Blackberry balsamic marinated and grilled chicken black berry salad with crispy fried goat cheese and avocado!
I have really been enjoying salads for dinner lately and I am currently absolutely crushing on this blackberry balsamic grilled chicken salad with crispy fried goat cheese! This salads base is fresh blackberries starting out with a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette that is used both to marinate the chicken and as the dressing for the salad! The salad is filled out with lettuce, avocado, nuts, onions and goat cheese along with the grilled chicken and of course plenty of fresh blackberries. Instead of simply sprinkling some crumbled goat cheese onto the salad, which would be OK, it is formed into patties, coated in breadcrumbs and fried until nice and golden brown and crispy on the outside and warm and melty on the inside! This blackberry balsamic grilled chicken salad with crispy fried goat cheese is one tasty and fresh summer meal!
As it turns out, the star of this show is the crispy fried goat cheese! You really, really should try this amazing salad, but if you donโt you absolutely
need to try the crispy fried goat cheese! I practically inhale, usually long before it gets to the salad!
This salad would also be great with other berries so feel free to replace the blackberries with one or more of raspberries, blue berries, strawberries, etc!
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Crispy Fried Goat Cheese:
4 oz goat cheese, chilled and sliced into rounds
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and/or spring mix)
1 cup blackberries
1 cup raspberries
1 ripe avocado, sliced
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and minced garlic. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the crispy fried goat cheese. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each slice of goat cheese in flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the coated goat cheese slices until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have grill marks. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them thinly.
To make the balsamic vinaigrette, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, blackberries, raspberries, sliced avocado, chopped walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Divide the salad onto serving plates, top each portion with sliced grilled chicken, and garnish with crispy fried goat cheese rounds.
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful blackberry balsamic grilled chicken salad with crispy fried goat cheese, avocado, walnut, onion, blackberry, raspberry, and greens!
This salad is bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it a perfect light and satisfying meal.