Introduction

This Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh berries, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4 oz goat cheese, chilled and sliced into rounds
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and/or spring mix)
1 cup blackberries
1 cup raspberries
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (for vinaigrette)
1/4 cup olive oil (for vinaigrette)
1 tablespoon honey (for vinaigrette)
Salt and pepper, to taste (for vinaigrette)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each slice of goat cheese by dredging in flour, dipping in egg, and coating with breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated goat cheese slices until golden and crispy on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Grill the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, until cooked through and properly marked. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste to make the vinaigrette.
Step 7: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, blackberries, raspberries, sliced avocado, chopped walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
Step 8: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 9: Divide the salad onto plates, top with sliced grilled chicken, and garnish with the crispy fried goat cheese rounds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh seasonal berries for the best flavor and sweetness.
Swap goat cheese for feta or halloumi for a different texture and taste.
For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and add grilled portobello mushrooms or extra nuts.
Make the vinaigrette ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reduce frying oil absorption, ensure the goat cheese is well chilled before coating and frying.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the grilled chicken and goat cheese aside from the greens to prevent sogginess. Reheat chicken gently in a microwave or oven before assembling the salad again. Avoid reheating goat cheese to keep it crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries in this salad?

It’s best to use fresh berries, as frozen ones can become mushy and watery when thawed, which affects the salad’s texture.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Feta or halloumi cheese work well as alternatives, offering similar creaminess and a nice salty flavor.

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 134 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad featuring tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and tangy balsamic mixture, served atop a bed of mixed greens with fresh berries, avocado, walnuts, and topped with crispy fried goat cheese rounds. This salad is dressed with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic

Goat Cheese Coating

4 oz goat cheese, chilled and sliced into rounds
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

Salad

6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and/or spring mix)
1 cup blackberries
1 cup raspberries
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Prepare the Goat Cheese: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each slice of goat cheese in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the coated goat cheese slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and marked with grill lines. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, blackberries, raspberries, sliced avocado, chopped walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serve: Divide the salad into serving plates, top each with slices of grilled chicken, and garnish with crispy fried goat cheese rounds. Enjoy this colorful and delicious salad immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer, up to 2 hours, for more intense flavor.
Use fresh, ripe berries for the best taste and texture.
Be careful when frying goat cheese as it melts quickly; use chilled cheese and a moderate oil temperature.
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
To make the salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding grilled tofu or tempeh instead.

Keywords: Blackberry salad, grilled chicken salad, balsamic vinaigrette, goat cheese salad, summer salad, healthy chicken salad