The Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut is the kind of vibrant, flavor-packed dish that turns a regular weeknight into something special. Picture juicy grilled chicken on a bed of spring greens, mingling with bursts of sweet blackberries, buttery avocado slices, and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Everything is brought together by a zippy blackberry balsamic vinaigrette that’ll make you want to drizzle it over everything. It’s quick enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner, and absolutely stunning on the plate—a true feast for all the senses.

Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut is proof that a short ingredient list can bring big flavor. Each element brings something unique—sweet, tangy, creamy, or crisp—making every bite interesting. Don’t skip on the fresh produce: it really makes this salad shine!

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (½ lb): Grilled or sautéed, the chicken adds satisfying protein and soaks up all those salad flavors.
  • Spring mix lettuce (6 cups): This delicate mix provides a tender, slightly peppery base and beautiful color variation.
  • Fresh blackberries (1 cup for salad + ½ cup for dressing): The salad’s namesake brings juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
  • Avocado (1 medium, sliced): Creamy, rich avocado balances the acidity of the dressing and berries perfectly.
  • Red onion (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Adds bite and a hint of sharpness that keeps the flavors lively.
  • Chopped walnuts (¼ cup): The crunch and slightly earthy taste pulls the whole salad together.
  • Dijon mustard (2 tsp): Gives the dressing a savory kick and a velvety texture.
  • Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp): Brings necessary tang and depth to the vinaigrette.
  • Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Rounds out the dressing with fruity smoothness.
  • Honey (2 tbsp): A touch of natural sweetness that highlights the berries, not overpowers them.
  • Soy sauce (1 tsp): Balances the sweet elements and adds a gentle, savory backbone.
  • Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—it lets every flavor pop.

How to Make Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a swish of olive oil if you’d like. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the meat is golden and cooked through. If you really want a smokier flavor, grilling the chicken works beautifully for this Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—it keeps the juices inside for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Grab a big salad bowl or platter; you’ll want something roomy. Layer in your spring mix first, spreading it out as a lush green bed. Scatter your fresh blackberries over the greens, nestle in the avocado slices, tuck in the sharp red onion, and sprinkle everything with the crunchy chopped walnuts. These layers are what make this salad so colorful and eye-catching!

Step 3: Make the Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, mash ½ cup fresh blackberries with a fork (the juicier, the better). To this gorgeous blackberry pulp, add the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil until the dressing turns glossy and emulsified. This simple homemade vinaigrette is what gives the Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut its irresistible tang and berry-forward character.

Step 4: Slice and Arrange the Chicken

Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange it lovingly over your tossed greens. The tender, savory chicken is a delicious contrast to the crisp lettuce and juicy berries in every forkful.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Give your vinaigrette a final whisk, then drizzle it generously over the salad. Toss gently if you like everything mingled, or leave the layers intact for wow-factor presentation. The flavors all come together in the Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut, making every bite a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet.

How to Serve Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut

Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your salad with a few more fresh blackberries and a final scatter of chopped walnuts for crunch. A tiny drizzle of extra honey or an extra grind of black pepper makes each bite even brighter. If you want an herby note, a sprinkle of fresh basil or mint is absolutely lovely with the other flavors in the Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut.

Side Dishes

This salad is filling all on its own, but it also shines alongside crusty gluten-free rolls, simple herbed quinoa, or a bowl of chilled summer soup. For dinner, you could serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or a bright corn-on-the-cob for a celebration of all things fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, plate the Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut on individual salad plates for an elegant starter or pack into mason jars for a picture-perfect picnic. For bite-sized appetizers, try stuffing the salad into endive leaves or serving on small crostini for a truly eye-catching party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, store the greens, chicken, and toppings in one airtight container and the dressing in a separate small jar. This keeps everything crisp and avoids any sogginess. Both parts are best eaten within two days for peak freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While the base ingredients don’t freeze well (avocado and greens get mushy!), you can freeze extra chicken for future salads. Wrap cooled, cooked chicken tightly and freeze for up to two months, then thaw and slice as needed.

Reheating

If your chicken was refrigerated or frozen, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave before adding to the salad. This helps keep the texture tender and allows it to blend better with the cold, juicy elements of the Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Fresh blackberries work best for both the salad and the dressing, as they hold their shape and juice. However, if you’re in a pinch, thawed frozen blackberries can be used for the vinaigrette—just know the dressing might be a little more liquid since frozen berries release extra juice.

What other nuts could I use instead of walnuts?

Pecans or sliced almonds are both fantastic swaps for walnuts. They each add a unique crunch and flavor, while keeping the nutty, earthy undertone that makes this salad pop.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, crispy chickpeas, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist that’s still extra satisfying in the Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Definitely. The blackberry balsamic vinaigrette keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a thorough stir or shake before using, as the ingredients may separate a bit as they sit.

Is Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut gluten free?

Yes, as written, the salad is naturally gluten free. Just double-check your soy sauce, as some brands include wheat. Opt for gluten-free tamari if you’re especially sensitive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious, give this Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut a try. It’s fresh, satisfying, and just a little bit unexpected—exactly the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. Enjoy making it your own!

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Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut Recipe

Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut Recipe

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5 from 8 reviews

This Blackberry Chicken Salad with Avocado & Walnut is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken, fresh blackberries, creamy avocado, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a homemade blackberry balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner option.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 large salads

Ingredients

Salad:

  • ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cups spring mix lettuce
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Dressing:

  • ½ cup fresh blackberries
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken until done. Let it rest.
  2. Prepare salad: In a large bowl, layer lettuce, blackberries, avocado, onion, and walnuts.
  3. Make dressing: In a small bowl, mash blackberries and whisk in remaining dressing ingredients.
  4. Assemble: Slice chicken, arrange on top of the salad, drizzle with dressing, and serve.

Notes

  • Grilling the chicken adds extra flavor.
  • Ensure blackberries are mashed well for a smooth dressing.
  • For meal prep, store dressing and salad components separately.
  • Author: Martha
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: salad
  • Method: sauté
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 large salad
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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