Imagine biting into a refreshing salad bursting with the flavors of grilled chicken, juicy berries, and a zesty dressing. The Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will dance on your taste buds and make your heart sing. Picture yourself enjoying this vibrant dish at a summer barbecue, surrounded by friends, laughter, and sunshine—what could be better?
This salad brings together the best of both worlds: the smoky goodness of perfectly grilled chicken and the sweetness of fresh berries. You can almost hear the grill sizzling as you prepare to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to something special. Let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a symphony for your taste buds
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this dish will brighten up any table setting
- It’s versatile enough to serve warm or cold, catering to everyone’s preferences
Sharing this salad with friends always leads to compliments and requests for the recipe; it feels good to share deliciousness!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use 3-4 chicken breasts for a hearty salad; adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds sweetness and color; ensure they are ripe!
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Mixed Greens: Choose your favorite blend like baby spinach or arugula for freshness and crunch.
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Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the berries; opt for creamy varieties.
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Balsamic Vinaigrette: Homemade or store-bought, this dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully; balance is key.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Grill the Chicken: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any herbs you love. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re cooked through and have nice grill marks.
Prepare the Salad Base: While the chicken grills, wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl as your colorful base for all those delicious toppings.
Add the Berries: Gently toss in fresh berries once you’ve sliced them if necessary. Their sweet juiciness will create a beautiful contrast against your greens.
Make Your Dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if desired), salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. This dressing adds zing that elevates each bite.
Slice the Chicken & Assemble Salad: Once grilled chicken is ready, let it rest before slicing it thinly. Arrange sliced chicken on top of mixed greens and berries artistically—because we eat with our eyes first!
Strong>Toss & Serve: Drizzle some dressing over everything before tossing gently to combine all those glorious flavors without bruising any greens. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
Now you’re ready to enjoy your Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries—a delightful explosion of flavor that feels like summer on a plate!
You Must Know
- This Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is a delightful fusion of flavors
- The combination of juicy chicken and sweet, vibrant berries creates a refreshing dish perfect for summer celebrations
- The colors alone make it a feast for the eyes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then grill while preparing the salad. This method keeps everything fresh and flavorful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out berries for your favorites or add nuts for crunch. Customize it with your preferred greens or dressings.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy cold or reheat gently on low heat to maintain quality.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a tender chicken, marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling
- Use fresh berries for vibrant flavor and color
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep it crisp and delicious
Sharing this recipe always reminds me of the first time I made it for a picnic. My friends couldn’t believe how good something so simple could taste!
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in this salad?
Tofu or chickpeas work great as vegetarian options instead of grilled chicken.
Can I use frozen berries in this recipe?
Frozen berries can be used, but fresh ones offer better texture and taste.
How long does the salad last in the fridge?
The Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries stays fresh for up to three days when stored properly.
Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries. This delightful dish combines smoky grilled chicken, juicy fresh berries, and crisp mixed greens, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners, this salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it promises to impress your family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 5 cups mixed greens (baby spinach or arugula)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- In a large bowl, wash and dry mixed greens; add to the bowl.
- Toss in fresh berries and crumbled feta cheese.
- Whisk together balsamic vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.
- Slice grilled chicken and arrange on top of the salad.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
