Strawberry and Warm Chicken Salad
Description
This delightful Strawberry and Warm Chicken Salad is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all drizzled with a homemade dressing that balances tanginess and sweetness perfectly. Inspired by the tempting aromas wafting through Marshall Field’s, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing meal, ideal for brunch or a light dinner. Utilizing raspberry vinegar and prepackaged greens not only saves time but also adds a vibrant color and flavor to your plate.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving (1/4 of the recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 454 |
| Total Fat | 17.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 76.1 mg |
| Sodium | 605.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g |
| Sugars | 39.8 g |
| Protein | 31.6 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red wine vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Raspberry vinegar | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh strawberries | 4 cups |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb (approx 4 pieces) |
| Green onions (sliced) | 3-4 |
| Walnuts (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Blue cheese (crumbled) | 1/2 cup |
| Additional strawberries | For garnish |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, raspberry vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Chicken: In a medium-large skillet, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is bubbling, carefully add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 4 minutes, or until it is no longer pink in the center and has a light golden color on the outside.
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Add the Dressing: Pour half of the prepared dressing over the chicken and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the dressing.
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Incorporate the Strawberries: Gently fold in half of the halved fresh strawberries into the skillet with the chicken and dressing. Cook for another 30 seconds, just until the strawberries are heated through but still maintain their shape.
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Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or individual plates, layer a generous amount of prepackaged greens as the base. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the warm chicken and strawberry mixture over the greens, ensuring even distribution of chicken, onions, and berries.
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Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top of the salad for added crunch. If desired, garnish the salad with crumbled blue cheese and additional whole strawberries for a pop of color.
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Serve: Offer the remaining half of the dressing on the side, allowing each person to add as much as they prefer. This salad is best served immediately while the chicken is warm.
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Substitutions: If you prefer a different protein, this recipe works beautifully with grilled shrimp or sliced turkey breast as alternatives.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of this salad.
- Berry Variations: Feel free to mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing meal experience.
With its vibrant colors and delightful flavors, this Strawberry and Warm Chicken Salad is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or casual family dinners. Enjoy this fresh take on a classic salad that is both satisfying and nutritious!
