This Blackberry Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty mix! Juicy chicken, sweet blackberries, crunchy nuts, and crisp greens come together for a delightful meal that’s colorful and healthy.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love munching on this? I like to pack it for lunch, and it always brightens my day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just toss everything together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Grilled Chicken: I love using grilled chicken for its smoky flavor and tender texture. If you’re looking for a quicker option, rotisserie chicken works great too. You can even use tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative!
Mixed Salad Greens: While arugula and spinach make a fresh combo, you could substitute them with romaine or kale for extra crunch. Just make sure to massage tougher greens like kale to soften them up a bit.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are sweet and juicy, but if they’re not in season, you can use raspberries or blueberries instead. Canned fruit can work too, but rinse to keep it from being too syrupy.
Avocado: I often add avocado for creaminess. If you’re not a fan or want to save calories, you can skip it or add a dollop of Greek yogurt instead for a similar texture.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice salty flavor. If you want to avoid dairy, try using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the cheese!
How Do You Make the Best Dressing for Your Salad?
Making dressing at home can really boost your salad’s flavor. Here’s how to do it right! It’s super simple and just takes a few steps.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Don’t forget to taste! Add salt and pepper to your liking. If it’s too tangy, a little more honey can help balance it out.
This dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a week. Just shake or whisk it again before using.
How to Make Blackberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula and spinach)
- 1 cup blackberries, fresh
- 1 green apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup almond slices, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. That includes making the dressing and assembling all the fresh ingredients. Perfect when you want something quick, healthy, and super tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until it’s well combined and creamy. Set this delicious dressing aside for later.
2. Build Your Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, start by placing the mixed salad greens as the base. Make sure they are spread out evenly, creating a lovely bed for all the tasty toppings.
3. Add the Chicken:
Next, arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the greens. It’s okay if the chicken overlaps; we want it to look abundant and delicious!
4. Layer on the Fresh Ingredients:
Add the blackberries, sliced green apple, red onion, and avocado around the chicken. Try to spread these ingredients out so you get a bit of everything with each bite!
5. Sprinkle and Finish:
Now, sprinkle the toasted almond slices and feta cheese (if you’re using it) on top. This will add some great flavor and crunch!
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, and gently toss everything together to combine. Be careful not to smash the ingredients; you want them to stay nice and pretty!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your beautiful salad with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Blackberry Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Blackberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute blackberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries. Just ensure they are fresh and ripe for the best flavor in your salad.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative. If you prefer a more mild flavor, shredded mozzarella or Parmesan can be a great choice as well!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad and dressing separate to prevent wilting. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, drizzle with dressing right before serving!
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes! The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
