Description

Looking for a light, refreshing meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit is the perfect choice! This vibrant salad features juicy grilled chicken, crisp Bibb lettuce, sweet strawberries, and crunchy pecans, all tied together with a tangy-sweet red wine vinegar dressing. Ideal for summer lunches, light dinners, or meal prep, this salad is easy to make and celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

This salad comes together with ingredients that create a fresh, balanced dish. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves (1 lb): Provide lean, smoky protein as the salad’s centerpiece.
Pecans (½ cup): Add a rich, crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar (⅓ cup): Forms the tangy base of the dressing.
White Sugar (½ cup): Balances the vinegar with sweetness.
Vegetable Oil (1 cup): Creates a smooth, emulsified dressing.
Onion (½, minced): Adds a subtle, savory depth to the dressing.
Ground Mustard (1 tsp): Contributes a mild, spicy kick.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors in the dressing.
Ground White Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle, peppery note.
Bibb Lettuce (2 heads, rinsed, dried, torn): Offers a tender, buttery base for the salad.
Fresh Strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Bring sweet, juicy bursts of seasonal flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Use chicken thighs, grilled shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Pecans: Swap for walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for different crunch.
Red Wine Vinegar: Replace with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different tang.
Sugar: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute (adjust to taste).
Vegetable Oil: Substitute with olive oil or avocado oil for a healthier fat.
Onion: Use 1 tsp onion powder or 2 tbsp minced shallots for a milder flavor.
Bibb Lettuce: Swap for romaine, arugula, or mixed greens.
Strawberries: Replace with seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, pears, or mango.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Add-Ins: Include crumbled feta, goat cheese, or dried cranberries for extra flavor.

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat (400–450°F/200–230°C).
- Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken:
- Place 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast halves on the preheated grill.
- Grill for about 8 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill, let cool slightly (5–10 minutes), and slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Toast the Pecans:
- Place ½ cup pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Dressing:
- In a blender, combine ⅓ cup red wine vinegar, ½ cup white sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, ½ minced onion, 1 tsp ground mustard, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground white pepper.
- Process on high speed until smooth and emulsified, about 30–60 seconds.
- Transfer to a jar or bowl and set aside (refrigerate if preparing in advance).
Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange torn Bibb lettuce (from 2 heads, rinsed and dried) evenly on 6 serving plates or a large platter.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken, 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, and toasted pecans, distributing evenly.
Serve:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve on the side for individual portions.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips

Even Chicken Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½-inch) for uniform grilling.
Prevent Sticking: Oil the grill grate well and avoid moving the chicken too soon to ensure clean grill marks.
Crisp Lettuce: Dry lettuce thoroughly (use a salad spinner) to prevent a watery salad and help the dressing adhere.
Dress Lightly: Drizzle dressing sparingly to avoid overwhelming the salad; serve extra on the side for customization.
Toast Pecans Carefully: Stir frequently and watch closely to avoid burning; they should smell nutty and turn slightly golden.