Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad topped with crispy fried goat cheese. The salad combines juicy grilled chicken marinated in a homemade blackberry balsamic vinaigrette, fresh blackberries, creamy avocado, crunchy nuts, and tangy red onions, all enhanced by the rich crunch of golden fried goat cheese discs. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with delightful textures, ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs used; otherwise omit this designation)
Ingredients
Scale
Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fried Goat Cheese
- 8 ounces goat cheese, sliced into 1/4 inch thick discs or formed into small balls
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Salad
- 1/2 pound chicken breasts
- 6 cups lettuce
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts (or pistachios or almonds)
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: Combine the blackberries, white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, tamari or soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth and set aside.
- Fry the goat cheese: Dredge each goat cheese slice or ball in flour, dip them into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Heat oil over medium heat and fry the goat cheese pieces until they become lightly golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the prepared vinaigrette over them. Marinate for 30 minutes to overnight to absorb the flavors.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 2-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or plate, arrange the lettuce, blackberries, avocado slices, red onion, and walnuts. Top with sliced grilled chicken and crispy fried goat cheese. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette or add sriracha to taste if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your vibrant, fresh, and flavorful Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese immediately.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add sriracha to the vinaigrette to taste.
- To save time, the vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use pistachios or almonds as nut alternatives based on preference or availability.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying goat cheese to avoid sogginess and ensure a crispy crust.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor but at least 30 minutes is recommended.
Keywords: Blackberry salad, grilled chicken salad, goat cheese salad, balsamic vinaigrette, summer salad, grilled chicken recipes
