This Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a refreshing summer meal. The tangy blackberry balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the fried goat cheese and the succulence of the grilled chicken. Here’s how to make it:
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 goat cheese: You can either slice it into 1/4 inch thick discs or shape it into small balls.
- 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 walnuts (or pistachios or almonds)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender, 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.
- Fry the Goat Cheese:
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each goat cheese disc or ball first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs.
- Heat a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the goat cheese until golden and crispy on both sides. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, toss the lettuce with a portion of the blackberry balsamic vinaigrette. Top with sliced grilled chicken, blackberries, sliced avocado, red onion, and nuts. Gently place the fried goat cheese on top.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the goat cheese and the freshness of the salad.
Tips:
- Goat Cheese: If the goat cheese is too soft to slice or form, place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes before preparing. This makes it easier to handle.
- Dressing: The dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Shake or stir well before drizzling over the salad.
- Nuts: Toasting the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant enhances their flavor.
Enjoy your Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese, a luxurious salad that’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home!