Description
A blackened chicken strawberry spinach salad is a vibrant, main-course salad that pairs dynamic Cajun-style spiced chicken with light, refreshing garden greens and fruits. The defining characteristic of the dish is the contrast between the deeply seared, spicy chicken and the cooling, sweet elements of the salad base.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the salad
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds or pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, optional
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Combine all the spices, salt, and pepper, then rub the mixture generously over both sides of the chicken.
- Cook: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until deeply browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and slice: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble: Place spinach in a large bowl. Add strawberries, red onion, feta, almonds, and dried cranberries.
- Finish: Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss. Top with the warm sliced blackened chicken.
Notes
This Blackened Chicken Strawberry Spinach Salad is best served fresh. For extra flavor and crunch, feel free to add avocado, toasted pecans, walnuts, or your favorite cheese. You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred level of spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: ~430 kcal
Keywords: cajun chicken strawberry spinach salad, spicy chicken strawberry spinach salad, blackened chicken spinach strawberry salad