flavor: Let the vinaigrette sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Avoid Soggy Greens: Add the dressing right before serving to keep lettuce crisp. If you anticipate leftovers, serve the dressing on the side!
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Balance Flavors: Taste the dressing after blending and adjust with honey if it’s too tart for your liking. The sweetness of the strawberries should shine through.
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Vibrant Color Choices: Use fresh green beans, vibrant strawberries, and bright herbs for a visually stunning presentation. It makes your salad pop and encourages cheerful eating!
Storage Tips for Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette
Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the assembled salad as ingredients like lettuce and avocado do not thaw well. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen the chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Refreshing Leftovers: Toss in fresh ingredients like chives or additional strawberries for a refreshing touch when enjoying your summer chicken salad with strawberry vinaigrette again.
Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by exploring these delicious adaptations of this refreshing dish!
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Grilled Chicken: Instead of poaching, grill the chicken for a smoky flavor that beautifully complements the salad.
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Fruity Vinaigrette: Add blueberries or raspberries to the dressing for a multi-fruit twist—extra color and flavor enhance every bite!
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Nut-Free: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version that still delivers crunch.
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Vegan Delight: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or marinated tofu, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a delightful plant-based salad.
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the salad for those who enjoy a bit of heat in each mouthful.
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Creamy Avocado Dressing: Blend ripe avocado into the vinaigrette for added creaminess and richness, making the salad even more luxurious.
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Herbed Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as mint or parsley for an aromatic lift—each herb brings its unique flair to the dish.
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Zesty Lime Twist: Replace lemon with lime for a zesty brightness that pairs fantastically with strawberries and chicken, creating a tropical experience.
Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are bright red and free of dark spots or blemishes. The greens should be fresh and green, indicating freshness. If you can get them from a local farm or farmer’s market, even better!
How should I store leftovers from the Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette?
For best results, store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the textures intact, I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it. This prevents the greens from getting soggy!
Can I freeze the components of this salad?
The salad itself isn’t suitable for freezing, especially because the lettuce and avocado don’t hold up well once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken. To do so, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
What should I do if my vinaigrette is too tart?
Very! If your vinaigrette has a tang that’s too sharp for your taste, simply add a teaspoon of honey to balance it out. Blend again until smooth; this will add a subtle sweetness that enhances the strawberries.
Can this salad be made gluten-free or cater to other dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette are naturally gluten-free. For those with nut allergies, simply skip the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for added crunch. This salad fits beautifully within various dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.
What if I can’t find haricots verts?
No worries! Regular green beans work perfectly as a substitute. Ensure you trim the ends and follow the same blanching process to retain that crisp-tender texture. I often use both for different flavors and appearances!
Refreshing Summer Chicken Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large saucepan, place the chicken, onion, lemon, garlic, kosher salt, and peppercorns. Cover with water, bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover tightly. Remove from heat when internal temperature reaches 155°, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Carefully take the chicken out of the liquid and tent with foil. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Add strawberries, olive oil, vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper into a blender. Blend until smooth, adjust sweetness with honey if desired.
- Bring salted water to a boil. Add the haricots verts and cook until crisp-tender, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and rinse immediately.
- Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips.
- On a platter or individual plates, arrange the butterhead lettuce as a bed. Add the sliced chicken, crisp green beans, halved strawberries, avocado slices, and pecans if using. Garnish with chives and basil.