Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese


  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring grilled chicken marinated in a tangy blackberry balsamic vinaigrette, fresh greens, crispy fried goat cheese, avocado, and bacon. This recipe combines sweet, savory, and creamy textures for a gourmet dining experience.

 


Ingredients

Scale

Blackberry Vinaigrette & Marinade

  • 3/41 cup fresh blackberries, washed and patted dry
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (or dark balsamic)
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons tamari sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless; about 2 large breasts)
  • 6 cups spring baby greens (organic preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 11 1/2 avocados, peeled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (or pickled red onion)
  • 1/4 cup pistachios (or walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, or toasted pine nuts)
  • 34 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

Fried Goat Cheese

  • 8 oz goat cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch discs
  • 1/4 cup flour (optional; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, slightly beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)

Instructions

For the Blackberry Vinaigrette & Marinade

  1. Combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, tamari sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth, leaving a few chunks if desired.
  3. Pour 1/3 of the vinaigrette over the chicken breasts to marinate. Reserve the rest for the salad dressing.
  4. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

For the Grilled Chicken

  1. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill surface.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
  3. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

For the Fried Goat Cheese

  1. Slice goat cheese into 1/4-inch thick discs. Chill the discs in the freezer for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Prepare a dredging station with three bowls:
    • Flour (optional).
    • Beaten egg.
    • Panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge each goat cheese disc in flour (if using), then coat with egg, and finally cover with Panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  5. Fry goat cheese discs until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Assembling the Salad

  1. Arrange a generous handful of baby greens on each plate or a large serving bowl.
  2. Add sliced grilled chicken, fresh blackberries, avocado slices, red onion, and crumbled bacon.
  3. Sprinkle pistachios over the salad.
  4. Top with 1–2 fried goat cheese discs per plate.
  5. Drizzle the reserved blackberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.

Notes

  • Substitutions: Use strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries instead of blackberries. Swap pistachios for walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the fried goat cheese.
  • Storage Tips: Store components separately and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
  • Baking Option: Instead of frying, bake the goat cheese discs at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling and Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad
  • Calories: ~450–500 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg