The Juicy Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing blackberry balsamic chicken salad that bursts with tangy and sweet flavors.

Juicy grilled chicken meets the rich complexity of balsamic reduction in this elegant dish.

Ripe blackberries add a vibrant pop of color and unexpected brightness to every bite.

Fresh herbs and crisp greens create a delightful texture that dances across your palate.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of savory and fruity notes that will delight your senses.

The combination of ingredients transforms a simple salad into a gourmet experience you’ll crave all season long.

Serve this stunning creation and watch as your dinner guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Salad: Top Qualities

• Elevate your everyday meal with a sophisticated blend of sweet blackberries and tangy balsamic, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Pack your plate with lean protein from grilled chicken and fresh greens, delivering a balanced and wholesome meal that supports healthy eating.
• Transform simple ingredients into a stunning salad that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece, perfect for surprising guests or treating yourself.
• Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match your taste preferences, making this recipe flexible for different dietary needs and cravings.

What’s in Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that absorbs the blackberry balsamic marinade for added flavor.
• Goat Cheese: A creamy, tangy cheese that adds richness and depth to the salad.

• Mixed Greens, Baby Spinach: Fresh leafy greens that provide a crisp and nutritious foundation for the salad.
• Blackberries: Sweet and tart berries that complement the balsamic dressing and add natural fruitiness.

• Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the vinaigrette that coats the chicken.
• Flour, Egg, Breadcrumbs: A classic breading combination that helps create a crispy exterior for the goat cheese.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Tools for Chicken Salad Prep

• Food Processor or Blender: Essential for pureeing dressing ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for frying goat cheese to crispy golden perfection.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Critical for cooking chicken with beautiful char marks.
• Mixing Bowls: Needed for marinating chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Useful for slicing chicken and prepping salad components.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken on grill and handling hot ingredients.
• Paper Towels: Helps drain excess oil from fried goat cheese.
• Whisk: Helpful for mixing marinade and dressing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Directions for Blackberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Craft The Dressing Burst

Grab your food processor or blender and combine all dressing ingredients until smooth and perfectly blended.

The vibrant mixture will create a luscious coating for your entire salad that brings incredible flavor.

Step 2: Crisp The Goat Cheese Medallions

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten egg
• Breadcrumbs

Dredge each goat cheese slice through flour, dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium temperature and fry cheese until golden and crispy.

Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Transform Chicken Into Flavor Powerhouse

Pour half of your prepared vinaigrette over chicken and let it marinate.

Allow flavors to penetrate for 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Grill chicken over medium-high heat until perfectly cooked with gorgeous char marks, approximately 2-5 minutes per side.

Let chicken rest, then slice into elegant strips.

Step 4: Create Salad Symphony

Layer fresh greens, arrange sliced grilled chicken, scatter crispy goat cheese medallions, and drizzle remaining dressing.

Sprinkle fresh blackberries for a burst of color and tangy sweetness.

Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite.

Chicken Salad Tricks & Tips

• Use a resealable plastic bag for even coating and easier cleanup when marinating chicken in the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Freeze goat cheese for 10-15 minutes before breading to prevent crumbling and help breadcrumbs stick better.
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness before slicing.
• Reserve some fresh blackberries to garnish the salad for added visual appeal and burst of fresh fruit flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety without overcooking.

Creative Twists: Blackberry Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Swap: Replace blackberry balsamic with lemon herb vinaigrette, swap goat cheese for feta, and use grilled Greek-style chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, keeping the blackberry balsamic dressing and fried goat cheese for protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip breadcrumbs for fried goat cheese, use almond flour coating, replace mixed greens with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, and maintain original dressing for keto-friendly meal.
• Vegan Transformation: Use marinated tempeh instead of chicken, replace goat cheese with crispy tofu cubes, create cashew-based dressing mimicking blackberry balsamic flavor, and serve over mixed greens.

Pairing Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

• Rustic Picnic Plating: Spread the salad on a wooden board, creating an inviting rustic presentation that highlights the vibrant colors of blackberries and grilled chicken.
• Gourmet Wine Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, complementing the tangy balsamic and sweet blackberry flavors.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or mint leaves on top, adding a bright aromatic touch that elevates the salad's overall taste and visual appeal.
• Crunchy Texture Boost: Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for an extra layer of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft goat cheese and tender grilled chicken.

Storage for Blackberry Chicken Salad

• Store leftover chicken and salad separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm sliced chicken in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
• Revive fried goat cheese in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.

FAQs

• What makes the balsamic vinaigrette special in this recipe?

The homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the grilled chicken and creates a rich, complex dressing for the salad.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

While goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy element, you can substitute with feta or mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.

• How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to overnight allows the balsamic vinaigrette to tenderize and infuse the meat with deep, rich flavors, making the chicken more delicious and juicy.

Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent blackberry balsamic chicken salad marries sweet and tangy flavors with fresh greens and grilled chicken. Crisp ingredients and zesty dressing create a perfect summer meal that will delight your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound chicken breasts
• 6 cups lettuce
• 1 cup blackberries
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 8 ounces goat cheese
• 1 avocado, sliced

Breading and Coating Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup red onion, sliced

Dressing and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend balsamic vinegar, blackberries, shallots, herbs, and other dressing ingredients in a food processor until smooth and emulsified.
2. Create crispy goat cheese medallions by coating cheese rounds in flour, dipping in beaten egg, then rolling in seasoned breadcrumbs.
3. Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium temperature and fry goat cheese until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Pour half of the prepared vinaigrette over chicken and marinate for minimum 30 minutes in refrigerator, ensuring full coverage.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 4-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops light char marks.
6. Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips.
7. Arrange fresh salad greens on serving plates, top with sliced grilled chicken, crispy goat cheese medallions, and drizzle remaining vinaigrette over the entire salad.
8. Garnish with fresh blackberries and chopped herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize marinade by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra depth of flavor in the chicken.
• Prevent goat cheese from melting during frying by chilling the coated cheese slices in the freezer for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version of the salad, maintaining the same marinating and grilling technique.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour if preparing for guests with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the crispy fried goat cheese.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg