Blackberry Chicken Salad
This Blackberry Chicken Salad is a fresh, protein-packed meal made with tender chicken, juicy blackberries, crisp greens, and a light balsamic honey dressing. Perfect for summer lunches, meal prep, or elegant gatherings, this sweet and savory chicken salad is colorful, refreshing, and ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful salad that’s anything but boring, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
- Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast sliced or cubed
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries
- 5 cups mixed salad greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ cup cucumber slices
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ¼ avocado sliced
- Fresh basil or mint
- Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Whisk until smooth and emulsified.
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken (If Needed)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Ingredients
- Wash and dry greens and blackberries.
- Slice chicken, onion, and cucumber.
- Assemble Salad
- Add mixed greens to a large bowl.
- Top with chicken, blackberries, onion, cucumber, and feta.
- Sprinkle with nuts if using.
- Dress & Toss
- Whisk dressing ingredients together.
- Drizzle lightly over salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to avoid crushing the blackberries.
- Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent soggy greens.
- Start with less dressing and add more as needed.
- For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking.
- Salad is best enjoyed fresh.