Description
A refreshing and healthy Blackberry Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken, fresh blackberries, mixed greens, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans, all tossed in a balanced balsamic honey dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this gluten-free salad combines sweet and savory flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, cooked chicken, blackberries, red onion, avocado slices, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a balanced, tangy dressing.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to evenly coat all components without bruising the berries or greens.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the salad and serve right away to maintain freshness and the vibrant textures of each ingredient.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, grill the chicken breast before adding it to the salad and serve while still warm.
- If fresh blackberries are unavailable, blueberries or raspberries make excellent substitutes without compromising taste.
- This salad pairs wonderfully with a citrus vinaigrette for a bright and zesty alternative dressing.
