Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible summer salad that will revolutionize your dining experience! This Ultimate Cherry Chicken Summer Salad isn't just a meal—it's a gourmet adventure that combines the sweet burst of fresh cherries, tender shredded chicken, and a vibrant mix of greens that will make your summer meals absolutely unforgettable. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks as stunning as it tastes, guaranteed to impress your family and guests!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or bake until fully cooked, then shred.
- Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Pit and halve the fresh cherries carefully, removing all seeds and stems. For best results, use a cherry pitter or carefully slice around the pit with a small knife.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base layer of the salad.
- Arrange the shredded chicken evenly over the greens.
- Scatter the halved cherries across the salad.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad.
- Add the toasted walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette evenly over the entire salad just before serving.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crispness of the greens.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack, or grill fresh chicken for a smoky flavor boost.
- Always toast your walnuts to enhance their nutty flavor—watch them carefully to prevent burning!
- For the freshest salad, prep ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp greens and vibrant textures.
- Choose ripe, in-season cherries for the most intense sweet-tart flavor.
- If you don't have raspberry vinaigrette, a balsamic or champagne vinaigrette works wonderfully as a substitute.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad crisp and cool during serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
