Name: Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, baby kale): These greens provide a fresh base; feel free to mix and match according to your preference.; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein in this recipe, grilled to juicy perfection, brings heartiness to the salad.; 1 cup fresh blackberries: These berries add a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the dressing.; ½ cup balsamic vinegar: This ingredient serves as the primary component for the dressing, contributing a deep, rich flavor.; 2 tablespoons honey: Honey sweetens the dressing and balances the acidity of the vinegar.; ½ cup bread crumbs: These are used for the crispy coating on the goat cheese.; ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy cheese rounds.; 1 large egg: Will help bind the breadcrumbs to the goat cheese.; ½ cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the cheese before frying.; Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavor at every stage.; Olive oil: Necessary for grilling and frying, providing flavor while ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

Description

Savor a delicious Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad topped with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese—a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and rich flavors

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, baby kale): These greens provide a fresh base; feel free to mix and match according to your preference.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein in this recipe, grilled to juicy perfection, brings heartiness to the salad.
1 cup fresh blackberries: These berries add a sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with the dressing.
½ cup balsamic vinegar: This ingredient serves as the primary component for the dressing, contributing a deep, rich flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: Honey sweetens the dressing and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
½ cup bread crumbs: These are used for the crispy coating on the goat cheese.
½ cup goat cheese, crumbled: Adds a creamy texture that contrasts with the crispy cheese rounds.
1 large egg: Will help bind the breadcrumbs to the goat cheese.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the cheese before frying.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing flavor at every stage.
Olive oil: Necessary for grilling and frying, providing flavor while ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

Instructions

Season & Grill Chicken: Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt & pepper to taste. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing the meat into strips.
Make Dressing: In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh blackberries, ½ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and set aside; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Fry Goat Cheese: Prepare a dredging station with ½ cup all-purpose flour in one bowl, a beaten 1 large egg in another, and ½ cup breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dredge ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled into the flour, dip it into the egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and fry the cheese until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, sliced grilled chicken, crispy fried goat cheese rounds, and remaining 1 cup fresh blackberries. Drizzle the prepared blackberry balsamic dressing over the top and gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients.