Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a culinary adventure that transforms your ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. This Strawberry Pecan Spinach Salad with Baked Chicken is a game-changing recipe that combines the freshness of crisp spinach, the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, and perfectly seasoned chicken - all harmonized with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's more than just a salad; it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance and leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts, ensuring even coating. Place chicken on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake chicken for 22-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While chicken is baking, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes. Then slice chicken into thin strips.
- In a large salad bowl, spread fresh spinach leaves as the base.
- Top spinach with sliced strawberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Arrange sliced chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss salad to distribute ingredients and dressing. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F. This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
- Toasting Pecans: Watch your pecans closely when toasting. They can burn quickly, so stir frequently and remove from heat the moment they become fragrant and golden brown.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest spinach and strawberries you can find. The quality of your ingredients will make a significant difference in the final dish.
- Dressing Tip: Add the balsamic vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the spinach from wilting and keep all ingredients crisp and vibrant.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the chicken and toast the pecans in advance, making this a quick and easy meal to assemble when you're short on time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
