Celebrate Flag Day with Grilled Chicken Salad & Berries

The sun shines bright, and the air is filled with laughter—it’s Flag Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a colorful Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries? Picture this: succulent grilled chicken, juicy berries bursting with flavor, and a zingy dressing that dances on your taste buds. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a festival of flavors celebrating summer!

Now, let’s take a moment to reminisce about those backyard barbecues where the grill was always the star of the show. I remember trying to flip burgers while balancing a plate of potato salad in one hand and attempting to keep my dog from stealing hotdogs off the table with the other. Ah, memories! Well, this Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is just as fun and even easier to prepare. Trust me; you’ll want this vibrant salad to be the centerpiece of your next celebration!

Ingredients for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Using about 3-4 chicken breasts ensures everyone gets their fill of protein packed goodness.

• Fresh Mixed Greens: A blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine adds crunch and nutrition; choose organic for maximum freshness.

• Strawberries: Opt for ripe strawberries that are red all over; they add sweetness and beautiful color to your salad.

• Blueberries: These little gems burst with flavor and antioxidants; they’ll make your salad pop visually!

• Pecans: Lightly toasted pecans add a delightful crunch that complements the soft fruits perfectly.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: A tangy dressing that ties everything together; store-bought works, but homemade is always better.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating your boneless chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for at least 30 minutes—trust me; it makes all the difference.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Fire up that grill! You want it hot enough (around 400°F or 200°C) so that when you place the chicken on it, you hear that beautiful sizzle that says “I’m ready!”

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place those marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook them for about six to seven minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked through, let them rest before slicing.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, combine fresh mixed greens with sliced strawberries and blueberries. Sprinkle toasted pecans over the top for added crunch.

Step 5: Dress It Up

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Toss gently until everything is coated—this is where flavor magic happens!

Step 6: Serve

Slice grilled chicken into strips and lay them atop your vibrant salad masterpiece. Transfer to plates and drizzle any remaining dressing for that perfect finishing touch.

And there you have it—a stunning Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries that will dazzle your family and friends! Enjoy every juicy bite while reminiscing about those unforgettable summer barbecues as laughter fills the air once again!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in your favorite Greek-inspired mix, allowing those flavors to mingle. Grill the chicken until golden brown while simultaneously tossing together your salad ingredients. This way, everything finishes at the same time, ensuring a hot, fresh meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the berries for whatever fruit is in season—peaches or mangoes would work wonderfully! You can also change up the dressing; a balsamic glaze can add a nice twist to this Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, keep the chicken separate to maintain its juiciness, and toss the salad fresh just before serving.

I remember one summer BBQ when I served this Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries. Everyone raved about it, and my aunt declared it should be a national holiday!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries?

To make a delicious Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries, you will need boneless chicken breasts, mixed greens, fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries), feta cheese, walnuts or pecans, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The combination of grilled chicken and sweet berries creates a perfect balance of flavors. You can also add additional toppings like avocado or cucumber to enhance the salad’s texture and taste. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.

How can I make the dressing for this salad?

For the Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries, a simple vinaigrette works best. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well until emulsified. This dressing adds a tangy sweetness that complements the grilled chicken and berries wonderfully. You can adjust the ingredient ratios based on your personal taste preferences.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes! You can prepare components of the Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries in advance. Grill the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Wash and dry your salad greens, and keep them in an airtight container. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess from the dressing. This makes it an ideal dish for picnics or gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.

What are some variations of this salad?

You can get creative with the Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries by trying different ingredients. Add seasonal fruits like peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist. Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese to change up the flavor profile. Additionally, you can use quinoa or couscous as a base instead of mixed greens for a heartier option.

Conclusion for Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries:

In summary, the Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is a vibrant and healthy dish perfect for summer celebrations. It combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh berries over mixed greens, creating an explosion of flavors in each bite. The light vinaigrette enhances every ingredient without overpowering them. This versatile salad is simple to prepare and can be customized to suit any palate. Enjoy this refreshing recipe at your next gathering!

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Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries

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• Author: Rachel Lawson
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Flag Day Grilled Chicken Salad with Berries is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the spirit of summer. This colorful salad combines juicy grilled chicken with sweet strawberries and blueberries, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Quick to prepare, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your summer gatherings, offering an explosion of flavors and a stunning presentation that will impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups fresh mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
• 1 cup ripe strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ cup pecans, toasted
• ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C).
3. Grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Let rest before slicing.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens with sliced strawberries and blueberries. Sprinkle with toasted pecans.
5. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
6. Slice grilled chicken and arrange on top of the salad. Serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (300g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg