Name: Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh baby spinach (can substitute with mixed greens or kale); 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (time-saver); 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries (can substitute with other berries); ½ cup pecans (substitutes include walnuts or almonds); ¼ cup sliced scallions (can use green or red onions); 1 tablespoon matcha powder (or use regular green tea); 2 tablespoons honey (maple syrup or agave for vegan); 2 tablespoons water (can replace with lime juice); 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (Dijon is a good substitute); ½ teaspoon sea salt (table or kosher salt also works); ½ cup fresh lime juice (lemon juice is also great); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (or use avocado oil)

Can you hear it? The delightful crunch of pecans and the sweet burst of fresh strawberries calling your name on a warm day. This Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette is a welcoming summer dish that’s not only a breeze to prepare but also promises a burst of freshness that will make your taste buds dance. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this no-cook wonder, perfect for those moments when you crave something light yet satisfying. With its vibrant colors and unique flavors, this salad elevates your meals beyond takeout, while the healthy ingredients keep you feeling invigorated. Ready to dive into this refreshing delight? Let’s get started!

Why is this salad a summer must-have?

Quick Preparation: In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of cooking.

Vibrant Flavors: The dish beautifully balances sweet strawberries with crunchy pecans, creating a harmonious blend that excites the palate.

Health-Conscious: Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, this salad is not only refreshing but also supportive of a healthy lifestyle.

Versatile Options: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences, like switching out chicken for chickpeas for a hearty vegan choice.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy.

Looking for more light meals? Check out my Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce or the delightful Orange Chicken for more flavor-packed inspiration!

Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad Ingredients

• For the Salad

Baby Spinach – This serves as a fresh, nutritious base; feel free to swap with mixed greens or kale for added variety.
Shredded Chicken – Adds protein and heartiness; using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
Sliced Fresh Strawberries – These provide a burst of sweetness and vibrant color; other berries like blueberries or raspberries can work too.
Pecans – They lend a delightful crunch and nuttiness; walnuts or almonds are great substitutes if desired.
Sliced Scallions – Their mild onion flavor brings freshness; green onions or red onions can be used as alternatives.

• For the Vinaigrette

Matcha Powder – This enriches the dressing with unique depth and color; omit if you don’t have it and use regular green tea instead.
Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to the vinaigrette; maple syrup or agave make good vegan alternatives.
Water – Used to dilute the dressing; replace with additional lime juice for a zesty twist.
Whole Grain Mustard – Provides a tangy kick; Dijon mustard serves as a suitable substitute.
Sea Salt – Enhances overall flavor; feel free to use table salt or kosher salt instead.
Fresh Lime Juice – Adds a bright acidity; lemon juice is also a fantastic substitute.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness; avocado oil or any neutral oil works well too.

Enjoy your delightful Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette—it’s not just a meal, it’s a culinary embrace perfectly wrapped in vibrant, healthy flavors!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a clean mason jar or mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, and the juice of half a lime. Add ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil before sealing the jar or whisking until the mixture is vibrant and well emulsified. This green tea honey vinaigrette should be ready to use in about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, create a base with 4 cups of fresh baby spinach, laying it down to cover the bottom entirely. To this, neatly layer in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries, ½ cup of pecans, and ¼ cup of sliced scallions. The colors should be vibrant and inviting, making your Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad look as good as it tastes.

Step 3: Dress the Salad
Now it’s time to add your homemade vinaigrette! Drizzle the prepared green tea honey vinaigrette evenly over the assembled salad. Gently toss using salad tongs or two large spoons to combine all the ingredients without bruising the spinach and fruit. Aim for an even coating of dressing, which should take about 1 minute to achieve.

Step 4: Serve Immediately
For the best experience, serve your Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad right after tossing. This ensures that the greens stay crisp and vibrant, enhancing your dining pleasure. Present in a beautiful bowl or on individual plates, and consider pairing with a refreshing drink. Enjoy this quick summer meal that highlights fresh, beautiful flavors in every bite!

Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad that make it truly your own!

Grilled Chicken: Elevate the flavor by substituting shredded chicken with grilled chicken breast for a smoky touch. The char from the grill enhances the salad’s vibrancy while keeping it heart-healthy.
Berry Medley: Swap fresh strawberries for a mix of berries like blueberries and raspberries. This twist adds a symphony of sweetness and colors that will make your plate a feast for the eyes.
Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor. Each nut brings its own unique crunch that can take this salad to new heights.
Vegan Delight: To transform this salad into a vegan masterpiece, use chickpeas in place of chicken and agave syrup instead of honey. This combination is a powerhouse of plant-based protein and flavor!
Citrusy Kick: Add a burst of citrus by mixing in segments of orange or grapefruit. The bright notes will enhance the refreshing qualities of the salad while pairing beautifully with the vinaigrette.
Heat It Up: If you enjoy a little spice, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This playful heat will awaken your taste buds and add an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Dried Fruits: Substitute pecans with dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. The chewy texture adds an unexpected sweetness that harmonizes with the fresh ingredients, perfect for those who love a sweeter salad.
Creamy Twist: For a creamier vinaigrette, blend in some Greek yogurt or silken tofu. This modification adds a silky richness without overwhelming the fresh flavors, making every bite a delight.

Looking for more ways to elevate your salads? Check out my Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream White Sauce or give the Butter Chicken Comfort a try for delicious dinner inspiration!

Helpful Tricks for Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Prep Ahead: Make your green tea honey vinaigrette a few hours in advance; flavors deepen and enhance when they have time to meld.
Stay Crisp: Dress the salad right before serving to keep the baby spinach fresh and crunchy; letting it sit too long can lead to wilting.
Chicken Convenience: To save time, use cold, leftover rotisserie chicken; it adds flavor and reduces prep time for your Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad.
Texture Variation: For extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet; it enhances their nutty flavor and brings a delightful contrast to the salad.
Flavor Substitutions: Embrace flexibility! If you’re out of matcha, regular green tea or an additional tablespoon of lime juice in the dressing works beautifully.

What to Serve with Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette

Looking to elevate your dining experience with delightful complements to your refreshing salad?

Creamy Avocado Toast: The rich creaminess of avocado adds a luxurious texture, balancing the crispness of the salad beautifully.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy side dish offers a satisfying chewiness and wholesome grains that pair excellently with the light, fresh flavors.
Herb-Infused Iced Tea: Keep the refreshment flowing! A glass of chilled herbal tea with a hint of mint or lemon enhances all the fresh ingredients.
Grilled Veggies: Slightly charred vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, add smoky depth, contrasting with the sweetness of your salad.
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet meets savory here, as the slight crispiness complements the crunchy pecans and strawberries with every bite.
Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing and light dessert, sorbet can serve as a fruity finish, echoing the salad’s strawberry notes without being too heavy.

Whichever sides or drinks you choose, each will create a harmony of flavors that will leave everyone at your table smiling and satisfied!

Storage Tips for Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat for optimal freshness.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the textures of spinach and strawberries may become mushy when thawed.

Reheating: Since this is a no-cook salad, there’s no need to reheat. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing bite!

Assembly: For best results, dress only the portion you plan to consume immediately to maintain the vibrant freshness of the salad.

Make Ahead Options

This Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the vinaigrette and assemble the salad layers up to 24 hours in advance. To ensure freshness, store the vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and layer the salad components in an airtight container, keeping the greens separate to prevent wilting. When you’re ready to serve, simply drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy a refreshing meal that tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh. This way, you can save time on busy weeknights while still enjoying a wholesome, homemade dish!

Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad with Green Tea Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe strawberries for my salad?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for berries that are bright red with no dark spots or bruising. They should be firm to the touch, as overripe berries often feel soft and mushy. Also, the green caps should be fresh and vibrant; dull caps can indicate age.

What is the best way to store leftover Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For maximum freshness, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This prevents the greens from wilting and maintains their crispness.

Can I freeze the Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the textures of spinach and strawberries can become mushy when thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for a quick, healthy meal over the next couple of days.

What can I do if my salad dressing separates?
No need to worry! If you notice that your vinaigrette has separated, simply give it a good shake in the jar or whisk it again until well combined. If it continues to separate, try adding a small splash of water or lime juice to help stabilize it.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this salad?
Very! Always check the ingredients for allergies. For instance, if you’re serving someone with a nut allergy, you can easily substitute the pecans with crispy chickpeas or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower to maintain the crunch without the nuts. Additionally, if you’re looking for a vegan option, replace chicken with chickpeas and honey with agave syrup.

How long should I let the dressing sit before using it?
For the best flavor, I recommend preparing your green tea honey vinaigrette a few hours in advance. Just combine all the ingredients in a jar and let it sit in the fridge; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dressing that really elevates your Strawberry Pecan Chicken Salad!