Balsamic Chicken Salad

Cooking Utensils

Grille or Frying Pan and Stove Top, Cutting Knife

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

This salad is a simple and refreshing option that you can make in the summer on the grille or year round, using the stove top.

Health Information

Basic Nutrition

Recipe makes 1 serving

Food Group Servings

Accordion Content

Macronutrients

Micronutrients

Ingredients

4 ounces chicken breast (palm-sized)

5 strawberries, chopped

4 walnuts, chopped

1 cup of spinach

1 tablespoon oil (olive, canola, etc.)

1/2 teaspoon of oregano

1/4 tablespoon onion powder

1/4 tablespoon garlic powder

1/4 tablespoon parsley

Other Ingredients

  • 1 dash of salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar

Instructions

For Chicken (If Grilling)

Step 1:

Season your chicken with salt, black pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley.

Fun Fact: Onion powder and garlic powder added to grilled meat combats the negative effects of grilling at high temperatures.

Step 2:

Bring your grille to medium-high heat. Then add your seasoned chicken to the grille and cover.

Step 3:

Cook the chicken on each side for about 3-5 minutes, or until done. Check to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165. 

Note: If you are unsure if you chicken is cooked and do not have a way to measure the temperature, just cut into the center and cook until all pink is gone. Chicken needs to be cooked completely through.

For Chicken (If Using the Stove Top)

Step 1:

Season your chicken with salt, black pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley.

Step 2:

Add 1/2 tablespoon of your choice of cooking oil to your frying pan and bring to a medium heat. Once warm, add the chicken to the pan.

Step 3:

Cook the chicken on each side for about 3-5 minutes, or until done. Check to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165. 

Note: If you are unsure if you chicken is cooked and do not have a way to measure the temperature, just cut into the center and cook until all pink is gone. Chicken needs to be cooked completely through.

The Salad

Step 4:

Add your spinach, walnuts, and strawberries to a bowl. Add in 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and black pepper; mix together.

Step 5:

Top your salad with the cooked chicken, and drizzle the tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the salad and chicken. 

Tips & Tricks:

  • Feel free to add lemon juice to the salad or chicken for a citrus flavor and small vitamin C boost.
  • All nuts are healthy choices, but try not to exceed 2 ounces in one serving. Ideally, choose unsalted or low salt options.
  • Same for fruit! All berries are good options and pair well with a balsamic-flavored salad.