Strawberry season started a bit later than normal due to cooler temperatures this year. We took full advantage of hitting a local farm as soon as they were ready and picked our share of beautiful red berries. The kids had a ball, B was busy trying to fill his basket, S was busy looking for pretty ones, and C was taste testing what she could get her hands on. We also went with our best friends, because what fun would be it be if we weren't with the ones we love most. Later in the day we made homemade jam, which was delicious and sweet.

 

I knew that we wouldn't have good strawberries after a few days, so we were eating them with almost every meal--yum! I planned one dinner completely around the berries and I was so happy we did, this was by far the best meal we had all week!

 

Chicken Spinach Salad with Strawberries

You Will Need:

A bag of fresh baby spinach (rinsed and dried)

2-3 chicken breasts

Some sort of nut-pecan, walnut, almond (we went with walnuts)

Feta or goat cheese (we went with Feta)

Strawberries (as many as you would like)

Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette (we made our own)

-balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and extra virgin olive oil

 

Step One: I baked my chicken in the oven since it was rainy outside, I would have much rather grilled them. I also marinated them in Italian dressing prior to cooking and while cooking.

Step Two: While the chicken is baking, I rinsed my spinach and let it air dry

Step Three: I then prepared the Reduced Balsamic Vinaigrette

I brought about 1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil and then let simmer until only a few tablespoons were left in the saucepan (about 5 minutes). Step Four: I then let it cool while I washed and cut my strawberries.

When the balsamic vinegar was cool, I whisked in 1.5 tsp. of evoo, a pinch of salt, and a tsp of honey to create this beautiful and yummy vinaigrette.

Step Five: I prepared our salads by layering a bed of spinach, followed by the baked chicken, strawberries, walnuts, and feta cheese, and finishing with the vinaigrette.

 

 

 

It was super delicious and fresh. Even the kids had a deconstructed version.

These photos were taken while we were out Strawberry picking at Waterman's Farm by Purple Peaches