Description
This is your go-to summer salad when you want something light, satisfying, and totally beautiful on a plate. Juicy grilled chicken, sweet blackberries, crunchy pecans, creamy goat cheese, and tender greens come together under a tangy-sweet honey-Dijon vinaigrette. It’s like a picnic and a power lunch had a baby. Plus, it looks way fancier than the effort it actually takes.
Ingredients
For the salad:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or pan-seared, sliced)
6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach)
1 ½ cups fresh blackberries
½ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta if you prefer)
½ cup candied or toasted pecans
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Optional: avocado slices, quinoa, or cooked farro for extra heft
For the honey-Dijon vinaigrette:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side depending on thickness). Let rest, then slice thinly.
Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust as needed—add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for extra tang.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or platter, layer your greens, blackberries, goat cheese, red onion, and pecans. Add sliced chicken on top.
Dress and serve: Drizzle with honey-Dijon vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently (or serve dressing on the side if you’re prepping ahead). Add avocado slices or grains if you want to bulk it up.
Notes
Sub raspberries or strawberries if blackberries aren’t in season.
Try blue cheese instead of goat cheese for more funk.
Use walnuts or sunflower seeds instead of pecans.
Want it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~410 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~26g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Protein: ~30g