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I've fallen head over heels for this summer strawberry chicken salad with burrata. It's become my go-to crowd-pleaser, bringing together sweet berries, juicy chicken and that dreamy creamy burrata in a dish that looks fancy but takes barely any effort.
The funny thing is, I threw this together last year for a casual backyard hangout, and now whenever berry season rolls around, my friends text me asking when I'm making my "fancy strawberry plate" again.
What You'll Need
- Ripe strawberries: they bring that perfect sweetness that plays off the spicy arugula and luxurious burrata grab the juiciest ones you can find
- Chicken breast: turns this into a filling main dish that'll actually keep you full pick free-range if you can
- Burrata: the real showstopper with its gooey middle that works like a built-in sauce when you cut into it try to get the authentic Italian kind
- Arugula: gives that peppery kick that cuts through the sweet berries and rich cheese
- Avocado: adds that buttery goodness and good fats that make everything more satisfying
- Black sesame seeds: they're not just pretty - they bring a nice toasty crunch that takes everything up a notch
How To Make It
- Get The Chicken Ready:
- Chop chicken into small chunks and mix with olive oil, curry powder, paprika and your dried herbs. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, but even 5 minutes works fine if you're in a rush.
- Fix Up Your Fruits And Greens:
- Give the arugula a good wash and make sure to dry it completely so your salad doesn't get soggy. Cut strawberries into quarters so they spread out nicely. Don't slice the avocado until the last minute or it'll turn brown.
- Whip Up The Dressing:
- Grab a jar and throw in olive oil, light balsamic, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Shake it like crazy until it's all mixed up. The honey makes it less tangy and gives it that smooth feel.
- Cook Your Chicken:
- Toss those marinated chicken bits in the air fryer at 180°C for about 10-12 minutes until they're golden outside but still juicy inside. A hot pan works great too if you don't have an air fryer.
- Put It All Together:
- Start with arugula at the bottom of each bowl, scatter chicken, strawberries and avocado around, drizzle your dressing all over, sprinkle those black sesame seeds, and pop that beautiful burrata right in the middle.
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I can't stress enough how the burrata transforms this whole dish. I stumbled on this trick during a vacation in southern Italy, watching in amazement as a chef just plopped it on top of a basic salad. When your fork breaks into it, all that creamy goodness oozes out and makes everything taste ten times better.
Prep Beforehand
While this tastes best when freshly made, you can definitely get a head start. You can handle most things up to a day ahead - marinate your chicken, mix up the dressing, wash your berries and greens. Just keep everything in separate containers in the fridge and throw it all together right before you want to eat it.
Switch It Up With The Seasons
This dish flows nicely with whatever's in season. When spring first hits, try swapping strawberries for blood oranges or pink grapefruit. In the fall, roasted butternut squash chunks and pomegranate seeds make a festive twist while keeping that perfect sweet-savory balance that makes everyone go wild.
No-Meat Option
Don't eat meat? No problem! Just swap the chicken for crunchy roasted chickpeas with the same spicy coating. The way those crispy beans contrast with the soft, creamy burrata is so good that even your meat-loving friends will be reaching for seconds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap arugula for something else?
Definitely, try spinach, kale, or a mix of different greens to get a similar texture and taste.
- → How should I cook chicken so it stays juicy?
Let the chicken soak up the marinade and cook it properly to lock in its natural moisture.
- → What’s a good replacement for burrata?
If you don’t have burrata, mozzarella or soft ricotta works as a comparable creamy option.
- → Can I prep the dressing early?
Yes, mix the dressing ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge for about a week.
- → What’s the easiest way to cut an avocado?
Split the avocado, take out the pit, then scoop out the insides with a spoon before slicing.
- → Is grilling chicken a good alternative?
Go ahead and grill! It gives a charred flavor that’s just as delicious for this dish.