Grilled Summer Salad with Chicken & Strawberries

Without a doubt summertime, especially in August, grilling just about everything is the best way to go. Tom loves salads and the more fresh ingredients I include inside the salad - the happier he is.

Last year I began to experiment with adding seasonal fruits inside salads. It works beautifully and many recipes call for blueberries and blackberries but I happen to love Fresh sliced strawberries, especially with crumbled blue cheese and candied walnuts.

Next time your in the mood for a huge gorgeous chicken salad - I hope you will give my version here a try.

There are several ways to modify this salad to suit you and your family

First, begin by grilling chicken breasts, tenders or boneless thighs. Salt & pepper as you wish the chicken - adding spices such as garlic powder, Chile spices or Emerils to add depth of flavor.

Once the chicken is done or while the chicken is on the grill, consider grilling red peppers and one ear of corn; which you can use in the salad by shaving the sides of the corn once cooked. Both red peppers and corn work great in this salad or you can leave one or the other out. Same goes for adding sliced red onion, sliced avocado, grilled zucchini & summer squash.

For this one salad shown - you can start with spicy mixed herbs, arugula or baby spinach. Top with the grilled chicken, crumbled blue cheese, candied walnuts pieces and sliced strawberries.

Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or vinegar, lemon or red wine vinegar as well as a drizzle extra virgin olive oil, salt and fresh cracked black pepper. *Quick Tip - I recommend a light hand with any dressing to allow the delicous fresh flavors to dominate.

ENJOY!