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“She Tossed Apricots into Her Chicken Salad—Now It’s the Star of Every Summer Gathering”
This Summer Apricot Chicken Salad is everything you want in a warm-weather meal—light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Juicy grilled chicken meets sweet, ripe apricots, peppery greens, creamy goat cheese, and a honey mustard vinaigrette that ties it all together. It’s picnic-worthy, quick to assemble, and totally craveable.
Perfect for lunch, a patio dinner, or your next summer gathering, this salad balances sweet and savory in the best way. It looks gorgeous on a platter and feels elevated without being fussy.
1. Yield, Time & Tools
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Tools Needed: Grill or grill pan, salad bowl, whisk, knife, cutting board
2. Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4–5 fresh apricots, pitted and quartered
- 5 oz mixed greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale)
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds (or pecans)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
3. Preparation Steps
A. Grill the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
B. Prep the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, mustard, honey, and vinegar. Season to taste.
C. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl or platter, layer greens, sliced chicken, apricots, goat cheese, nuts, and red onion. Drizzle with dressing.
D. Serve
Toss gently just before serving, or serve components arranged for a composed look.
4. Tips & Variations
- Use grilled peaches or nectarines if apricots aren’t available.
- Swap goat cheese for blue cheese or burrata.
- Add quinoa or couscous for extra heartiness.
- Try balsamic glaze as an extra drizzle.
5. Troubleshooting FAQ
Can I use dried apricots?
Fresh is best here, but if using dried, soak them briefly in warm water to soften.
What if I don’t have a grill?
Use a grill pan or sear chicken in a skillet.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes—keep components separate and dress just before serving.
Is there a nut-free option?
Skip the almonds or sub with roasted sunflower seeds.
6. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or herbed crackers.
- Add a chilled glass of rosé or lemonade.
- Pair with a summer soup like gazpacho or corn chowder.
7. Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storage: Store salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken gently or serve cold.
- Make-Ahead Tips: Grill chicken and prep vinaigrette a day ahead.
- Freezer Instructions: Not recommended to freeze.
