Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups quartered strawberries, divided
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt plus 1/8 teaspoon, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon strawberry preserves
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Add 1 cup of strawberries, balsamic vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Transfer 1/2 cup of this vinaigrette to a large bowl. Add ketchup and strawberry preserves to the remaining vinaigrette in the blender and pulse until smooth. Set aside as the BBQ basting sauce.
- Season the chicken tenders with the remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Lightly oil the grill rack. Grill the chicken until it releases easily from the grate, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and baste with the blended BBQ sauce. Continue cooking, flipping and basting every 15 seconds, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165 degrees F, about 3 to 4 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Add spinach, almonds, feta, basil, and the remaining 1 cup of strawberries to the bowl with the vinaigrette. Toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among plates and top with the grilled chicken. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces after resting if you prefer smaller pieces in your salad.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden for the best flavor.
- You can make the vinaigrette up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Shake well before using.
- Swap feta for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees F for safe eating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg