Ingredients
Salad
- 8 to 10 cups mixed spring greens (or arugula)
- 1 bundle fresh mint leaves
- 10 to 12 basil leaves
- 4 medium Persian cucumbers
- 1 large avocado
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/3 cup goat cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Dressing
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (juice from 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or agave, maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp poppy seeds
- Optional: zest from 1 lemon
Grilled Chicken Marinade (Optional)
- 2 large chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepping the Ingredients: Wash all berries and vegetables by filling a large bowl with cold water and adding 1/3 to 1/2 cup white vinegar. Soak the berries for a few minutes, then rinse them under cool water using a colander. Pat dry berries, cucumbers, avocado, and mint leaves with paper towels.
- Making the Salad Dressing: Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) into a measuring cup. Add balsamic vinegar, honey (or agave/maple syrup), and olive oil. Season with salt and poppy seeds, optionally adding lemon zest. Whisk together and set aside until ready to use.
- Assembling the Salad: Place spring greens in a large salad bowl. Remove mint leaves from stems and add to the bowl. Roll basil leaves gently, slice thinly and sprinkle over the greens. Thinly slice cucumbers and add to the bowl. Slice avocado, fan out slices, and place over salad. Slice strawberries and arrange with raspberries and blueberries on top. Crumble goat cheese or feta cheese evenly over the salad, followed by sliced almonds.
- Add Dressing: Whisk dressing once more and pour over the salad just before serving to keep greens fresh and crisp.
- Storing: If preparing ahead, cover salad and refrigerate separately from dressing to maintain freshness. Add dressing when ready to serve.
- Grilled Chicken Breast (Optional): In a small casserole dish, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground coriander, dill, and parsley until smooth. Coat chicken breasts completely with marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Grilling Chicken: Preheat outdoor grill to 600°F for 10 minutes until grates are hot. Grill chicken breasts with lid closed for 4-5 minutes per side. Move to upper rack and cook indirectly until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from grill and let rest covered for 5-7 minutes before slicing thinly to serve over or alongside salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Nutritional info provided is for salad only; grilled chicken adds approximately 260 calories per 1/2 chicken breast serving.
- Use fresh herbs and ripe berries for the best flavor and visual appeal.
- Adding lemon zest to the dressing is optional but enhances flavor.
- Keep dressing separate when storing salad ahead to prevent sogginess.
- Chicken can be marinated overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and honey quantity in dressing to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt