If there’s one dish I keep coming back to time and time again, it’s a vibrant Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese. It’s my secret weapon for quick but impressive lunches, hearty dinners, or even spontaneous get-togethers. Packed with tender chicken, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and a medley of crunchy, colorful veggies, this salad is a nourishing powerhouse that never fails to satisfy. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a wholesome meal, this Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese stands tall in both flavor and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component brings its own personality—from creamy to crunchy, sharp to sweet—working together for a perfectly balanced bite every time.
- Baby Spinach: Fresh and tender, baby spinach forms the leafy, nutrient-packed base for our vibrant salad.
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: Whether grilled, roasted, or from last night’s rotisserie, shredded or sliced chicken adds lean, satisfying protein.
- Avocado: Ripe avocado slices add creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats—be sure to pick one that yields gently to pressure.
- Crumbled Goat Cheese: This cheese brings tangy richness and a delightful creamy crumb that sets this salad apart.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and a gentle bite, red onions brighten up every forkful.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved beauties give juicy sweetness and a burst of summer color.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts supply lovely crunch and a hint of natural buttery flavor—pecans are my go-to, but walnuts shine too.
- Olive Oil: The silky core of a good dressing, olive oil brings all the flavors together.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Its mellow tang adds depth and brightens the whole salad.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon gives the dressing a pleasant zing and helps emulsify the vinaigrette.
- Honey: A bit of sweetness tames the vinegar and brings everything into harmony.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t be shy! Season to taste for best results.
How to Make Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Salad Ingredients
Start by washing and drying your baby spinach—no one wants a watery base! Slice or shred your cooked chicken breasts, making sure they’re cool to the touch for the freshest texture. Gather your ripe avocado, then carefully slice it just before assembling to prevent browning. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice your red onion, and toast pecans or walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant. Crumble the goat cheese last so it’s perfectly fresh and creamy.
Step 2: Layer the Fresh Ingredients
In a large salad bowl (not too small—you’ll want room for tossing!), begin with your bed of baby spinach. Evenly sprinkle the sliced chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted nuts across the top. This layering allows for an enticing medley of colors and textures in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is silky and fully emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes just a pinch more salt or honey makes all the difference!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Right before serving, pour the dressing over your assembled salad. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together so each ingredient is just kissed by that golden vinaigrette. Be gentle—you want every component to shine but not turn to mush, especially the avocado and goat cheese.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous portions onto plates or into bowls while the salad is at its freshest. Each mouthful should deliver soft chicken, creamy avocado, punchy onion, sweet tomato, tangy goat cheese, and the crunch of toasted nuts—perfection in each bite!
How to Serve Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese
Garnishes
When it comes to finishing touches, a light scatter of extra crumbled goat cheese or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper does wonders. Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or cilantro if you have them on hand. Feeling extra? A few edible flowers will really elevate the presentation of your Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese.
Side Dishes
This hearty salad is satisfying all on its own, but I love pairing it with a slice of warm sourdough, crusty baguette, or a handful of whole grain crackers. For a bigger spread, a simple summer soup or roasted sweet potato wedges round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese in shallow salad bowls for a more casual, rustic look, or plate it individually for an elegant starter. For potlucks, arrange it on a large platter, keeping dressing on the side until just before serving. You could even make mason jar versions for an on-the-go lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The spinach may wilt a touch, but the flavors continue to mingle deliciously. For the best texture, try to keep the dressing and avocado separate until ready to eat.
Freezing
Freezing a Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese isn’t recommended, as the vegetables and cheese will become mushy and watery once thawed. However, you can freeze cooked chicken separately and toss it into a fresh salad later for convenience.
Reheating
Since this beautiful salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, there’s no need for reheating. If you’ve stored the chicken separately, you could briefly warm it in the microwave or skillet, but let it cool a bit before adding to your greens so the spinach doesn’t wilt excessively.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese. Just remove the skin and bones, shred or slice the meat, and toss it right in for a boost of flavor with zero fuss.
What other dressings work with this salad?
While the balsamic vinaigrette is my favorite pairing, you can definitely experiment. Lemon vinaigrette, honey-mustard, or even a creamy ranch all complement Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese beautifully.
How do I keep avocado from browning?
If you’re prepping ahead, drizzle sliced avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice to help it stay vibrant. Add it to the salad just before serving to keep everything looking fresh and appealing.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Of course! Simply omit the goat cheese or swap it with a dairy-free alternative. The salad will still be packed with flavor and all the creamy goodness from avocado.
What protein substitutes work well for vegetarians?
Try replacing the chicken with roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh to transform Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese into a vegetarian delight, while still keeping it hearty and protein-packed.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese as much as I have. It’s the kind of dish that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to eat, with every bite bursting with freshness and comfort. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, and most importantly—enjoy every delicious forkful!
Print
Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, and Goat Cheese is a delightful combination of fresh flavors and textures. The tender baby spinach serves as a bed for juicy chicken, creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Baby Spinach Salad:
- 6 cups baby spinach
Additional Toppings:
- 2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced or shredded)
- 1 ripe avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine spinach, chicken, avocado, goat cheese, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and nuts.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and serve.
Notes
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken can be used.
- Try adding sliced strawberries or dried cranberries for sweetness.
- Swap goat cheese with feta for a different flavor profile.
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