Blackberry Balsamic Chicken Salad

This blackberry balsamic chicken salad combines juicy blackberries with tender chicken and a homemade blackberry balsamic dressing that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. The colorful combination creates an impressive dish that tastes like summer on a plate.

I created this recipe during blackberry season when my kitchen was overflowing with these beautiful berries. After experimenting with several combinations, this salad quickly became our family's go-to summer dinner that even my picky eaters request.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: create the protein foundation of this salad and provide a neutral canvas for the flavorful dressing
• Spring mix lettuce: offers a variety of textures and mild flavors that complement the stronger ingredients
• Fresh blackberries: add bursts of sweet juicy flavor and stunning visual appeal to the salad
• Avocado: contributes creamy richness and healthy fats that make the salad more satisfying
• Red onion: provides a sharp contrast to the sweet elements with its distinctive bite
• Chopped walnuts: add essential crunch and nutty flavor plus heart healthy omega 3s
• Dijon mustard: acts as an emulsifier in the dressing while adding subtle heat
• Balsamic vinegar: brings acidity and depth with its complex sweetness
• Extra virgin olive oil: creates the silky base for the dressing
• Honey: balances the acidity with natural sweetness
• Soy sauce: adds unexpected umami depth to round out the dressing flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Cook chicken breasts in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat for about 5 minutes per side until completely cooked through with no pink remaining. The cast iron creates a beautiful sear that adds extra flavor. Once cooked, tent with foil and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes to keep the juices intact before slicing.

Assemble the Base:

Add spring mix lettuce to a large serving bowl, creating a generous bed for the toppings. The variety of greens provides different textures and subtle flavor differences that make each bite interesting.

Add the Toppings:

Arrange fresh blackberries, sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped walnuts in sections over the lettuce. This presentation allows everyone to see the beautiful ingredients and creates a restaurant quality appearance.

Make the Dressing:

Combine fresh blackberries, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and soy sauce in a medium bowl. Use a fork to gently mash the blackberries, pressing them against the side of the bowl until they release their juices and break down slightly. Whisk everything together until well combined and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Complete the Salad:

Slice the rested chicken into even pieces about half inch thick and arrange over the prepared salad. Drizzle the blackberry balsamic dressing generously over the entire salad just before serving. The warm chicken against the cool ingredients creates a delightful temperature contrast.

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The blackberry balsamic dressing is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that using fresh blackberries rather than jam or preserves creates the most vibrant flavor that perfectly captures the essence of summer. My husband, who typically avoids fruit in savory dishes, requests this salad regularly during blackberry season.

Make Ahead Options

This salad works beautifully for meal planning with some simple adjustments. Prepare all components separately and store them properly. Cook and slice the chicken, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in a sealed jar. When ready to serve, simply warm the chicken slightly and assemble the salad with fresh ingredients. This approach maintains the integrity of each element while saving precious time on busy weeknights.

Seasonal Adaptations

While fresh blackberries create the most spectacular version of this salad, you can enjoy variations year round. In winter, substitute pomegranate arils for a similar sweet tart burst. During spring, sliced strawberries work beautifully. Summer brings the classic blackberry version, and fall allows for sliced pears as an excellent alternative. The dressing can be adapted to each fruit by substituting it for the blackberries while maintaining the same preparation method. This versatility ensures you can enjoy this favorite regardless of season.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this salad from a light lunch to a dinner party worthy meal with thoughtful accompaniments. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a crusty artisan bread and a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp acidity of the wine complements the blackberry dressing perfectly. For larger gatherings, consider presenting this as part of a salad bar with the components arranged separately, allowing guests to build their perfect plate. The vibrant colors make this an instant centerpiece for any table.

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Protein Alternatives

While chicken creates a classic foundation for this salad, several alternatives work beautifully for different dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled halloumi cheese or crispy baked tofu seasoned with a touch of balsamic vinegar. Seafood lovers might enjoy seared salmon or grilled shrimp as excellent protein options that pair wonderfully with the blackberry dressing. For a vegan adaptation, marinated and roasted chickpeas provide protein and an addictive crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft berries and avocado.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen blackberries, though fresh will provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen berries for the dressing, thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing. For the salad topping, fresh berries are strongly recommended for optimal presentation and texture.

→ How can I meal prep this salad?

For meal prep, cook and slice the chicken, prepare the dressing, and wash the lettuce in advance. Store these components separately. Slice avocado and assemble just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness. The dressing will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ What protein alternatives work well in this salad?

Grilled salmon, seared shrimp, or marinated tofu make excellent substitutes for chicken. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or white beans to provide protein while maintaining the salad's fresh character. Adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen protein.

→ Is there a substitute for walnuts?

Pecans, sliced almonds, or toasted pine nuts work wonderfully as walnut alternatives. For a nut-free version, try roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, which provide similar crunch and nutritional benefits without the allergen concerns.

→ Can I make this salad ahead for a gathering?

For gatherings, prepare all components separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store the lettuce with a damp paper towel in a sealed container, keep dressing refrigerated in a jar, and refrigerate cooked chicken. Assemble just before serving, adding avocado last to prevent browning. This strategy maintains optimal freshness and presentation.

→ What's the best way to prevent avocado from browning?

Slice avocado just before serving. If needed in advance, brush with lemon juice or place in water with lemon juice, then pat dry before adding to the salad. This acidic treatment significantly delays the browning process while adding minimal flavor impact.