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Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with sweet-meets-savory flavors, this Strawberry Chicken Salad is anything but ordinary. Featuring sweet, juicy strawberries and tender chicken tossed with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a glossy honey balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together, this strawberry salad with chicken is bright, wildly satisfying, and tastes like summer in every bite.

“This is pretty much the salad of my dreams! I love adding strawberries to salads for the sweet kick they give everything, and that dressing is out of this world good!”

– KELL
Overhead photo of a salad with strawberries and chicken on a large white plate with a jar of balsamic dressing next to the salad.

Updated: This recipe was originally published in April 2018. I made edits to the article below to include more information about making this chicken salad recipe with strawberries.

Hi, friends! Dreaming of a salad recipe that you’ll straight-up swoon over? Meet this strawberry chicken salad. Gorgeous on a platter at brunch or baby showers, and simply perfect when you want a light dinner that feels fancy, this chicken strawberry salad recipe is about to become your go-to:

Table of Contents

About this strawberry salad with chicken

Vibrant and light, yet bold and undeniably delicious this chicken and strawberry salad is a celebration of feel-good freshness.

Imagine: ruby-red juicy sliced strawberries mingling with tender chicken, peppery leafy greens, crisp veggies, rich goat cheese, crunchy salted nuts, and a tangy-sweet honey vinaigrette that ties it all together. Crunchy, sweet, savory, tangy, and perfectly glossy, it’s the type of salad recipe that feels light and fresh, but will leave you genuinely satisfied.

Whether you’re hosting Mother’s Day brunch, meal prepping for the week, or serving it as a girl dinner with crusty bread and a glass of chilled rosé wine, this fresh and colorful strawberry salad with chicken will make you excited to eat your greens again!

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Beautiful, Balanced Flavors. Sweet strawberries dance with savory chicken, pepper arugula, mild veggies, rich cheese, salty nuts, cooling mint, and tangy balsamic for a beautifully layered bite.
  • Perfect Texture Contrast. Think: crisp greens, juicy berries, tender chicken, crunchy nuts, and a glossy vinaigrette—every forkful is interesting.
  • Simple to Make. With simple prep and NO cooking, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes.
  • Customizable and Family-Friendly. Swap greens, substitute cheese, adjust the toppings, or even swap out the protein based on what you have on hand.
  • Crowd‑Pleasing and Any Season Recipe. Colorful, fresh, and universally loved, it great for holidays, parties, and family dinners. And, while this salad particularly shines in spring and summer, it’s delicious year‑round with store‑bought berries.

If you love chicken salad, check out these recipes next: Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Chicken Salad with Bacon.

Overhead photo of sliced, cooked chicken, sliced strawberries, crumbled goat cheese, arugula, sliced cucumbers, toasted almonds, and mint neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients for strawberry chicken salad

Below is your ingredient list for this chicken and strawberry salad recipe. But, please note, the amounts are approximations and can easily be scaled depending upon your preferences and serving needs:

  • Fresh Strawberries. The star ingredient of this strawberry chicken salad. Be sure to choose ripe, fragrant berries for a sweet, juicy pop in every bite.
  • Chicken: Simply seasoned grilled chicken takes this salad from a stellar side dish to a marvelous main. However, it is entirely optional and you can easily omit it.
  • Greens. Tender leafy greens and strawberries go hand in hand. For a fresh, tender base, I recommend using peppery baby arugula, baby spinach, spring mix, romaine, massaged kale, or a blend of two greens. 
  • Goat Cheese. Soft, tangy goats cheese lends a creamy richness and a slight sharpness that balances the sweet berries. Swap: Salty feta cheese works well here too. 
  • Red Onion. Delicate, thin slices provide an aromatic depth and mild bite that doesn’t overpower the berries. Swap: If you prefer a tangier flavor, try pickling red onion.
  • Cucumbers. Provide a clean, refreshing crispness. Be sure to use seedless cucumbers as they contain less water and a milder flavor than other varieties.
  • Avocado.  Adds a rich, creamy texture.
  • Nuts. Every great salad needs a crunchy element, if you ask me. I love almonds here, but pecans, walnuts, and pistachios are all wonderful here. Tip: Regardless of the nut, make sure you toast them for the best flavor and texture. 
  • Mint Leaves. Lends a refreshing, cooling flavor that pairs naturally with strawberries and balsamic.
  • Honey Balsamic Dressing. Glossy, sweet, tangy, and beautifully rich, my honey balsamic vinaigrette dressing is perfection here.

Recipe variations

  • Citrusy Twist. Add a little fresh lemon zest or orange zest to the vinaigrette for a tangy, bright twist.
  • Poppy Seed Salad. Swap out the balsamic dressing and use a poppy seed dressing and use candied pecans as the nuts for a sweet, nostalgic twist.
  • Berry Medley. If strawberries aren’t quite in season, supplement with raspberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries for color and fruity flavor.
  • Diary-Free Twist. Skip the cheese entirely, increase the nuts, and add some seeds for extra crunch.
  • Nut-Free Version. Swap out the toasted nuts and use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sweet roasted chickpeas for a nut-free hearty salad option.
  • Dressing Swap. If you aren’t into tangy balsamic, my creamy avocado green goddess dressing also works beautifully here.

If you’re looking for more salads perfect for summer, check out this If you’re looking for more salads perfect for summer, chopped BLT salad next.

Overhead action photo of a person using two forks to toss chicken and strawberry salad ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

Professional chef tips for perfect results every time

  • Use High‑Quality Balsamic and Oil. They’re the backbone of the vinaigrette dressing.
  • Toast Nuts. It takes just 3 to 5 minutes and makes a HUGE difference in flavor and texture.
  • Use Ripe Berries. Taste a strawberry before you commit; if they’re underwhelming in flavor, add a little more honey to the vinaigrette.
  • Dry Greens and Berries. EUse paper towels to pat the berries dry and a salad spinner to dry the greens. Excess moisture will dilute the flavors and can cause the vinaigrette to slide right off, instead of clinging to the greens.
  • Slice Strawberries Just Before Using. Keep them juicy and vibrant.
  • Dress the Chicken. Dressed chicken = better flavor. 
  • Season Greens. Seasoning the lettuce greens with salt and pepper enhances their flavor, allowing the natural taste of the greens to shine through.
  • Dress Salad Very Lightly Before Serving. Wait until you’re ready to eat to toss chicken and strawberry salad with the vinaigrette to prevent sogginess.
  • Leverage Make-Ahead Components. Mix the vinaigrette, shred and dress the chicken in advance, then just wash the berries and assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken, whether it be rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, chicken tenders, or even crispy chicken cutlets keeps this salad recipe super quick and fuss-free to prepare.

What greens are best?

Fresh strawberries pair brilliantly with a wide variety of young, leafy greens. While I personally prefer peppery baby arugula in this salad, fresh spinach, spring mix, red romaine lettuce, or even radicchio (Italian chicory) will work beautifully here.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this salad?

It’s your kitchen, so you are always welcome to try out whatever you’d like. However, I strongly recommend using fresh berries in this chicken and strawberry salad. Unfortunately, frozen berries release a ton of water as they thaw and their slightly mushy texture can water down the greens and mute the flavor of the salad.

Take-away: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.

What can I use instead of goat cheese?

While I love goat cheese, also known as chèvre, in this salad, you can use any creamy cheese you love in strawberry salad recipes. Briny feta cheese, buttery gorgonzola, funky blue cheese, or even decadent torn burrata are all welcome here. Or, you can go in a totally different direction and try diced Emmental cheese or grated parmigiana in this strawberry salad.

Can I make this chicken and strawberry salad ahead of time?

While I don’t recommend making the salad in its entirety ahead of time, you can meal prep this recipe. Simply store the components separately and toss everything together just before serving.

Close-up photo of a chicken salad with strawberries and balsamic dressing.

Serving this salad with strawberries and chicken

  • Add Bread. Serve this strawberry salad with chicken as a light, yet hearty entree alongside crusty bread, a warm baguette, or pesto garlic bread.
  • Pair with Veggies. Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, or simple roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • Add Grains. Transform this salad into a grain bowl by stirring in cooked quinoa, chewy farro, or wild rice.
  • Alongside a Sparkling Drink. Pair with sparkling lemon water, iced tea, pink vodka lemonade, or sparkling strawberry sangria for a refreshingly delicious combination

Unique serving suggestions

  • Serve in Avocado. Hallow out avocado halves and serve the salad inside for a beautiful presentation perfect for brunches and bridal showers.
  • Lettuce Wrap Style. Nix the arugula and serve the strawberry and chicken inside lettuce cups for a hand-held meal.
  • Add Pasta. Toss in a little cooked and cooled macaroni pasta or other small pasta shape to transform this strawberry salad into a pasta salad.
  • Pair with More Strawberries. If fresh strawberries are in season, pair with strawberry breakfast casserole for brunch and oven bbq ribs with bbq sauce with strawberries for dinner. Just don’t forget the strawberries sheet cake for dessert.
Overhead photo of sliced chicken and strawberry salad with goat cheese, arugula, red onions, and cucumbers on a large white plate.

Storing leftovers

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftover salad components separately whenever possible: keep the dressed chicken, salad, toppings, and vinaigrette dressing in individual airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. 
  • Freezing Instructions: Unfortunately, freezing this chicken salad with strawberries is not recommended.
  • Reheating Instructions: No reheating necessary. Simply re-whisk the dressing to emulsify, assemble the salad, drizzle with dressing, and enjoy.
Close-up photo of a homemade salad with chicken and strawberries.

Effortless to make, vibrantly colorful, and bursting with fresh flavor, this strawberry salad with chicken and honey balsamic vinaigrette is sure to become a crown jewel of your spring and summer culinary repertoire. With a beautiful blend of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, it’s sure to become an instant favorite.

I hope you give this strawberry chicken salad recipe a try and make boring, bland salads a thing of the past! But, don’t forget to come back and drop a comment below or snap a picture and tag me on social media. I truly love cheering you on in the kitchen.

Until next time, cheers,

Cheyanne

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More summer salads with chicken

Overhead photo of strawberry salad with chicken, goat cheese, arugula, and a honey balsamic dressing on a large white plate.

Strawberry Salad with Chicken

5 from 7 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with sweet-meets-savory flavors, this Strawberry Chicken Salad is anything but ordinary. Featuring sweet, juicy strawberries and tender chicken tossed with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and a glossy honey balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together, this strawberry salad with chicken is bright, wildly satisfying, and tastes like summer in every bite.

Equipment

  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Ingredients 

  • 5 to 6 Cups Baby Arugula – (substitute: mixed greens, baby spinach, romaine, or mix of two)
  • 2 Cups Cooked Chicken – shredded or chopped
  • 2 Cups Strawberries – rinsed, dried, hulled, and sliced or chopped
  • 3/4 Cup Seedless Cucumber – thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Heaping Cup Red Onion – thinly sliced
  • 1/3 Cup Crumbled Goat Cheese – (substitute: feta cheese)
  • 1 small Avocado – pitted and diced or sliced
  • ¼ Cup Sliced Almonds – toasted (substitute: walnuts, pistachios or pecans)
  • To Taste Fresh Mint – finely chopped

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

Instructions

  • Make the Balsamic Dressing: Add the vinegar, oil, honey, dijon, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and scant 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper to a 2-cup glass measure or small bowl.
    Grab a whisk and vigorously stir the ingredients together until emulsified and combined.
    Use a spoon, give the dressing a taste, and adjust to suit your tastebuds. Then set the vinaigrette aside.
  • Toss Chicken with Some Dressing: Add the cooked chicken to a medium bowl and drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of the balsamic vinaigrette over the chicken.
    Use tongs to toss the chicken well to coat. Then set the chicken aside.
  • Toss Salad Ingredients: To a large bowl, add the salad greens and season with a little bit of salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss the greens well to coat.
    Then, add the dressed chicken, half the strawberries, all the cucumbers, all the red onions, and half of the goat cheese.
  • Dress Strawberry Salad: Drizzle the dressing to taste over the salad ingredients in the bowl and use two spoons to gently toss to combine and coat.
  • Add Almonds, Avocado, and Herbs: Just before serving, scatter the toasted almonds, avocado, fresh herbs, remaining strawberries, and the remaining goat cheese over the top of the salad.
  • Serve Strawberry Chicken Salad: Drizzle more dressing over the salad or serve the remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 539kcal    Carbohydrates: 37g    Protein: 30g    Fat: 31g    Saturated Fat: 7g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g    Monounsaturated Fat: 19g    Cholesterol: 68mg    Sodium: 222mg    Potassium: 874mg    Fiber: 7g    Sugar: 28g    Vitamin A: 1620IU    Vitamin C: 56mg    Calcium: 176mg    Iron: 3mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

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