Strawberry, Goat Cheese, and Grilled Chicken Salad With Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Strawberry, Goat Cheese, and Grilled Chicken Salad With Creamy Balsamic Dressing

It's officially Summer! Time to heat up the grill and eat outside! Entree salads are perfect for summer, and this salad is no exception. It can be prepped indoors and topped with chicken from the grill, so you avoid heating up the house. 

This salad is simple but elegant enough for entertaining, and very flavorful with a homemade creamy balsamic dressing. I recommend using a really good, aged, thick balsamic vinegar. If you don't have such on hand, you can simmer your balsamic vinegar to reduce it and concentrate the flavors. The honey in the dressing is optional, and depends on the sweetness of your balsamic dressing. Whisk everything together, taste, then add the honey if needed. 

Serves 4 as an entree, 6 as a aside salad 

Ingredients:

Salad:

16 oz (1 large tub) of mixed greens, spinach, or romaine lettuce. 

1 pint strawberries, sliced

4 oz goat cheese crumbles

4 chicken thighs, grilled and sliced

1/4 cup slivered almonds

Salt and Pepper

Dressing:

1/4 cup aged or reduced balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp mayonnaise

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 Tbsp honey (optional)   

Directions:

1. Add the greens to a large serving bowl, then top with strawberries, goat cheese, chicken, and almonds. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and ground black pepper over top. 

2. In a medium bowl combine all the dressing's ingredients except the honey, and whisk until well combined and creamy. Taste the dressing and add honey if needed. Transfer to a serving dish. 

3. Serve the salad onto plates, dividing the chicken evenly. Pass around the dressing and let each person serve themselves. 

Be sure to follow @sheeatstolive on Instagram for more healthy recipes.