Celebrate with Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad & Berries

The aroma of grilled chicken wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of fresh berries, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Picture a vibrant salad bursting with colors, where juicy chicken meets the tartness of strawberries and blueberries, all topped off with a delightful dressing that brings everything together. This Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is not just a meal; it’s an experience that can turn any ordinary day into a celebration.

Ah, memories of summer picnics come flooding back as I think about this dish. Friends gathered around, laughter filling the air, and the sun shining down like it’s in on the joke. This salad makes a perfect centerpiece for those occasions—whether you’re honoring Flag Day or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon in your backyard. Trust me; one bite will have you dreaming of sun-soaked days and good company.

Ingredients for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Mixed Greens: A blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine adds texture and nutrition; go for organic if possible!

• Strawberries: Use ripe strawberries for sweetness; slice them to release their juicy goodness.

• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide a burst of flavor and antioxidants; they’re tiny little powerhouses!

• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tanginess that beautifully contrasts with sweet fruits.

For the Dressing:

• Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle gives depth to the salad; opt for quality balsamic for the best results.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors while keeping things light; it’s liquid gold!

• Honey: Sweeten things up naturally; honey balances the acidity of the vinegar perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Toss in your chicken breasts and let them soak up those flavors while you prepare everything else. If you have time, an hour in the fridge does wonders!

Step 2: Grill Time

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (don’t waste it—keep it for drizzling later!) and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. You want those lovely grill marks!

Step 3: Slice Those Fruits

While your chicken is sizzling away, wash and slice your strawberries. Toss in fresh blueberries as they are because they’re already perfect little bursts of flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl or platter, lay down your mixed greens as a base. Layer on sliced grilled chicken (slice it thinly if you want), strawberries, blueberries, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over everything.

Step 5: Dress It Up

Drizzle that leftover marinade (now turned dressing) over your masterpiece! Toss gently to ensure every bite gets that magical flavor.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer to plates or serve family-style right from the platter. This salad shines brightest when enjoyed fresh!

Whether you’re celebrating Flag Day or just looking for an easy yet impressive dish to whip up on any summer evening, this Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries will not disappoint. It’s colorful, flavorful—and let’s be honest—totally Instagrammable!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Grill it until golden brown while simultaneously prepping the salad ingredients. Toss everything together at the end for a fresh and vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different fruits like strawberries, peaches, or even citrus segments. Experiment with herbs like mint or basil, and add nuts for crunch. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility—make it your own!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan to maintain moisture and freshness before serving with your salad.

Cooking this Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries reminds me of last year’s family picnic where everyone went back for seconds—and thirds! It was such a hit that I knew I had struck culinary gold.

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries?

To prepare the Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries, gather fresh greens like spinach or mixed salad leaves, grilled chicken breast, and a variety of berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. You will also need feta cheese, nuts for crunch (like almonds or walnuts), and a light vinaigrette dressing. This combination not only provides great flavor but also offers a healthy mix of nutrients.

How can I make the dressing for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries?

Creating the perfect dressing for your Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is simple. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well until emulsified. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired. This dressing complements the salad’s flavors and enhances the freshness of the berries while keeping it light and nutritious. For more inspiration, check out this more recipe ideas recipe.

Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Using leftover grilled chicken for your Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is an excellent time-saver. Simply slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it into your salad. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without additional cooking time while still maintaining great flavor. For more inspiration, check out this delicious main dishes recipe.

What are some variations of Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries?

You can customize your Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries in many ways. Consider adding avocado slices for creaminess or swapping out berries based on seasonal availability. Incorporating different nuts or seeds can also add texture. For a heartier meal, serve it with quinoa or farro to create a filling dish that everyone will love.

Conclusion for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries:

In summary, the Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that celebrates freshness and nutrition. With simple ingredients like grilled chicken and mixed berries, this salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings or everyday meals. The accompanying vinaigrette enhances its taste while keeping it light. Whether you’re using leftovers or trying creative variations, this salad remains a versatile favorite that everyone will enjoy.

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Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully balances the savory flavors of grilled chicken with the sweet juiciness of strawberries and blueberries. Topped with creamy feta and drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners, it promises to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 5 cups fresh mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
3. 3. Prepare fruits: While grilling, wash and slice strawberries; leave blueberries whole.
4. 4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or platter, layer mixed greens, sliced grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled feta.
5. 5. Dress the salad: Drizzle leftover marinade over the salad and toss gently to combine.
6. 6. Serve immediately for best freshness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - Customize your salad by adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch. - Experiment with seasonal fruits such as peaches or citrus segments for varied flavors.