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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Blend balsamic vinegar, blackberries, shallots, herbs, and other dressing ingredients in a food processor until smooth and emulsified.
- Create crispy goat cheese medallions by coating cheese rounds in flour, dipping in beaten egg, then rolling in seasoned breadcrumbs.
- 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.
- Pour half of the prepared vinaigrette over chicken and marinate for minimum 30 minutes in refrigerator, ensuring full coverage.
- 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.
- Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips.
- Arrange fresh salad greens on serving plates, top with sliced grilled chicken, crispy goat cheese medallions, and drizzle remaining vinaigrette over the entire salad.
- 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