Everyone was so enthusiastic about the yummy Balsamic Chicken with Strawberries, Basil and Feta Cheese dish that I thought I’d make a salad from the leftovers. You’ll see many of the same flavors here but with the added bonus of some fresh herbs, nuts and more berries. Sound good?
It was! I went a little crazy with the ingredients after I saw this in Better Homes and Garden’s magazine. This edition is titled Skinny One-Dish. Yes, I am one of those people who buy magazines when they are checking out at the grocery store – terrible habit! At least I’m not tossing The National Enquirer into my basket, lol. I couldn’t help myself – this one really caught my attention.
Those are all my little post-it notes – there’s a lot of inspiration in there! Often times I will see a dish that sparks all kinds of other ideas or perhaps I’ll just want to change up two or three ingredients and this month’s issue was a real gold mine.
BHG suggested the addition of watermelon and toasted pecans and it really took the salad over the top. I added some blueberries and fresh mint and before you know it there was a taste explosion in the bowl!
You’ll see in the pic below they also served it in a watermelon. Wouldn’t that make a gorgeous presentation at a party?
I love that I could utilize some of the leftovers in my fridge for this dish and I’m not finished – two more dishes coming up where I’ve been able to save money and create new flavors with some of these ingredients. Cheers!
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 2-3 pound seedless baby watermelon
- 2 cups quartered fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 cups chopped roasted chicken breast
- 1/2 small red onion, halved and very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 6 ounces fresh spinach
- For Drizzle, in a small saucepan combine vinegar and honey. Bring to boiling over medium-high heat; reduce heat. Simmer for 7 to 8 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half, stirring frequently. Cool.
- Cut watermelon crosswise into 1 inch slices; remove the flesh from slices (reserve rind to serve, if desired). Cut flesh into 1/2 inch cubes or use melon baller and place in large bowl. Add strawberries, chicken, red onion, basil, and cheese; mix very gently. Cover and chill about 45 minutes.
- If serving with spinach, divide spinach among chilled salad plates. Spoon the chicken mixture on top. Top each with a drizzle and a sprinkling of pecans.
33 Comments
Linda
June 24, 2015 at 5:37 pmSuch a great little salad for summer. The flavors all blend together beautiful and your photography skills are shining my friend. Salads are a great way to enjoy dinnertime. Lots of love to you…from W.W. xo
Linda recently posted…Newest Gadget – Amazon Echo
Robyn
June 25, 2015 at 5:41 amThanks so much, Linda. I love it when I can tie a few ingredients together to make different dishes. Can’t get enough of good salads in the summer!
Stephanie
June 24, 2015 at 6:42 pmYou are astounding, Robyn! I didn’t think you could outdo the chicken recipe, but after seeing this salad I’d say it’s right up there with the chicken 🙂
Thanks for sharing, sweet friend. {{Hugs}}
Robyn
June 25, 2015 at 5:42 amThis is like the chicken recipe on spinach, Stephanie, lol, but thanks so much for your sweet comment. I can’t wait to check out your rhubarb cake!!
Bam's Kitchen
June 24, 2015 at 7:17 pmCrisp and delicious! This time of the year my body just craves cooler and lighter things like salads. Loving that light dressing of balsamic and honey. Beautiful crisp photos! Sharing, of course!
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Skinny Berry Cheesecake Bars
Robyn
June 25, 2015 at 6:54 amThanks so much, Bobbi! Your Berry Cheesecake Bars are off the charts!
cheri
June 24, 2015 at 7:21 pmThis is my kind of salad Robyn, love everything about it, the flavors, the colors and the ingredients.
cheri recently posted…Spelt Pasta with Tomato and Broccoli
Robyn
June 25, 2015 at 6:54 amThanks, Cheri. I stuffed it full, lol.
Mindy
June 24, 2015 at 7:35 pmThis looks so healthy and refreshing – and cool. We are having a bit of a heat wave around these parts so salads are on the menu : ) Hope your week is going great so far.
Mindy recently posted…A Simple Saturday
Robyn
June 25, 2015 at 6:55 amWow, it’s early for a heat wave in your area, Mindy. Might be an interesting summer. So far so good this week – what about you?
Anita Rivera
June 25, 2015 at 5:13 amGood morning my friend! I saw this on your Instagram yesterday and thought I came here to comment; this has to be one of my favorite salads ever. I’ve never however, added the watermelon! But strawberries and spinach with nuts? GOOD GLORY! This is another must-try for this wonderful summer. Are you enjoying yourself? Our weather is perfect – no humidity (hasn’t been humid in years) and lovely showers at night.
ENJOY! Anita
Robyn
June 25, 2015 at 6:57 amThe watermelon was awesome, Anita and the chicken made it a full meal. Great weather here too although a little more rain than I’d like. Your photos on IG are stunning, my friend!
Kalee @ The Crowded Table
June 25, 2015 at 10:53 amI love simple summer salads (and alliteration 🙂 ). I need to go grab a watermelon and then I will have everything I need to make this beautiful salad!
Robyn
June 27, 2015 at 2:31 pmEnjoy, Kalee! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Spinach Salad with Roast Chicken, Strawberries, Watermelon and Feta
GiGi Eats
June 25, 2015 at 1:48 pmHave I ever told you that I eat spinach straight from the bag… With my hand, and I squirt sugar-free ketchup on top?? LOL!
GiGi Eats recently posted…GMOs: They Might Be For Dinner
Robyn
June 27, 2015 at 2:26 pmLOL, I eat it straight from the bag, too – minus the ketchup!! The man says it reminds him of a goat, lol.
Christine | No Gojis, No Glory
June 25, 2015 at 10:32 pmI’m a sucker for those checkout magazine stands too! How can you resist when you see something so scrumptious on the cover? Anyway, I had to pop over after seeing your beautiful salad on G+. I’ve got to try… BTW, your salad looks way more appetizing than the one in the magazine…just sayin’.
Christine | No Gojis, No Glory recently posted…9 Easy Tips To Get & Stay Fit
Robyn
June 27, 2015 at 2:27 pmAwwhh, thanks, Christine – I only wish, lol. This salad was sooo good!
Marla
June 27, 2015 at 8:21 amHi Robyn,
This looks not only delicious but is so colorful. Love all the ingredients so fresh and tempting. Unfortunately the strawberries in my area are pretty much over – mostly because we have had so much rain & thunderstorms. My husband just bought a really good watermelon yesterday which is always great in any salad.
I’m glad to hear your not buying National Inquirer. LOL!
Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & twitted.
Guess what its raining cats and dogs again today – we had one nice day yesterday and then the rain starts again.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Friday #94 – Sharing Healthy Living
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Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
June 28, 2015 at 9:02 pmGorgeous summer salad, Robyn. I’ve been thinking it’s time to break out the watermelon recipes. Fruit in salads is my favorite when it’s hot.
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Summer’s Freshest 3-Bean Salad
Robyn
June 30, 2015 at 5:07 amMe too, Michelle. I love that there are so many fabulous things to do with watermelon!
Robyn recently posted…Chicken Penne Florentine
Jebbica
June 29, 2015 at 10:24 amWhat a gorgeous salad!! Do you have to subscribe to the magazine to get that specific issue? I want it! I love your silverware, too! Thanks for stopping by #FoodandFitnessFriday!
Jebbica recently posted…Food & Fitness Friday: 06-26-2015
Robyn
June 30, 2015 at 5:10 amThanks, Jebbica! No, that one was right at the checkout – a real lucky find. The silverware belonged to my Mom and we just found it lately as we were cleaning out the basement of the family home. I was thrilled to get it!
Really enjoyed your party – see you this Friday 🙂
Robyn recently posted…Chicken Penne Florentine
Anne Payne
July 2, 2015 at 8:28 amI love salads in the summer! Actually, I like them all year round. This one looks so refreshing. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Visiting from Roses of Inspiration~
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Kimberly
July 5, 2015 at 10:58 amI’m drooling right now! This looks so good. Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for bringing this to our party and we hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. Lou Lou Girls
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Betty
June 16, 2016 at 8:24 pmThis is really good. I didnt add feta cause I am not a fan of feta and I wasnt able to find basil at the store. This will be my go to dinner this summer for those hot nights where I dont feel like cooking and want something cold to eat…=)
Robyn
June 17, 2016 at 7:14 amYour kind of comments are the best kind, Betty. So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Feta is a love it or hate it kind of cheese, isn’t it? I’m so glad you commented because I’m reminded it’s one of my favorites and I need to make it more often.
Enjoy your weekend and thanks for making my day 🙂
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