Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken and Avocado

Nothing says Summer more than this.

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon golden balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Salad:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cups loosely packed fresh spinach
  • 6-8 large strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
  • 3-4 thinly sliced rings of red onion
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Whisk the extra virgin olive oil with the balsamic vinegar, sugar, tarragon, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until blended.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow bowl and cover with half of the dressing, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
  3. Spray a grill pan or 12-inch non-stick pan with cooking spray and heat to medium high. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill pan. Cook for 3 minutes then flip the chicken breasts. Cook for another 3 minutes and turn. Reduce the cooking temperature to medium low and cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes more, turning every 5 minutes or so. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken, but it will be done when it hits 165 degrees internal temperature. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes then slice into 1/4-inch slices.
  4. Arrange the spinach, strawberries, and red onion in a bowl. Lightly toss with the remaining dressing. Add the avocado, sliced chicken and top with feta and almond slices. Serve immediately.