Blueberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad

Blueberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad: It's chicken salad...elevated.

Are you craving a salad that’s not only delicious but also bursting with fresh flavors and

textures? This Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with vibrant ingredients, a savory and sweet dressing, and the perfect balance of protein and crunch, this salad is as satisfying as it is refreshing. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a show stopping side at your next gathering, this dish combines the earthy richness of grilled chicken, the sweetness of blueberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the creamy depth of Gruyere cheese. To top it off, a homemade Blueberry Pomegranate dressing...yah, you heard me.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the ingredients, the method of preparation, and the flexibility you have with this recipe to make it your own. Whether you’re looking to switch up the vinegar for something new or swap in different fruits and nuts, I’ll provide plenty of options for you to make this salad your own.

What Makes This Blueberry Pecan Grilled Chicken Salad Special?

The beauty of a great salad lies in the ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the overall flavor experience, and in this Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering layers. Let’s break down the key ingredients:

1. Spring Mix: The Base of Freshness

The spring mix provides a crisp and refreshing base for this salad. With a combination of tender baby greens, such as arugula, spinach, and mizuna, it delivers a light, peppery bite. The varied texture makes it an ideal backdrop for all the toppings that follow. You can easily substitute the spring mix with other leafy greens, like spinach or baby kale, depending on your preference.

2. Blueberries: Sweet, Juicy Goodness

Blueberries not only bring a sweet pop of color but also provide a refreshing burst of flavor with each bite. Fresh blueberries are great for this salad, but you can experiment with other berries if you’d like. Raspberries or blackberries would make excellent substitutes. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors from the fruit enhances the savory elements in the salad and dressing.

3. Gruyere Cheese: A Touch of Nutty, Creamy Flavor

I absolutely love Gruyere, especially paired with fruit and nuts. Imported Gruyere cheese is known for its nutty and slightly salty profile, which complements the sweetness of the blueberries and the richness of the chicken. Its shredded texture makes it easy to distribute throughout the salad, adding creaminess and depth to each bite. If Gruyere isn’t available, you can swap it out with another cheese like a crumbled Blue Cheese, Swiss, sharp cheddar, or even a creamy goat cheese.

4. Toasted Pecans: Nutty Crunch

Toasted pecans add an irresistible crunch and a rich, buttery flavor to the salad. Toasting them brings out their natural oils, intensifying their flavor. If pecans aren’t your favorite, try substituting them with walnuts, almonds, or even candied nut varieties for a sweeter twist.

5. Cucumber and Green Apple: Crunch and Crispness

The cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while the green apple adds a tart, juicy element to the salad. Together, they add layers of texture and balance out the richer ingredients, like the cheese and pecans. You can also swap out the green apple for a different variety, such as a honey crisp, which will offer more sweetness, or try pears for a softer, more delicate flavor. This dish is also amazing with Bosc or Asian Pears.

6. Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean Protein

Grilled chicken breast is the perfect protein packed addition to this salad. It’s lean, flavorful, and adds substance, making this salad more of a full meal. If you’re looking to make the recipe vegetarian, you can swap the chicken with roasted chickpeas or cooked lentils for a plant based option. One of my favorite "add ins" is some cooked Farro or Kamut. Half of a cup of Kamut provides you with roughly 5 grams of protein, 3.5 grams for Farro. Add it to your salad and you're in business!

The Dressing: Sweet, Savory, and Totally Customizable

The dressing for this salad is where the magic happens. With the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and herbal notes, it ties everything together and enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. You will not use all of the dressing on this salad, so make sure that you store the remaining dressing in the refrigerator. It will thicken in the fridge so make sure that you shake it before using it on your next salad. Here's how to make it:

Blueberry Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil: A smooth base for the dressing, rich in flavor.

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries: These form the sweet, tangy base of the dressing.

• 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the berries and vinegar.

• 1/4-1/2 tablespoon Herbes de Provence: This French herb blend features thyme, basil, rosemary, and lavender, adding depth and a fragrant herbal note.

• 1/8 tsp of salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors.

• 2-3 tablespoons pomegranate balsamic vinegar: (Start with 2 tablespoons and then add an additional tablespoon to taste.) The perfect complement to the sweetness of the blueberries. The pomegranate adds a fruity, slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the berries.

• 2 tbsp filtered water-If the dressing is too thick for you, just add a dash of water to thin it

How to Make the Dressing

Making the dressing is incredibly simple. You just need a bullet blender or a small food processor to blend all the ingredients together. Here’s how:

1. Combine the olive oil, fresh blueberries, honey, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper in the blender.

2. Add the pomegranate balsamic vinegar and blend until smooth. The result should be a creamy, vibrant dressing with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

3. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more vinegar, salt, or honey to suit your preferences.

4. Reserve any remaining dressing in the refrigerator to use for future salads or to drizzle over roasted vegetables, as it will keep well in the fridge for a few days.

Pro Tip: If you’re unable to find pomegranate balsamic vinegar or simply want to try a different flavor profile, feel free to swap it out. Raspberry balsamic vinegar or even fig balsamic vinegar would both work beautifully, offering a slightly different fruity tang. These options will lend their own unique twist to the dressing without compromising the overall flavor.

Assembling the Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have your ingredients and dressing ready, let’s put everything together. Here’s how to assemble this gorgeous salad:

1. Start with the base: In a large mixing bowl, toss the washed spring mix or your choice of greens.

2. Add the toppings: Scatter the blueberries, shredded Gruyère cheese, toasted pecans, chopped cucumber, and green apple over the greens. Add the grilled chicken breast, sliced or chopped into bite sized pieces, on top.

3. Drizzle with dressing: Pour the freshly made blueberry dressing over the salad. Be generous, but don’t overdo it, you can always add more dressing later.

4. Serve: Serve immediately.

   
   

Why This Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion

This Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, preparing a lunch for the week, or serving it at a brunch with friends, it’s sure to impress. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy elements makes it an absolute crowd pleaser, and its light yet satisfying enough to serve as a main course.

Plus, it’s a salad that can easily be made ahead of time, especially when you prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. You can even pre-grill the chicken, so when it’s time to assemble, you’re ready to go!

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings together a perfect mix of flavors, textures, and colors. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that’s easily adaptable to your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or making it the centerpiece of a larger spread, you’ll love how this salad brings together the best of fresh ingredients in a unique and flavorful way. The best part about this salad, is that it's completely customizable.

Enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to share your creations! I’d love to hear how you made this salad your own and what substitutes you experimented with. Tag us on IG or Facebook @everythingfighollowfarm

As always, happy cooking and happy eating!

Jennifer