Marry Me Salad
Ever had a salad so delicious that it might make someone propose?
Welcome to the Marry Me Salad—the easiest and most delightful way to convert skepticism into devotion over a bowl of greens! Picture this: crisp baby spinach and arugula, juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, and tender chicken all tossed together with a dreamy dressing. Not only is it vibrant and fresh, but it packs a punch in flavor and makes any meal feel like a special occasion. 😍
Why make this recipe
There are so many reasons to love this salad! First off, it’s super quick to prepare. Who doesn’t want a fresh meal on the table in no time? Secondly, the balance of flavors—sweet, savory, crunchy—will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one bowl to manage. Because let’s be real, who enjoys a mountain of dishes? 🙈
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 4 cups baby spinach and arugula mix
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Directions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine baby spinach and arugula mix, strawberries, avocado, crumbled feta, slivered almonds, and red onion.
- Add sliced chicken on top of the salad ingredients.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Divide the salad among plates or bowls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh flavors!
How to make Marry Me Salad (Overview)
Making this salad is like a quick sprint to salad heaven! First, you sauté the chicken to golden perfection. Pro tip: Don’t rush the resting period—this helps the juices soak back into the meat for extra tenderness. While the chicken chills, whip up a speedy dressing and toss your greens and goodies together. Finally, add the sliced chicken, drizzle that irresistible dressing, and voilà—marriage proposal not included (unless you’re lucky!). 😉
How to serve Marry Me Salad
Looking to impress? Serve this beauty on a colorful plate to highlight its vibrant greens and red strawberries. Pair it with some crusty bread or a light white wine to amplify the fresh flavors. Picture this: the crunch of almonds, the creamy avocado, and the sweet aroma of strawberries all mingling together—it’s a feast for the senses!
How to store Marry Me Salad
This salad reigns supreme when fresh, but if you need to store it, it’ll last up to 3 days in the fridge—just don’t mix in the dressing until you’re ready to eat. If you really want to prep ahead, keep all the ingredients separate and then assemble right before serving. It’s a salad, not a nuclear science project!
Tips to make Marry Me Salad
- Use leftover grilled chicken to save time and add a smoky flavor.
- Add a little crunch by toasting the slivered almonds in a dry skillet.
- Feel free to swap the feta for goat cheese—another mind-blowing flavor combo!
- Want to spice things up? Some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes can bring the heat!
Variation
Looking for a vegan twist? Ditch the chicken and substiture with roasted chickpeas for that crunch factor. Also, swap feta for cashew cheese to keep everything creamy and delicious. No one will miss the animal products here! 🌱
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep the dressing and greens separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess.
Can I substitute the dressing?
Sure, a ready-made vinaigrette or a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix works wonders too!
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Everything listed is gluten-free, but make sure to check your balsamic vinegar or other condiments for hidden gluten.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Marry Me Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine baby spinach and arugula mix, strawberries, avocado, crumbled feta, slivered almonds, and red onion.
- Add sliced chicken on top of the salad ingredients.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Divide the salad among plates or bowls and serve immediately.
