This quick chicken and strawberries salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken and make the most of seasonal fruits. Plus, it's a healthy lunch option you can make in just a few minutes! It only has 4 ingredients (unless you include dressing), so it's simple to throw together. It's loaded with iron, protein, antioxidants and has very little fat.
The base is made of baby spinach leaves.
Shredded chicken breasts are the second ingredient.
Cashews come next for added protein.
Fresh strawberries are the fourth and final ingredient. So easy!
Attention strawberry lovers: This simple salad hits the spot and has less than 5 ingredients. #strawberries #quicklunch Click To Tweet
4-Ingredient Salad with Chicken & Strawberries
This ingredient list will make 2 salads the size of the salad pictured above.
YOU’LL NEED: 3 cups baby spinach leaves + 3/4 cup cooked and shredded chicken breasts + 1 cup freshly sliced strawberries + 1/2 cup cashews + 1/4 cup brianna’s home style poppy seed dressing (optional)
Rinse the baby spinach leaves well, drain, and then add them to 2 salad bowls. Split the shredded chicken evenly amongst both bowls. (I typically use leftover grilled chicken from the night before or a rotisserie chicken that I pick up from the grocery store, shred, and keep on hand specifically for adding to salads.)
Add cashews to each bowl. I didn't use as many as the recipe calls for on this particular salad, because these were heavily salted and I'm watching my sodium intake. Finally, split the strawberries and add them as the final topper.
It's a snap to make this salad, and it's a great energy booster since spinach is high in iron. I added the chicken and nuts for protein, because I try to include protein with every meal. Strawberries are in season at the moment, and they taste so sweet that I'm buying them like crazy!
Sometimes I'll add Briannas Home Style Rich Poppy Seed Dressing
TIP: Consider adding fresh blueberries, too. You can swap out the cashews for candied pecans if you prefer to keep it on the sweet side.
Why It's Important to Support Local Farmers
Seasonal fruits and veggies are not only good for you, but by purchasing them locally you'll support neighbors. Here are a few reasons why you should buy seasonal fruits (or veggies).
1. They're inexpensive. When a fruit is in season, there are typically large quantities available. If an abundance of ripe fruit is available — with more constantly arriving — markets will keep the prices low to move the product quickly. It's the basic law of supply and demand.
2. They taste better. If fruit is in season locally, it doesn't have to be shipped from some distant location or grown in a greenhouse. If it doesn't have to be shipped from far away, that means you're receiving a fresher product. And fresher definitely tastes better!
3. You'll support the local economy. By purchasing locally sourced foods, you can keep jobs within your community and help local farmers support their families. Plus, it just feels good to have a friendly relationship with your local farmer!
Have a happy and healthy week, and let me know your favorite sites for salad ideas.
