This ultimate summer salad is loaded with bright and fun flavors that welcome the new season. On a bed of Arugula and spring mix topped with sliced strawberries, shallots, toasted pecans, grilled balsamic chicken, pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta then topped with a creamy balsamic dressing. This salad will quickly become your new favorite. It’s bright, balanced and so flavorful.
Why you’ll love this Summer Salad?
- Fresh and flavorful: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Perfect Texture: Crisp greens, juicy strawberries, tender chicken, and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for summer.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an effortless meal.
- Nutritious and satisfying: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce for a well-balanced dish.
What you’ll need for this Ultimate Summer Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and nutritious summer salad.
- Spring mix: choose your favorite greens.
- Arugula: love the spiced flavor this brings to the salad.
- Chicken: balsamic grilled chicken for the perfect touch of flavor. Compliments all the other flavors so well.
- Pecans: toasted to bring out the naturally nutty buttery flavor.
- shallots: or red onion. Thinly sliced.
- strawberries: adds a bright sweetness to the salad.
- pumpkin seeds: optional, but I love topping my salads for extra nutrients.
- Crumbled feta: adds the perfect amount of saltiness.
- Balsamic dressing: feel free to use your favorite dressing. I served mine with this delicious creamy balsamic dressing.
This is the perfect salad when you’re craving something fresh, light, and full of flavor, or want a bright, seasonal dish that feels a little more special.
It’s perfect for a meal prep lunch, a weeknight dinner.
Shop some of my favorite salad making tools! It will make your life so much more easier.
More Recipes To Try
Frozen Peach Daiquiri
Mango Habanero Wings
Million Dollar Stuffed Shells
Easy Steak Recipe
If you make my Ultimate Summer Salad, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Ultimate Summer Salad
Ingredients
- Spring Mix
- Arugula
- 3-4 strawberries sliced
- 1/4 Red onions or shallots thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup Crumbled Feta
- 1 tbsp Pumpkin seeds optional
For the chicken
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp stone ground Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt + pepper
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Creamy Balsamic dressing
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinade chicken with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, grated garlic, and lemon juice. Mix until coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the chicken marinates, in a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pecans until nutty aroma. About 5-7 minutes be sure to stir occasionally so that they don’t burn.
- Sear the chicken in a pan over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through, golden, and caramelized.
- To assemble, add spring mix and arugula to a large bowl or platter. Top with sliced strawberries, shallots, toasted pecans, balsamic chicken, pumpkin seeds, and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle with your favorite dressing then gently toss or serve as is and enjoy!
Did you make it?
Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi
