Blackberry Chicken Spinach Salad

Blackberry Chicken Spinach Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet blackberries, savory chicken, and nutritious spinach for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 8 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Guide:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the chicken cool slightly, then slice it into thin strips.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake well to emulsify.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, blackberries, red onion, and feta cheese. Add the sliced chicken and toss with some of the dressing.
4. Serve: Drizzle with additional dressing as desired and garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans (optional).

Tips:

• Chicken Variation: You can also grill the chicken breasts whole and then shred them with two forks for a more rustic presentation.
• Salad Additions: Feel free to add other ingredients to your salad, such as sliced avocado, crumbled blue cheese, or dried cranberries.
• Leftovers: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the dressing may wilt the spinach, so it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
• Dressing Adjustments: For a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.