Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad

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Author: Elsa Nelson
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Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad always jumps to mind when I need lunch to feel like an actual treat, but don’t want to cook up a storm in the kitchen.

Maybe you’re in the same boat as me—staring into the fridge, craving something bright but not boring. I mean, lettuce and tomatoes are fine, but they rarely ever wow me.

That’s why this salad, bursting with juicy strawberries and tender chicken, just feels… special.

Delicious Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing

If you love dishes that wake up your taste buds, you might also want to peek at this simple and delicious strawberry banana smoothie bowl recipe for another quick pick-me-up.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s just pause for a sec—have you ever bitten into a salad and actually grinned?

The first time I made this, I got a shock at how sweet and fresh strawberries can taste beside savory chicken.

Drizzled with a creamy dressing? Whoa, it borders on dessert.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth quietly nagging at you, why not give your salad bowl a chance to surprise you for once?

Trust me—strawberries in salad are a revelation.

Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Here’s what I usually toss in my Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad (no super rare stuff, promise):

  • Big handful of fresh baby spinach (sometimes I use mixed greens, but spinach wins on flavor and texture)
  • Cooked chicken breast, sliced (use leftovers or rotisserie if you’re short on time)
  • A generous handful of ripe strawberries, sliced thick
  • Red onion, thinly sliced (totally optional, but adds zip)
  • Toasted almonds or pecans for crunch
  • Feta or goat cheese for tang (crumbled on top)
  • For the superstar: a quick creamy dressing (I just whisk mayo, a dash of honey, Dijon mustard, and a little vinegar till it’s smooth and pourable—nothing wild)

Honestly, a salad that does NOT require a mile-long grocery list is my kind of dinner.

Here’s the scoop: This isn’t one of those fancy, complicated salads like you find at a five-star restaurant. It’s comforting, hearty, and really simple.

I love it because it turns leftover chicken into something new and exciting, and it’s flexible—swap the nuts, try different dressings, whatever you want.

All the flavors just work together. The creamy dressing sort of hugs everything in the bowl, and the berries add this pop of happiness, honestly.

It’s also perfect if you’re not in the mood to fuss over a stove. You get freshness, protein, and a slightly luxurious feel without barely breaking a sweat.

Timing

Let’s be real: nobody wants to spend forever making lunch.

This Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad is super fast—I’m talking, you can have it on the table in about fifteen minutes if your chicken is already cooked.

Chopping strawberries is the slowest part, and even that takes like a hot minute.

On manic busy days, I’ll even grab pre-sliced fruit to save more time.

So, if you can open a bag and whisk with a fork, you’re good.

Sometimes it feels like the stars align just right when a healthy meal comes together this quickly.

Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad

Step-by-Step

Start with a big salad bowl. Toss in your spinach (give it a quick rinse if it looks a bit questionable, honestly).

Layer on the chicken and strawberries. Don’t fuss on perfect plating—just let them tumble together, rustic-style.

Sprinkle onions, nuts, and cheese over the top. Be generous if you’re feeling bold, light-handed if you’re not.

Now for the magic: whisk your dressing. Slap together mayo, a squirt of honey, spoonful of Dijon, and a splosh of vinegar. Taste it—add salt or pepper if you fancy.

Drizzle dressing over everything. Toss gently to coat. That’s it! Oh—and if you want an extra creamy vibe, double the dressing.

Nutritional Information

So, is Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad actually healthy? Yep! It’s stuffed with good stuff—lean chicken for protein, iron and vitamins from spinach, healthy fats from nuts, and antioxidants in strawberries.

Even the cheese, in moderation, adds a bit of richness without going overboard.

The creamy dressing is indulgent, sure, but making it homemade means you skip all those preservatives.

I feel good about eating it, and I’ve even convinced my anti-salad-Scrooge husband to eat seconds. That’s saying something.

Healthier Alternatives

If you want to nudge it even healthier, try swapping Greek yogurt for the mayo in the dressing. You can also skip cheese entirely—it’s still tasty, pinky swear. Don’t love nuts? Toast some sunflower seeds and toss them in. I’ve seen folks add avocado or sliced apples, too, which sounds weird but is actually brilliant. The whole salad is so flexible, honestly, you could probably sneak in whatever veggie you’re trying to use up.

Serving Suggestions

Try these to zhuzh things up:

  • Serve with warm crusty bread on the side for a fuller meal.
  • Top with extra berries for a “wow” moment.
  • Pair with an iced tea or lemonade on a sunny day.
  • Use grilled chicken straight from the pan for extra warmth.

Mix and match whatever makes your meal feel special and less like a Tuesday rush.

Common Mistakes

Watch out for limp spinach—a definite mood killer. Soggy greens just drag the whole bowl down, so use fresh spinach, not the stuff hiding in the back of your crisper drawer. Don’t drown the salad in dressing (I’ve made this fatal error, oops) or you’ll lose the fresh flavors completely.

Oh, and never slice strawberries too far in advance—they get weepy and sad. Save them till just before eating, and they’ll taste like pure sunshine, I swear.

Storing Tips

Say you made too much Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad (it happens, sort of), just keep the undressed salad and dressing separate. Greens get soggy crazy fast if they sit in dressing. Pop the salad in a tight container and the dressing in a little jar. Both can survive about two days in the fridge. Anything longer, and, well, it just doesn’t hit the same.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Not really. Frozen strawberries get mushy. Stick to fresh if you can.

What other proteins work instead of chicken?
Turkey or grilled shrimp would be A-plus. Even tofu works if you’re meat-free.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Totally, just skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing base like vegan mayo.

Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate! Mix just before you eat so it stays crisp.

What’s the best way to toast nuts?
Toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat, just for a couple of minutes. Don’t blink or they’ll burn!

The Freshest Salad You’ve Got to Try

To sum it all up: this Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad is truly a game-changer for quick, cheerful meals—you get fruit, protein, crunch, and creamy dressing all in one. Give it your twist, or stick to the classic, and don’t be scared to pile it high in your bowl (live a little).

For more inspiration and different spins, check out this creative Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken and Avocado or this zesty Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Spinach—both are overflowing with good ideas you’ll want to steal.

Honestly, salads don’t have to be boring, and this one proves it with every crunchy, juicy bite. Have fun with it, and let me know if you find a combo that knocks your socks off!

Delicious Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing

Strawberry Spinach Chicken Salad

A refreshing and delightful salad combining juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and a creamy dressing for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 1 big handful fresh baby spinach You can substitute with mixed greens if preferred.
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced thick
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced Optional, adds extra flavor.
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans For crunch.
  • 1/4 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled For tangy flavor.
Creamy Dressing
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise For the base of the dressing.
  • 1 tbsp honey For sweetness.
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Adds flavor.
  • 1 tbsp vinegar For acidity.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start with a big salad bowl. Toss in your spinach (give it a quick rinse if it looks questionable).
  2. Layer on the chicken and strawberries, letting them tumble together, rustic-style.
  3. Sprinkle onions, nuts, and cheese over the top according to your preference.
  4. For the dressing, whisk together mayo, honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
  5. Drizzle dressing over everything and toss gently to coat. Optionally, double the dressing for extra creaminess.

Notes

Keep the dressing separate if storing leftovers to maintain freshness. This salad is versatile; feel free to swap ingredients as desired.

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