If you’re searching for a delightful dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying, this Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, juicy chicken with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of fresh blackberries, all tied together by a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a bright addition to your dinner table, this salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and perfect for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the tender chicken to the fresh blackberries, each element is carefully chosen to enhance the salad’s unique character.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped for easy layering of flavors and protein-packed bites.
- 1 cup fresh blackberries: Adds natural sweetness, juiciness, and a spectacular pop of color.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery: Provides a refreshing crunch that balances softness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion: Lends a mild, slightly sharp contrast to the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the salad with fresh herbal notes.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious base for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a subtle tang and light texture.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings depth and an understated spice to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances brightness and balances flavors with acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick to round out the taste.
- Optional mixed greens or croissants: Great for serving as a bed or in a sandwich for extra variety.
How to Make Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until you have a smooth, tangy dressing. This base is what brings all the flavors together and gives the salad its creamy texture.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken, fresh blackberries, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Gently fold everything together, making sure each ingredient is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful when folding—you want to preserve the blackberries’ shape and juiciness without turning them into a mash.
Step 3: Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully and gives the chicken a chance to soak up the dressing, while the blackberries infuse the dish with their sweet essence.
How to Serve Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some additional fresh parsley or a handful of pecans or walnuts on top. These garnishes introduce texture and a touch of nutty richness that complements the fruity chicken salad wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs effortlessly with light sides such as crusty bread, herb-roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The goal is to keep the meal fresh and balanced, letting the Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad inside buttery croissants for a delectable sandwich, or spoon it onto a bed of baby mixed greens for a colorful, healthful meal. You can even use lettuce leaves as wraps for a gluten-free option that stays light and refreshing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled and enjoy it cold for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate blackberries and creamy dressing. Freezing may cause the fruit to break down and the texture of the salad to suffer.
Reheating
Because this is a cold salad, it’s not designed to be reheated. Simply enjoy any leftovers cold or bring the salad to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries for this salad?
While fresh blackberries are ideal for their texture and sweetness, you can use thawed frozen berries in a pinch. Just be gentle when folding them in, as they tend to be softer and may release more juice.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and replace mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives. The salad will still burst with fantastic flavor.
What can I add to give this salad a crunchy texture?
Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted almonds provides a lovely crunch that complements the creamy dressing and juicy blackberries beautifully.
Can this salad be made ahead for a picnic?
Yes! It’s perfect for picnics since it requires no cooking and holds up well when kept chilled. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated or packed with ice packs until ready to serve.
How many servings does this Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe make?
This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it an excellent choice for a small gathering or a few meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe is like welcoming a burst of summer freshness to your table any time of the year. It’s so simple, yet so flavorful, transforming everyday ingredients into a dish you’ll want to make over and over. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
Print
Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and light Blackberry Chicken Salad made with tender cooked chicken breast, fresh blackberries, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Perfect for a nutritious and flavorful summer lunch or light dinner, this salad combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a delightful texture.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, halved if large
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving
- Mixed greens or croissants
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, fresh blackberries, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
- Mix Gently: Carefully fold the ingredients together to coat everything evenly with the dressing, taking care not to crush the blackberries to keep their shape and texture intact.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and blend deliciously.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled on a bed of mixed greens, in sandwiches, or alongside fresh croissants for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For added crunch and nuttiness, stir in 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute to speed up preparation time.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
