If you’re looking for a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, then this Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to. It perfectly balances juicy, sweet blackberries with tender chicken breast and crunchy nuts, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. Every bite feels like a fresh, summery celebration on your plate, making it a wonderful dish for lunch, light dinner, or even a special picnic. Trust me, once you try this combination, it might just become one of your favorite easy and healthy salads to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring just a handful of fresh and pantry staples that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The ingredients come together effortlessly to create a salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: The protein-packed base, shredded or chopped, adds heartiness and substance.
- 1 cup fresh blackberries: Adding bursts of sweet and tart juiciness that brighten every bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery: Provides essential crunch to contrast the soft chicken and berries.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Nutty flavor and texture to elevate this salad’s complexity.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion: Offers a mild sharpness that balances sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy binder that makes every ingredient mingle perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tanginess and lightens up the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Natural sweetness that complements the blackberries.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A subtle kick giving depth to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh spinach, lettuce leaves, or croissants for serving: The perfect vessel to enjoy this salad either as a plated dish or a sandwich.
How to Make Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
Begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until you have a smooth, luscious dressing. This creamy mixture is the heart of your salad, marrying sweetness, tang, and a little piquancy to complement the fresh ingredients later.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Crunchy Ingredients
Next, add the cooked chicken, celery, and red onion into the bowl with your dressing. If you’re including nuts, toss them in now as well. Gently fold these components together so that every piece gets beautifully coated without breaking apart your chicken too much.
Step 3: Add the Star Ingredient – Blackberries
The blackberries deserve special treatment; fold them in at the very end, carefully and slowly, to avoid smashing the delicate berries. Their juicy bursts will light up the salad with fresh flavor and vibrant color, making this step crucial for that perfect Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe experience.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate
Let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is key because it allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the chicken and other ingredients, giving you a more harmonious and satisfying salad.
How to Serve Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra whole blackberries and some chopped nuts on top just before serving for a pretty presentation and added texture that will impress your guests or family. A few fresh mint leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil can also bring an extra pop of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, freshly baked bread, or even some grilled vegetables. If you’re serving it as a sandwich in a croissant, keep the sides simple so the star flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up, consider serving your Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe in a hollowed-out avocado or tomato bowl for a charming presentation. You can also use it as a filling for wraps, pita pockets, or even stuffed inside bell peppers. Its versatility is part of its charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for the best freshness. The salad will keep well, but blackberries may release some juice over time, which you can stir back in before serving.
Freezing
Since this salad contains fresh fruit and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture and flavor of the blackberries and mayonnaise. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let leftovers sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off, but avoid heating as it will change the texture and flavor of both the fruit and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this salad?
While fresh blackberries are ideal for maintaining texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen blackberries in a pinch. Just be gentle when folding them in, as thawed berries tend to be softer and more fragile.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?
Poached, baked, or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. The key is to use cooked chicken breast that you can shred or chop into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and a tender salad texture.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the Greek yogurt or sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or extra mayonnaise, and use a honey substitute like maple syrup if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it makes a fantastic meal prep option. Just keep the salad refrigerated and add fresh greens or bread right before eating to keep everything crisp and fresh.
How can I add more flavor to the Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe?
For an extra layer of brightness, squeeze a little lemon juice into the dressing or toss in some crumbled goat cheese or feta. Fresh herbs like basil or mint can also add wonderful fresh notes.
Final Thoughts
This Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a delightful dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy all in one bowl. It’s perfect for those days you want something quick yet impressive, healthy but indulgent. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your recipe box!
Print
Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chill time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and healthy Blackberry Chicken Salad that combines tender cooked chicken, sweet fresh blackberries, crunchy celery, and nuts with a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner served on fresh greens or in a croissant.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (halved if large)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh spinach, lettuce leaves, or croissants
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and nuts (if using) to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking up the chicken.
- Add Blackberries: Carefully fold in the fresh blackberries last to prevent them from getting crushed and to keep their shape intact.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Serve the blackberry chicken salad on a bed of fresh spinach or lettuce leaves, in a wrap, or inside a croissant for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This salad is an excellent way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
- Add a handful of crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese for a tangy twist.
- Use pecans or walnuts depending on your preference and availability; both add great texture and flavor.
- Be gentle when folding in blackberries to keep them whole and visually appealing.
