Description
This Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad features tender grilled chicken breasts paired with fresh blackberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts on a bed of mixed greens. Topped with crispy fried goat cheese and drizzled with a tangy blackberry balsamic dressing, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing and Protein
- 1 cup Blackberry Balsamic Dressing (Can substitute with any light vinaigrette if needed)
- 0.5 lb Chicken Breasts (Can substitute with turkey or grilled tofu)
Salad Components
- 6 cups Lettuce (Any mixed greens can be used)
- 1 cup Blackberries (Can substitute with raspberries or strawberries)
- 1 Avocado (Seedless versions are preferable)
- 0.25 cup Red Onion (Can substitute with green onions)
- 0.25 cup Walnuts (Can substitute with pecans or almonds)
Cheese
- 8 oz Goat Cheese (Can substitute with feta or Brie)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
- Make the crispy goat cheese: Slice the goat cheese into small rounds or triangles. Lightly bread the goat cheese by dipping in flour, then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Fry these coated pieces in heated oil over medium heat until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, blackberries, sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and walnuts. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add the sliced chicken: Thinly slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the salad mixture.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the blackberry balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Toss lightly if desired to coat all components with the dressing.
- Top with crispy goat cheese: Place the crispy fried goat cheese pieces on top of the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to preserve the crispness of the greens and the crunch of the goat cheese.
Notes
- You can substitute the goat cheese with feta or Brie if preferred.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled tofu.
- Blackberries can be swapped for other berries like raspberries or strawberries.
- Use pecans or almonds as alternatives to walnuts for a different crunch.
- If you want a lighter dressing option, any light vinaigrette will work well.
- Ensure the avocado is ripe but firm to prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Frying the goat cheese quickly is key to prevent it from melting completely.
