If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that screams “fresh and easy,” you have to try Blackberry Chicken Salad. This beauty of a salad combines juicy blackberries, tender shredded chicken, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toasted nuts, all brought together with a tangy homemade dressing you’ll want to put on everything. Whether you’re planning a light lunch for a sunny day or a showstopper starter for a special meal, this salad delivers color, contrast, and pure deliciousness in every bite!

Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Blackberry Chicken Salad couldn’t be any simpler, and yet every ingredient plays its own leading role. You’ll love how the sharp, sweet, and creamy components come together, offering incredible taste and texture in every forkful.

Cooked chicken breast: Sliced or shredded, chicken adds lean protein and soaks up the zesty dressing beautifully.
Mixed salad greens: A fresh, crisp base that keeps the salad light and lively. Spring mix, arugula, or spinach all work well.
Fresh blackberries: Plump, juicy blackberries provide a sweet-tart pop that makes this salad truly special.
Crumbled goat cheese or feta: Creamy, tangy cheese adds richness and a salty edge to balance the sweetness.
Toasted pecans or walnuts: These nuts bring irresistible crunch and a warm, toasty depth of flavor.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and a splash of color.
Olive oil: Forms the silky base of the homemade dressing, making the whole salad shine.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and a hint of sweetness to the dressing, perfectly complementing the berries.
Honey: Just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance out the acidity.
Dijon mustard: For that subtle kick and extra creaminess in the dressing.
Salt and pepper: The little details that wake up and deepen all the other flavors.

How to Make Blackberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by making the star that ties everything together. In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until the dressing is creamy and thoroughly blended. You’ll notice the honey and mustard help emulsify the oil and vinegar, giving you a dressing that clings beautifully to greens and chicken alike.

Step 2: Layer the Salad

Grab a large salad bowl—this is where all the color and texture comes to life! Begin by spreading your mixed greens as the base. Top with the slices or shreds of cooked chicken, scatter the fresh blackberries around, and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta. Add toasted pecans or walnuts for that nutty crunch, then pile on those thin slivers of red onion for a pop of purple and bite.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

It’s time for the magic touch. Drizzle the homemade balsamic dressing evenly across the entire salad. Take a pair of tongs or two large spoons and gently toss everything together, making sure every piece gets a kiss of that luscious dressing. The goal is to distribute the color and flavor without crushing those bursting berries.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Your Blackberry Chicken Salad is ready to serve! Presentation matters here, so transfer it to a wide serving platter or individual bowls. If you’d like, finish with an extra scattering of nuts, cheese, or blackberries. This way, your guests get the full visual effect of this gorgeous, fresh dish.

How to Serve Blackberry Chicken Salad

Garnishes

To really make your Blackberry Chicken Salad shine, sprinkle a handful of extra blackberries, a few crumbles of goat cheese, and some toasted nuts over the top right before serving. A small drizzle of balsamic glaze or a twist of cracked black pepper adds an elegant touch and brings the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a slice of herby focaccia to soak up any leftover dressing. For an even heartier meal, serve with a cup of chilled gazpacho or a side of quinoa. The play of cold, fresh salad with a warm grain or soup is pure comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Blackberry Chicken Salad beyond the ordinary by serving it in hollowed-out avocado halves, piled high in lettuce cups, or even wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable meal. For picnics, layer the salad in mason jars for a grab-and-go experience that turns lunch into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store Blackberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. For the freshest results, keep the dressing and salad separate and toss them together right before serving; this prevents wilting and sogginess.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked chicken by itself, Blackberry Chicken Salad doesn’t freeze well as a whole due to the delicate nature of greens, berries, and cheese. If you’d like, freeze prepared chicken separately and mix fresh ingredients when ready to serve.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad, as it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’ve chilled leftover chicken, allow it to come to room temperature before assembling the salad for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or grilled chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly for Blackberry Chicken Salad. They add a smoky note and save time, making this salad even quicker to prepare.

What other fruits can I swap in if blackberries aren’t available?

You can easily substitute blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced strawberries if blackberries are out of season. Each brings its own burst of color and juicy sweetness, making for a delicious variation.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to goat cheese or feta?

Yes, for a dairy-free version of Blackberry Chicken Salad, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still be creamy and flavorful thanks to the dressing and avocado, if you like!

What type of nuts work best in this salad?

Toasted pecans and walnuts are classic choices because they’re sturdy and flavorful, but almonds or hazelnuts also add a wonderful crunch and can be used depending on your preference or what’s on hand.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The dressing for Blackberry Chicken Salad can be made up to a week in advance. Store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator, give it a good shake, and you’re ready for quick salad assembly anytime.

Final Thoughts

If you love colorful, satisfying food that comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, Blackberry Chicken Salad is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try with the freshest berries you can find, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Blackberry Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, fresh blackberries, and flavorful goat cheese tossed with mixed greens and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a perfect light and satisfying meal for any time of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
5 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup fresh blackberries
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined to make the dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, layer the salad greens, cooked chicken, blackberries, goat cheese, nuts, and red onion.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.