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–+ servings
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Strawberry Feta Salad with Balsamic-Basil Grilled Chicken (or Not)

This refreshing salad combines sweet strawberries, crunchy toasted almonds, and salty feta with a delicious honey-balsamic vinaigrette. For the carnivores, optional basil-balsamic grilled chicken tops it off.
Yield: 3 -4 servings

Ingredients

  • Chicken
  • Balsamic-Basil Grilled Chicken skip down to Strawberry Feta Salad if not including chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 20 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • Strawberry Feta Salad
  • 1/3 cup sliced almonds
  • 3 cups mixed greens
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion halved and sliced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

  • If including chicken, pound the chicken breasts to approximately 1/2 inch thick. Add to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag (I actually pound it right in the bag then add the marinade. I'm a little worried about causing holes, but it hasn't happened yet). Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken in the bag. Refrigerate for at least an hour, up to 12 hours.
  • Grill for about three minutes on each side until cooked through. Set aside.
  • Make the salad dressing. Whisk together all the ingredients - olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and salt. Refrigerate for at least an hour, if possible, so the flavors meld.
  • Toast almonds in a saute pan on medium high for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until you can smell them/they look toasted. Set aside and let cool.
  • In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, spinach, strawberries, onion, feta cheese, and cooled sliced almonds.
  • Just before serving, pour the salad dressing over the salad and gently toss again.
  • Cut the chicken into slices, if using, and place it atop individual servings as desired.