This tasty salad is packed with fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and zesty oranges, topped with tender chicken. It’s a colorful dish that feels like a treat!
The best part? You can whip it up in no time! I love that it’s so refreshing—perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, the sweet fruits make my heart happy! 🍓💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is the star of this salad—it’s tender and full of nutrients. If you can’t find it, feel free to use arugula or mixed greens for a slightly different taste.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness, but if they’re out of season, you could use blueberries or raspberries instead. Any berry will work wonders here!
Mandarin Oranges: Canned mandarins make it easy! If you have fresh oranges, segment those instead for a vibrant twist. You could also use grapefruit for a more tart flavor.
Chicken: Grilled chicken is a great protein source and easy to prepare. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works perfectly if you’re short on time!
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice chewy texture. Try using dried cherries or raisins if cranberries aren’t available. Or omit them for a cleaner taste!
Dressing Ingredients: Olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard create a lovely dressing. If you want a vegan option, swap honey with maple syrup to keep it sweet!
What’s the Best Way to Grill Chicken for This Salad?
Grilling chicken breast can enhance the flavor and keep it juicy! Here are my tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
- Grill each piece for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it cooked through, but not dry!
- Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps the juices inside when you cut it.
Following these steps lets you enjoy tender, flavorful chicken in your salad. Happy cooking!
Easy Strawberry Orange Spinach Salad with Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup canned mandarin orange segments, drained
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, grilled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (if desired)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed or from the mandarin container)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’re grilling the chicken yourself, add another 15-20 minutes for that. So in total, you’re looking at 30-35 minutes from start to finish for a wonderfully fresh meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by slicing the strawberries into thin pieces. Drain the mandarin orange segments from their can, and get your grilled chicken ready. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, grill the breasts until they’re cooked through and lightly charred—about 6-7 minutes on each side. Once done, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the fresh baby spinach leaves, sliced strawberries, drained mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. This colorful mixture looks wonderful already!
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, add your bite-sized grilled chicken pieces right on top of your salad mixture. This adds protein that makes your salad hearty and filling.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and all the ingredients are well blended to create a delicious dressing.
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the salad, making sure to cover everything evenly. Gently toss the salad with two forks or your hands to combine all the ingredients together, ensuring each bite is flavorful!
6. Optional Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the salad before serving. This adds a nice creaminess and extra layer of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your beautiful Strawberry Orange Spinach Salad right away! It’s fresh, sweet, savory, and can make anyone’s meal feel special. Enjoy a healthy plate full of flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Greens Instead of Spinach?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is delicious, you can substitute it with arugula, mixed salad greens, or even kale. Just keep in mind that kale may require a bit more massaging to soften the leaves before serving.
How Do I Prepare Chicken Ahead of Time?
You can grill or bake chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For ease, slice the chicken and layer it with parchment paper in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just warm it up when you’re ready to assemble the salad!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Definitely! To make this salad vegan, simply omit the chicken and cheese. You can add extra protein by including chickpeas or tofu, which will keep your salad hearty and satisfying!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy greens.
What Can I Substitute for Honey in the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a vegan option or have a honey allergy, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey in the dressing. Both will provide a sweet touch that pairs well with the citrus flavors!
