Spinach Blueberry Salad with Chicken

Are you tired of the same old uninspiring salads? If so, you’re in for a treat! This Spinach Blueberry Salad with Grilled Chicken is a perfect blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients that are both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for lunch, dinner, or as a side, this salad will easily become a favorite. Let’s dive right in!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, I MAY EARN A COMMISSION.  PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS.  AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Why This Salad is a Favorite

I’ve made a lot of different spinach salads over the years, but this one still reigns as my top choice. The combination of fresh spinach, blueberries, feta cheese, toasted pecans, sunflower seeds, and juicy grilled chicken creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Furthermore, the tangy balsamic dressing ties everything together beautifully. Honestly, each bite is a delightful experience!

Ingredients for the Perfect Salad

Now, let’s talk about the ingredients! This salad is made with a few fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• Spinach: The base of this salad, fresh spinach brings a refreshing crunch and a healthy dose of vitamins.
• Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken adds juicy tenderness and protein to the salad. You can also use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand if you’re short on time.
• Fresh Blueberries: Bursting with sweetness, blueberries not only add color but are packed with antioxidants that are great for your health.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and rich, feta cheese offers a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the blueberries and the savoriness of the chicken.
• Salted Sunflower Seeds and Toasted Pecans: For that perfect crunch, these nuts and seeds are essential. Toasting the pecans adds a deep, nutty flavor. To toast them, simply place them in a dry pan over medium heat, tossing occasionally until golden and fragrant.

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (dark or white)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make the Salad

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this delicious salad. Trust me, it only takes a few minutes!

1. Grill the Chicken: Start by grilling your chicken. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces. After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips or chunks.
2. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach, fresh blueberries, and crumbled feta. Toss everything gently to mix.
3. Add the Nuts and Seeds: Add the toasted pecans and sunflower seeds for that perfect crunch. These will make each bite even more satisfying.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to ensure it’s well-coated. Finally, top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Substitutions

Looking for ways to switch things up? Here are a few tips and substitutions that can help you customize this salad to suit your preferences:

• Use Different Fruits: While blueberries are fantastic in this salad, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or even apples, depending on what’s in season.
• Add Avocado: For a creamy, rich addition, consider adding sliced avocado. It pairs wonderfully with the feta and adds even more healthy fats.
• Dressing Variations: If balsamic vinegar isn’t your go-to, try apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. These will give the salad a slightly different flavor while still tasting amazing!
• Nuts and Seeds: If you’re not a fan of pecans or sunflower seeds, roasted chickpeas or croutons can be a great substitute for a crunchy topping.
• Make It Heartier: Want to turn this into a more filling meal? Add some cooked quinoa or couscous to make it more substantial.

How to Properly Toast Nuts

Toasting nuts is a simple yet essential step to enhance their flavor and bring out their natural oils. When nuts are toasted, they develop a richer, nuttier taste, making them a great addition to salads, baked goods, or even as snacks on their own. Here’s how to do it properly:

Toasting Nuts on the Stove

1. Heat a Skillet: Place a dry, non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. It’s important to avoid using oil or butter at this stage, as the natural oils in the nuts will come out during the toasting process.
2. Add the Nuts: Once the pan is heated, add the nuts. Stir them frequently to prevent burning, and make sure they toast evenly.
3. Watch Closely: Nuts can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They usually take about 3-5 minutes to toast, depending on the size and type of nut.
4. Cool Down: Once they are golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the heat immediately. Let the nuts cool before adding them to your dish.

Toasting Nuts in the Oven

Alternatively, you can toast nuts in the oven for an even toast.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the Nuts: Place the nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Toast in the Oven: Bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Again, keep an eye on them—once they’re golden and aromatic, they’re done.
4. Cool: Remove them from the oven and let them cool before using them in your salad or recipe.

Toasted nuts are a great way to add texture and depth to your dishes, and with just a little effort, you can elevate any salad or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This Spinach Blueberry Salad with Grilled Chicken is not just beautiful; it’s also packed with nutrients. The spinach provides fiber and vitamins, while the chicken adds protein to keep you full. Blueberries, rich in antioxidants, give the salad a burst of sweetness that complements the tangy feta and balsamic dressing. What’s more, the crunchy pecans and sunflower seeds make it an all-around satisfying dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re enjoying this salad on a warm summer day or serving it as a side dish at a barbecue, it’s the perfect addition to any meal. It’s quick to prepare, and the ingredients can easily be swapped to suit your preferences. The best part? It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main course or a refreshing side dish.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Blueberry Crumb Bars

Pumpkin French Toast Casserole

Blueberry Pound Cake Recipe

The Best Homemade Blueberry Muffins

Strawberry Spinach Salad

Apparel for the foodie & griller