Spring Green Salad with Chicken
and Strawberry Vinaigrette

We are all saying a huge HELLO to Spring and warm weather! I think we all could use it, and I personally am so excited for the warmer weather and sunshine. I love Spring and Summer inspired food like fresh green salads, cold pasta salads, smoothies, ice cream, BBQ food, lemonade etc. It’s refreshing food that brings family and friends together. The reason I love food so much is because it connects people and I love serving others by giving something homemade to them. It shows them you love and care for them. With that being said, here is today’s Spring inspired recipe: a savory, fresh, and bright green salad with a sweet Strawberry Vinaigrette!

This salad is one of my favorite top 3 salads I’ve ever made. It was inspired by a delicious salad at a local restaurant called Capones. I just had to make a copycat version, because I knew if I kept buying it, I would go bankrupt! This salad has simple ingredients and will hardly take any time at all to make. Here are the salad toppings and as always, you can add and take away whatever you please.

Craisins

Toasted sliced almonds

Chicken

Feta cheese

Avocado

Sliced or shredded carrots

As far as the chicken goes, I like to use rotisserie chicken to make it easier, or you can do grilled chicken, or even Instant Pot Chicken. I like the Instant Pot option, because its simple and fast. If you don’t like feta, I think goat cheese or gorgonzola will be a great alternative. I especially love the addition of the sliced almonds, it gives a toasty nutty flavor. Other kind of nuts that could be good: walnuts or cashews. In the recipe, I did not include measurements, because it depends on the size you are making (individual serving vs. for a party or for family of 4 etc.) I also believe in the rule of measuring with your heart depending on your liking.

Last but not least is the best part, that truly brings it all together, and it cannot be replaced in my opinion: the star of the show is this creamy, tangy, and sweet Strawberry Vinaigrette. This dressing pairs perfectly with all the other toppings and adds a sweetness from the strawberries and a tang from the red wine vinegar. If you want to substitute raspberries for the strawberries that would work as well. The recipe makes about 2 cups, if you want more, feel free to double it.

As usual, if you make it, please leave a rating or a comment! I would love to hear from you 🙂

Spring Green Salad with Chicken and Strawberry Vinaigrette

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• Author: Allison Olivia
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A fresh and bright green salad perfect for Spring or Summer. Toppings include feta, carrots, craisins, avocado, chicken, toasted almonds and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad:

• Spring Lettuce Mix, romaine or spinach
• Chicken (grilled, or rotisserie)
• Sliced Carrots
• Craisins
• Avocado
• Toasted and sliced almonds
• Feta cheese
• Strawberry Vinaigrette

Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing:

• 1 1/2 cups of frozen or fresh strawberries
• 1/2 avocado oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion 
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• pinch of black pepper
• 1–2 teaspoons of raw honey (optional, use if you want it sweeter)

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Instructions

Salad:

1. Assemble salad by throwing all the toppings on top and tossing with strawberry vinaigrette
2. To toast sliced almonds, place sliced almonds on a nonstick pan in an even layer over low- medium heat. Watch closely and move almonds around often, look for them to start turning golden brown, then quickly take off the burner. These will burn so fast, so keep an eye on them! Dont walk away 😉

Strawberry Vinaigrette:

1. Put all of the ingredients into a magic bullet, and blend for 15-30 seconds until smooth. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Variation of substitutes for vinaigrette: olive oil, shallots or white onion, dijon mustard, or apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar however will give it a punchier more tart flavor, only use this in a pinch. I wouldn’t use white vinegar, that will be too overpowering and intense.

• Prep Time: 5 min
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Assembling
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Spring Green Salad, green salad, chicken green salad, salad with chicken, strawberry vinaigrette, healthy salad recipe, green salad recipe, homemade dressing