Easy recipe for Cajun Chicken Salad with homemade balsamic dressing. A healthy low-carb meal loaded with lean grilled chicken served over spinach strawberry salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, spices and salt (if needed). Add chicken and toss to coat the chicken with the wet rub. Refrigerate it for 30 mins, or up to 4 hours.
Cooking Options
Grill Pan or Skillet: Heat the grill pan on medium-high heat. When hot, place chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on 'each' side, flipping halfway through, or till chicken is cooked through.
Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook another 2-3 minutes until the chicken reads an internal temperature of 165°F. Rest the chicken while you prepare the salad.
Prepare Salad
Slice the onions and soak them in a bowl of water while you prepare other ingredients. This rids them of the sharp onion bite.
Trim the green crowns of strawberries and slice or chop them evenly.
Add spinach leaves and sliced strawberries to a large bowl. Drain the onions, shaking off any excess water, and add them to the salad.
Prepare Dressing
In a small mason jar, add vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously to combine.
Assemble Salad
Top the salad with feta cheese and walnuts. Pour half the dressing and gently toss it. Add more if needed. Serve the salad in individual bowls.
Slice the chicken at a 45° angle into 1⁄2-inch slices. Add one sliced cutlet per salad bowl. Serve immediately along with the remaining dressing on the side.
Notes
Onions: Soak in a bowl of water while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This takes away the sharp bite and notorious aftertaste.
Strawberries: Look for strawberries with smooth, glossy skin and a plump texture. Make sure there are no signs of bruising, mold or discoloring.
Cheese: Buy a block of cheese and crumble it at home. The crumbled packages are coated in starch, which takes away some of the creaminess.
Chicken: Slice the chicken on an angle, against the grain. This makes for a more tender eating experience.
Customize it: Switch the strawberries to berries of choice, or stone fruit like a peach. Swap the spinach with arugula or baby kale, and feel free to skip the nuts or switch them to almonds or pecans.
Salad Dressing Tip: Always start with half the dressing. The dressing is enough when the salad looks lightly coated and doesn't drip to the bottom of the bowl.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you are following any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.