Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

Published:

by eva

With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light weekday dinner. The combination of grilled chicken, juicy blueberries, and tangy feta creates a delightful balance that is both satisfying and nutritious. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish for any occasion.

Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein from chicken and antioxidants from blueberries, this salad supports a healthy lifestyle.
  • Flavorful Dressing: The homemade balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet yet tangy kick that perfectly complements the salad’s ingredients.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a light main dish, or alongside your favorite grilled meats for a complete meal.
  • Seasonal Freshness: Enjoy the best of seasonal produce with fresh blueberries and crisp greens.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or mason jar (for vinaigrette)
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

  • Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving perfectly cooked chicken with those beautiful grill marks.
  • Mixing bowl: Helps combine the salad ingredients without spilling, keeping everything organized.
  • Whisk or mason jar: A whisk allows for thorough mixing of the vinaigrette, while a mason jar makes shaking simple and effective.

Ingredients

With grilled chicken, blueberries, feta and a balsamic vinaigrette over mixed greens, this Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad is a filling and nutritious salad. Perfect for hot summer days when you need something light, healthy and easy.

For the Vinaigrette

  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

For the Salad

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 cups (5 oz | 142g) spring mix greens
  • 1/2 cup (65g) dried cranberries
  • 1 1/4 cups (149g-186g) blueberries
  • 1/2 cup (65g) chopped red onion
  • 1 cup (135g) chopped cucumber
  • 3/4 cup (92g) crumbled feta

How to Make Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

To create the flavorful dressing, combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl or mason jar. Whisk them together until well blended. If using a mason jar, shake vigorously to mix. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill over high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Once done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the spring mix greens as your base. Top it with dried cranberries, fresh blueberries, chopped red onion, cucumber pieces, and crumbled feta cheese. Finally, layer on your sliced grilled chicken.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle your prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Divide your Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad onto plates and enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

This Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some suggestions for serving this vibrant salad.

In a Wrap

  • Use a large tortilla to wrap the salad for a portable lunch option. This makes it easy to enjoy on the go.

As a Main Course

  • Serve the salad as a hearty main dish, perfect for lunch or dinner. The grilled chicken provides ample protein, making it filling.

Family Style

  • Present the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves, which encourages sharing and conversation.

With Grilled Vegetables

  • Pair the salad with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This adds additional flavors and textures to your meal.

On a Bed of Quinoa

  • For added nutrition, serve the salad over cooked quinoa. This will give you extra fiber and make it even more satisfying.
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How to Perfect Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

To make your Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips that elevate both flavor and presentation.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh blueberries and greens for the best taste and texture.
  • Marinate Chicken: A quick marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can add extra flavor to the chicken before grilling.
  • Customize Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or seeds for an additional crunch and healthy fats.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving, enhancing its refreshing quality.
  • Experiment with Dressings: While balsamic vinaigrette works beautifully, try different dressings like lemon tahini or yogurt-based options for variety.
  • Garnish with Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like mint or basil right before serving can brighten up the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

  1. Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread complements the freshness of the salad beautifully.
  2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These provide a sweet contrast to the tangy feta and blueberries while adding a hearty touch.
  3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds summer vibes and sweetness that pairs well with this dish.
  4. Hummus with Veggies: A platter of hummus served with fresh vegetables offers a light and healthy appetizer.
  5. Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad can be a great side dish that balances out the textures of your main course.
  6. Chips & Guacamole: For a fun twist, serve crispy tortilla chips with guacamole; they add crunch alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

  • Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in bland flavor. Always season and let it soak for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F and let it rest before slicing.
  • Using stale ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure your blueberries and greens are fresh for a vibrant and tasty salad.
  • Not mixing the vinaigrette well: An unblended vinaigrette can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Whisk or shake it thoroughly for a balanced taste.
  • Ignoring portion sizes: Overloading your salad can make it hard to eat. Serve in manageable portions to enhance enjoyment.
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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftover Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad in an airtight container.
  • It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

  • Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of greens will change when thawed.
  • If you must freeze, store only the grilled chicken separately from the salad components.

Reheating Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken on a baking sheet until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals until warm.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm sliced chicken for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad?

Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad is a nutritious dish featuring grilled chicken, fresh blueberries, feta cheese, and mixed greens topped with balsamic vinaigrette.

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

While fresh blueberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen blueberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them before adding to the salad.

How do I customize my Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad?

You can add ingredients like nuts, avocado, or different cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with toppings for variety!

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad can be prepared ahead of time. Just keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

What other dishes pair well with this salad?

This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or as a side dish alongside roasted vegetables. Enjoy it as part of a healthy meal!

Final Thoughts

The Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for summer days or any occasion when you crave something light yet satisfying. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad

Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad


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  • Author: Eva
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Experience the refreshing taste of summer with this Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad. Perfect for gatherings or a light weekday meal, this vibrant salad combines succulent grilled chicken, sweet blueberries, and creamy feta cheese over a bed of crisp mixed greens. Tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, each bite bursts with flavor while being packed with nutrition. Not only is it quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but it’s also versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a delightful side.


Ingredients

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  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups spring mix greens
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vinaigrette by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl or mason jar. Whisk or shake until well blended.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Let rest before slicing.
  3. In a large bowl, layer spring mix greens, then add blueberries, dried cranberries, chopped cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta. Top with sliced grilled chicken.
  4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad (about 300g)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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