Bursting with vibrant summer flavors and a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, Blackberry Chicken Salad is truly a showstopper and destined to become a favorite at your table. Picture juicy chicken tossed with plump blackberries, snappy celery, and crunchy nuts, all bound together in a creamy, tangy dressing. This salad isn’t just stunning to look at—it’s unbelievably satisfying, endlessly adaptable, and just the thing for an easy lunch, a light supper, or an elegant brunch spread. If you’re in the mood for something that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, Blackberry Chicken Salad is the one to try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Blackberry Chicken Salad shine is its lineup of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something unique, from rich protein to fresh color and irresistible texture, creating the perfect bite every time. Let’s spotlight every star in the bowl!
- Chicken Breast (2 cups, cooked and shredded): Choose juicy, tender chicken—you can poach, grill, or use roasted—just make sure it’s well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Fresh Blackberries (1 cup): These sweet-tart berries add bursts of juicy flavor and their gorgeous color makes the salad truly pop.
- Celery (1/4 cup, chopped): That classic crunch brings freshness and a subtle green note, balancing the sweetness of the berries.
- Red Onion (1/4 cup, chopped): A little goes a long way for zip and spicy bite—dice it small to mellow out its impact.
- Pecans or Walnuts (1/4 cup, chopped): For nutty richness and extra crunch, pick your favorite or use a mix for more depth.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a burst of herbal brightness—flat-leaf or curly both work great.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy and classic, mayo is the base of the dreamy dressing, though Greek yogurt is a great stand-in for a lighter salad.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): A bit of heat and tang to wake up all the flavors—don’t skip this sneaky key player!
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Just enough sweetness to marry the berries and chicken beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for brightening and balancing every single flavor in the bowl.
- Mixed Greens or Lettuce (for serving): These make the perfect crisp, cool bed for your glorious Blackberry Chicken Salad.
How to Make Blackberry Chicken Salad
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by making sure all your salad components are ready for action. Shred or chop your cooked chicken, wash and gently dry the blackberries, and finely chop celery, red onion, parsley, and your choice of pecans or walnuts. Prepping everything ahead makes assembling the salad an absolute breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Veggies
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, blackberries, celery, red onion, chopped nuts, and parsley. Use a broad spoon or spatula for this step so you can gently fold the ingredients together. The idea is to distribute everything evenly without breaking up the delicate blackberries.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended—you’re aiming for a luxurious, cohesive dressing that will cling to every morsel of the salad.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Drizzle the dressing over the chicken and blackberry mixture. Now comes the gentle part: use your spoon or spatula to slowly toss everything together, being extra careful not to crush the blackberries. Aim for a coating that’s even but not heavy-handed—each bite should have its own share of dressing and mix-ins.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Transfer the composed salad to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time is magical: it lets the flavors meld and the salad become even more vibrant. When ready to serve, spoon Blackberry Chicken Salad onto a bed of mixed greens or in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Serve Blackberry Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Garnishing Blackberry Chicken Salad is half the fun! Add extra blackberries and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a burst of color. A little extra chopped nut provides crunch, and a light grind of black pepper makes the whole plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
As a meal, this salad pairs perfectly with a cool glass of sparkling water, a hunk of crusty bread, or a bright citrusy soup. It also plays nicely alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a crisp apple slaw if you want something heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, pile Blackberry Chicken Salad high in a large serving bowl with lettuce leaves artfully arranged around the edge. Or, for a brunch buffet, scoop it into croissants or stuff it in halved avocados for an irresistible twist. Individual lettuce cups or mason jar salads travel beautifully to picnics and potlucks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Blackberry Chicken Salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to spoon out portions gently so the blackberries don’t get crushed, and give the salad a little stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad—fresh blackberries and creamy dressings tend to become watery and lose their lovely texture upon thawing. For the freshest taste and presentation, stick to the fridge.
Reheating
Luckily, Blackberry Chicken Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s no reheating needed! Just scoop and serve straight from the fridge. If the dressing thickens, let it sit out for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and mouthfeel.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken to make Blackberry Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. Just shred or chop it and proceed with the recipe as written. The extra flavor from the roasted chicken is a real bonus.
What can I substitute for blackberries if they’re not in season?
While fresh blackberries are the star, you can swap in halved grapes, chopped strawberries, or even blueberries. The important thing is to choose a fruit that holds its shape and brings a burst of juicy sweetness.
Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
Definitely! Substitute plain Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing. You’ll still get the creamy texture and great flavor, but with a healthier twist.
How far ahead can I make Blackberry Chicken Salad?
You can prepare Blackberry Chicken Salad up to a day in advance. In fact, giving it a little extra time to chill means the flavors blend even more. Just wait to add delicate garnishes until just before serving to keep everything looking fresh.
Can I make this salad nut-free?
Of course—if nuts are an issue, you can simply leave them out or swap in sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a safe, crunchy alternative. The salad will still be irresistibly delicious!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make Blackberry Chicken Salad as I am to share it! It’s the kind of dish that brings summer sunshine to any table and is utterly irresistible no matter how you serve it. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite touches, and get ready for rave reviews all around!
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Blackberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Blackberry Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, juicy blackberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Mixed greens or lettuce leaves for serving
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, blackberries, celery, red onion, nuts, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve on a bed of mixed greens or in lettuce cups for a refreshing and colorful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for part or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- This salad also works great as a sandwich filling or stuffed into a croissant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
