This salad is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at your next gathering. It’s a light and refreshing salad that I have the perfect Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette to pair with!

Featured ingredients

Fresh Spinach: Packed with nutrients like iron and vitamins, fresh spinach forms the base of this salad, offering a dose of leafy green goodness.
Ripe Strawberries: Ripe strawberries add a burst of sweet flavor, complementing the savory elements perfectly.
Grilled Chicken: Thinly sliced grilled chicken brings a protein element to the salad, adding substance and satisfying hunger.
Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette: A tangy-sweet dressing made with the essence of ripe strawberries and balsamic vinegar, this vinaigrette ties all the flavors together, infusing the salad with a burst of fruity goodness.

Protein Note

I love the Costco Mediterranean Chicken Skewers. They’re quick heat & serve protein option.

I have also made Air Fryer Chicken Thighs over this salad, which is delicious!

And of course you can sauté or bake chicken to your preferred method to top the salad with if you wish!

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach
Red onion sliced, to taste
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup cooked and cooled quinoa (optional)
1/2 avocado (optional), thinly sliced
3/4 cup grilled chicken, sliced (or use the Costco Mediterranean Skewers-You can heat these up if you want, I like them cold and I just give them a real rough chop)
Sunflower seeds to taste
2 Tbsp. Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- For a burst of flavor, marinate the chicken using your favorite marinade. A simple and delicious option could be a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The precise cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer if needed – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of cooked and cooled quinoa-if using, 1/2 avocado thinly sliced, red onion sliced, and 3/4 cup of grilled chicken.
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, top with the sunflower seeds.

Tips and Tricks

Cooking Quinoa: To cook quinoa, rinse it under cold water to remove any bitterness. Combine 1 part quinoa with 2 parts water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool.
Perfect Grilled Chicken: Ensure your grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even a regular frying pan.
Avocado Freshness: To keep your avocado from browning too quickly, you can brush the slices with a little lemon or lime juice. I also think this Avocado Saver is worth a try!
Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients you love. Some great additions could be nuts for a bit of crunch, feta cheese for a creamy texture, or different types of greens for variety.

Optional Toppings

One of the joys of creating your own salads is the ability to customize them to your liking. In the Spinach and Strawberry Salad with Quinoa and Grilled Chicken, you can add some optional toppings! Here are a couple of options to consider:

Feta Cheese: Crumbly and tangy, feta cheese adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of strawberries and creaminess of avocado, elevating the salad with its salty notes.
Goat Cheese: With a mild, earthy flavor and creamy texture, goat cheese brings sophistication to the salad, complementing the strawberries and avocado beautifully.
Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds provide crunch and nuttiness while enriching each bite with healthy fats and depth of flavor.
Quinoa: Nutty and satisfying, cooked quinoa brings a hearty texture to the salad, while providing a plant-based source of protein and fiber.
Ripe Avocado: Sliced ripe avocado adds a creaminess to the salad, along with healthy fats and essential nutrients.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle basil or mint for an aromatic burst, harmonizing with the sweetness of strawberries and creamy elements of the salad.
Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons add classic crunch and soak up the vinaigrette, enhancing the salad’s texture and flavor.

The beauty of salads lies in their versatility, and these optional toppings are your ticket to personalizing your Spinach and Strawberry Salad to perfection. Feel free to mix and match to create a salad that suits your taste buds and preferences. The possibilities are endless, and the result will always be a delightful and satisfying meal.