Strawberry-Chicken Spinach Salad
A fresh, vibrant salad combining juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and spinach, dressed with a tangy orange vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar or substitute ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. poppy seed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel ⓘ
- 1 bag fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
- 1 small can drained mandarin oranges ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Wash, dry, and tear the spinach into a large bowl.
- Add the cooked, cubed chicken, drained mandarin oranges, and sliced strawberries to the spinach.
- Toss lightly to combine.
- Serve the salad with the dressing on the side or toss the dressing into the entire salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the oil with a low-fat vinaigrette. You can also use mixed greens instead of spinach for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can enhance the freshness of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with John'S Chicken Soup With Rice for a wholesome meal. To elevate the dish, serve with crusty bread or a side of quinoa. Garnish with additional strawberries or slivers of almonds for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the spinach from wilting. When ready to eat, toss the salad gently to combine the ingredients. If desired, you can refresh the salad with a splash of fresh orange juice before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry-Chicken Spinach Salad contains roughly 161 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. Give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may settle.
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for protein. For a seafood twist, grilled shrimp or canned tuna work well, too.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for their texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).