There's something undeniably refreshing about the combination of sweet blueberries, salty feta, and juicy grilled chicken. This Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad brings together all the best elements of a summer meal—crisp, cool, tangy, and satisfying.
I first whipped up this salad on a hot July afternoon when the thought of turning on the oven made me groan. One bite in, and I was hooked. Since then, it's become my go-to for quick lunches, patio dinners, and potluck contributions that always disappear first.
The bright colors alone will lure you in—but it's the blend of flavors that will keep you coming back. Let’s dive into what makes this salad so special.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad
Looking for your new favorite summer salad? This one's got it all—sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy in every bite. Here's why you'll want to make it on repeat:
First, it’s fast and fuss-free. You can have this salad prepped and on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, impromptu lunches, or last-minute gatherings.
It's also packed with flavor without being heavy. The natural sweetness of fresh blueberries pairs beautifully with salty feta, while a drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together.
Plus, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Between lean grilled chicken, antioxidant-rich berries, and healthy fats from the olive oil and nuts, this salad delivers serious feel-good fuel.
And let’s not forget how gorgeous it looks. The bold colors and contrasting textures make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks fancy—but couldn’t be easier to make.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to eat a little lighter, this salad’s got you covered.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad lies in its fresh, simple ingredients that come together in a surprisingly sophisticated way.
Let’s start with the chicken. I prefer grilled boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. They bring a savory depth to the salad and are easy to season ahead of time. A touch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper is all you need to make them sing.
Blueberries are the star of the show here. Look for firm, plump berries for the best texture and flavor. Their juicy sweetness is a perfect counterpoint to the salty feta and peppery greens.
Speaking of which, feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that really elevates the dish. Crumbled feta works best—you’ll want those little bursts of flavor scattered throughout each bite.
Mixed greens or baby spinach provide the perfect base. Their tender texture allows the other ingredients to shine without overwhelming the palate. You can also try arugula for a slightly spicier bite.
To round things out, a handful of candied pecans or walnuts adds just the right amount of crunch and a touch of sweetness. They’re optional—but highly recommended.
You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a good skillet or grill pan for the chicken, a sharp knife, and a large salad bowl for assembly.
How To Make This Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad
Making this vibrant salad is a breeze—and it's just as fun to assemble as it is to eat.
Start by seasoning your chicken with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil, and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Set it aside to rest while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Next, rinse and gently pat dry your blueberries. Wash and dry your greens, then spread them out in a large salad bowl or on a platter. This gives you a nice base to layer on the other components.
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it thinly across the grain. Arrange the slices over the greens, making sure each portion gets a good balance of protein.
Now sprinkle on your feta cheese and candied nuts. I like to crumble the feta over the salad just before serving—it keeps it fresh and prevents it from getting too soft.
Finally, drizzle with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. You can use store-bought or make your own with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified and pour right before serving.
From start to finish, the whole process takes about 25 minutes. The result? A restaurant-worthy salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Storage Options
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely make parts of it ahead.
Grilled chicken can be cooked up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just slice and add it cold or gently reheat before serving.
Greens and blueberries should be kept separate until ready to serve to avoid wilting or sogginess. Store them in the fridge in individual containers lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture.
Once fully assembled and dressed, the salad doesn’t keep well—so only add vinaigrette right before serving. If you anticipate leftovers, store the components separately and assemble as needed.
To reheat the chicken, a quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet should do the trick. Just be sure not to overcook it or it may dry out.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable—feel free to make it your own with what you have on hand.
Instead of chicken, try grilled shrimp or sliced steak for a different spin. Even tofu or chickpeas work beautifully for a vegetarian option.
No blueberries? Strawberries or blackberries are great substitutes. You’ll still get that sweet-tart pop that balances the savory elements.
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or shaved parmesan are both delicious alternatives. They bring their own unique flavor and pair well with the other ingredients.
You can also play around with the greens. Baby kale, romaine, or a spring mix all make excellent bases, depending on your texture preference.
Feel free to get creative with the nuts, too. Toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pistachios can add different dimensions of crunch and flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. This salad is a canvas—customize it to suit your tastes, your pantry, or the season.
PrintChicken Blueberry Feta Salad Recipe
This Chicken Blueberry Feta Salad recipe combines juicy grilled chicken, sweet blueberries, creamy feta, and crunchy greens for a refreshing, protein-packed meal. Perfect for summer, this low-carb and gluten-free salad is quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy lunch or light dinner. Packed with antioxidants and vibrant flavors, it's a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
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1 cup fresh blueberries
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese
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4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, blueberries, red onions, and nuts.
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Add the sliced or shredded chicken breast.
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Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
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Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
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You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
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Substitute balsamic glaze for a sweeter dressing.
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Keep dressing separate if making ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~½ recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
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