Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that defies traditional salad expectations! This extraordinary strawberry asparagus chicken salad is not just a meal, but a vibrant symphony of flavors that will transform your dining experience. Imagine a dish where sweet, tangy strawberries dance with crisp, tender asparagus, perfectly complemented by succulent chicken and a zesty balsamic drizzle. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, an impressive dinner party starter, or a refreshing summer meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and blanched
- 1 cup cooked chicken, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the strawberries and asparagus thoroughly under cold running water.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
- Blanch the asparagus by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, then quickly submerge the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Immediately transfer the blanched asparagus to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve its vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Drain the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels.
- Slice the fresh strawberries into thin, even pieces, removing the green tops.
- If using uncooked chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until fully cooked, then slice into thin strips.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, blanched asparagus, and cooked chicken.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad.
- Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Tips
- Blanching Brilliance: The key to perfect asparagus is a quick blanch - keep it bright green and crisp-tender by not overcooking.
- Temperature Matters: For optimal flavor, serve the salad at room temperature or slightly chilled to enhance the ingredients' natural tastes.
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, ripe strawberries and high-quality balsamic vinaigrette for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Chicken Prep Hack: For extra flavor, consider marinating your chicken in a light herb mixture before cooking.
- Feta Finesse: Crumble the feta just before serving to maintain its creamy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for an extra crunch and nutritional boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
