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This smoked chicken salad is one of those recipes that instantly takes me back. I first made it during our very first Whole30, when I was desperately looking for salads that were anything but boring. And this one? It was love at first bite. Sweet strawberries, smoky chicken, crunchy carrots and a fresh raspberry dressing… it’s basically summer in a bowl.
I still make it regularly, although these days I usually add some avocado as well. It makes the salad a little more filling while keeping everything wonderfully fresh.
Table of contents
Tip from Simone
This is the perfect salad for warm days when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something healthy and satisfying. If you’re serving it as a main course, I highly recommend adding half an avocado or a handful of toasted nuts. It gives the salad a bit more substance without taking away from the fresh flavors. And with all those colorful vegetables and fruit, it’s an easy (and delicious!) way to eat more veggies.
Recipe ingredients
For two servings you’ll need:
- Smoked chicken – about 150 grams/5 oz. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or turkey. Or swap or canned tuna. Although I’m not entirely sure that would work with the strawberries.
- Mixed salad leaves – any variety you like works well. Baby spinach, rocket or a spring mix are all delicious.
- Carrots – grated for sweetness and crunch. You could also use ribbons made with a vegetable peeler.
- Strawberries – fresh strawberries add lovely sweetness. Out of season? Mango is a great alternative.
- Orange – you’ll use both the segments and some juice.
- Raspberries – these form the base of the dressing. Frozen raspberries work just as well once thawed.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
How to make this smoked chicken salad
Start by slicing or shredding the smoked chicken. Wash and slice the strawberries and grate the carrots. Toss the grated carrots with a little fresh orange juice and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the salad. This softens them slightly and adds extra flavor.
For the dressing, blend the raspberries with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, the juice of half an orange, salt and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Arrange the salad leaves on a large serving platter or divide them over two bowls. Top with the carrots, strawberries, orange segments and smoked chicken. Drizzle generously with the raspberry dressing just before serving.
If you’d like a more substantial meal, finish the salad with sliced avocado, toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds.
Storage
This salad is best eaten fresh, especially once the dressing has been added.
If you’d like to meal prep, keep the dressing separate and store all salad ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The dressing will keep for about 3 days in the fridge.
This recipe is not suitable for freezing.
FAQ Strawberry Salad with Chicken
Yes. Prepare all the ingredients in advance but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Grilled chicken breast, leftover roast chicken or even cooked turkey all work beautifully. For a vegetarian version, try grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas.
Absolutely. Just thaw them first before blending the dressing.
Yes, as long as you use compliant smoked chicken and balsamic vinegar that fit your Whole30 guidelines.
It’s delicious on its own, but if you’re not following Whole30 it also pairs really well with a slice of crusty bread. For a more filling low-carb meal, avocado is my favorite addition. I also love adding some legumes like chickpeas to the salad.
More Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Salad with Chicken
Ingredients
- 150 gr smoked chicken
- 75 grams salad leaves of your choice
- 3 carrots grated
- 100 gr strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1 orange
For the dressing:
- 100 gr raspberries
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt
- pepper
- juice of half an orange
Instructions
- Cut the chicken in slices or cubes. Wash the strawberries and cut them in halves if small or quarters if they are bigger. Grate the carrots and squeeze some orange juice over them and set aside until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Make the dressing by adding all the ingredients and taste as you go along. Put all the salad ingredients together in a bowl and sprinkle with the dressing.
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
