Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend a fun filled couple of days in Monterey California for a summit put on by Dole where we learned more about where our salads come from and how they make to our tables. While we were there we got to eat some tasty food including a lot of salads which got me thinking about salads. As luck would have it May is also the National Salad Month so it was about time that I got down to making some salads!
If you are interested in seeing the photos that I took while in beautiful Monterey California you can check out the gallery here: Monterey California Photo Gallery One of the things that I like about salads is there versatility in the fact that they can be anything from a side dish to a complete meal and on hot summer days I often like to go for a light, cool and refreshing salad a for a meal. With Spring well on its way now strawberries are everywhere and since I always enjoy a nice strawberry salad I figured that one would be a perfect way to celebrate the national salad month! One of the easiest ways to turn a salad into a light meal is to simply add meat and since I have been thinking about grilling more and more these days I was sure that adding some grilled chicken was the way to go. Just some simple grilled chicken would have been ok, why not take the opportunity to add some flavour by marinating the chicken in a balsamic vinaigrette ? For the lettuce in the salad I went with a combination baby spinach and arugula and I fleshed the salad out with some bacon, goat cheese and pecans. At first I was just going to go with a simple balsamic vinaigrette for the dressing but then inspiration struck and I decided that I would try adding some roasted strawberries to the balsamic vinaigrette to get even more strawberries goodness into the salad! What a great way to Springs bounty!
Strawberry and Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad
A fresh spring strawberry salad with balsamic glazed grilled chicken, bacon, goat cheese and pecans dressed in a roasted strawberry balsamic vinaigrette.
ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 pint strawberries, sliced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pecans or candied pecans
- 1/4 cup roasted strawberry balsamic vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette
directions
- Place the chicken and balsamic vinaigrette in a large ziplock bag and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to over night.
- Heat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat and brush it with oil.
- Place the chicken on the grill until cooked, about 2-4 minutes per side and set aside.
- Slice the chicken assemble the salad and enjoy!
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Kevin, this looks terrific- I'd swap the goat cheese for feta (personal preference!)
Wish I'd known….I live in Monterey!
look delicious and healthy 🙂 yummy 😉
Strawberry salads with goat cheese and balsamic are the best! Such great flavor!
You know it never fails every time I come over to your blog and see what amazing dish you got cooking, I get really hungry. This looks so good, now I must go search thru my fridge, thanks for sharing looks delicious.
This looks so good!! Great combo of flavours !:)
I love this salad! I could eat this everyday! I love pairing of balsamic with the strawberries; perfection!
Great looking Salad. Btw, I'm from Monterey just like Kate! Small world. Hope you enjoyed our home town.
I absolutely love strawberries in my salads… And have a feeling the balsamic flavors must be a great addition!
Sues
I make a similar one with pumpkin seeds and no chicken. I love the idea of the chicken, this would be a wonderful dinner this time of year!
Beautiful salad!
heavenly looking salad..awesome
Tasty Appetite
I made this today for a light dinner. It was great! Thanks for the fantastic recipe!
This looks really good, and colorful!
That looks great Kevin!!
hi kevin- sorry i've been absent my computer died and i finally switched over to a mac.
i can't believe you got to go to cali? isn't it gorgeous there?
lucky you!!
perfect recipe
Where can I find the nutritinal info
Dinner. Tonight. Done. Thanks a bunch, I needed inspiration!
blue cheese works as a substitute for goat cheese very well
Anonymous: I agree completely!
Looks good! 😉