Grilled Chicken Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette and Crispy Goat Cheese

by
    

Elevate your salad game with this Grilled Chicken Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette and Crispy Goat Cheese. This sophisticated dish combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh blackberries and white balsamic vinaigrette with the savory goodness of grilled chicken. Topped with crispy, creamy fried goat cheese, and accompanied by crunchy walnuts and smooth avocado, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet lunch, this salad will impress and satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Fried Goat Cheese:

  • 8 ounces of goat cheese, either cut into 1/4 inch thick rounds or rolled into small spheres
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or breadcrumbs)

For the Salad:

  • 1/2 pound chicken breasts
  • 6 cups lettuce
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup of walnuts, pistachios, or almonds

Instructions

  1. Make the Vinaigrette:
    • In a blender or food processor, combine the blackberries, white balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, tamari or soy sauce, and minced garlic.
    • Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Fried Goat Cheese:
    • Place the flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls.
    • Dip each goat cheese disc or ball first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs.
    • Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated goat cheese until golden brown on all sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  3. Grill the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
    • Grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
    • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  4. Assemble the Salad:
    • In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, blackberries, avocado slices, red onion, and walnuts.
    • Top with the grilled chicken slices and crispy fried goat cheese discs or balls.
  5. Dress the Salad:
    • Drizzle the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette and Crispy Goat Cheese is a delightful and elegant dish that combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors. The sweetness of the blackberries, the tangy vinaigrette, and the crispy, creamy goat cheese create a perfect harmony of tastes and textures. This salad is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a special meal or a refreshing lunch. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors in every bite!