This summer berry salad is just what the doctor ordered on those warm summer days! It is jam packed with spinach, walnuts, feta, strawberries, blueberries and chicken (optional)! If you are heading to a summer party, omit the chicken and this is the perfect side salad to any BBQ.
HEALTH BENEFITS
There are so many health benefits to consuming all of the ingredients in this salad. Spinach is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Blueberries contain a plant compound called anthocyanin that helps support heart health, bone strength, skin health, blood pressure… the list goes on and on! Grilled chicken is low cal, low fat, no carb and high protein. What other lean protein is better than that… none! Walnuts are packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and help weight control, brain health and reproductive health in men. Gimme that, that, that nut!!
NUTRITION
This delicious summer berry salad has 235 calories, 6g of carbs, 12g of fat and 29g of protein! It is just the right amount of sweetness and with all of the different components you will finish feeling satiated and satisfied.
DRESSING
I have found that this berry salad is delicious with either Balsamic or Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette. I use Walden Farms Balsamic dressing however I know some people are sketched out by Walden Farms because it has no fat, no calories, no sodium, no nothing. People say… What IS in there?? You can also make your own balsamic (see graphic for the recipe) or any other low fat, low sugar option. Please Note: If you are using a store bought dressing beware of the sodium content.
GLUTEN-FREE/VEGETARIAN
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and super easy to make vegetarian! You simply take out the grilled chicken and either leave as is OR add in quinoa to get your fill of protein.
PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO SUCESS
I make 2lbs of chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. That way I can make this salad for lunch in 5 minutes or less and just grab and go! You can buy store bought pre-cooked chicken but again beware of the sodium content!
As a side, main meal or vegetarian, this salad is sure to delight! Hope you enjoy!
- 4 oz grilled chicken, cubed (optional)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp walnuts
- 2 tbsp feta
- balsamic or blush wine vinaigrette
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preheat grill to 400 degrees. lightly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, creole and blackened seasoning. grill for approx. 20 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Cool and Cube.
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prepare salad by adding all of the ingredients to a bowl.
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top with balsamic dressing or Brianna's Blush Wine Vinaigrette.
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toss to coat the salad with dressing. Enjoy!
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