Grilled Chicken Blueberry Salad with Herb Sugared Marcona Almonds: Your New Sunshine Bowl 🌞
Growing up, my mom always told me the best meals had three ingredients: a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of love. 🥰 It didn’t matter if it was a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a full Sunday roast—if it had that magical balance, you could practically taste the happiness.
This Grilled Chicken Blueberry Salad with Herb Sugared Marcona Almonds? It’s everything Mom talked about and more. Fresh, bright, sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy—it’s basically summer in a bowl. Plus, it’s a showstopper! It’s perfect for family brunches, friendly picnics, or those easy, breezy weeknight dinners when you just want something that feels good and tastes even better.
✨Save this beautiful salad idea for your next joyful meal!✨
Let’s dive into all the delicious details!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Salad ❤️
If sunshine had a flavor, it would taste like this salad. Here’s why it’s an instant favorite:
-
Sweet bursts of blueberries
-
Savory grilled chicken, tender and juicy
-
Crunchy herbed almonds for a little bite
-
Creamy avocado to tie it all together
-
Bright blueberry vinaigrette that dances on your tongue
And the best part? You don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets. A good grill (or even a grill pan) and a happy spirit are all you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Let’s round up our dream team:
-
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
Tender protein that holds the salad together. You could swap for grilled shrimp or even crispy tofu if you like. -
5 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, spring mix)
Fresh, peppery, and packed with vitamins. -
1 cup fresh blueberries
The sweet jewels of this dish. Go for plump, firm berries. -
1 ripe avocado, sliced
Creamy richness that balances the bright flavors. -
1 cup cucumber, diced
Crisp, cool, and refreshing. -
1/4 cup pickled red onions
A tangy punch that wakes everything up. -
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Salty, creamy goodness that makes the flavors pop. -
1/2 cup herb sugared Marcona almonds (store-bought or homemade)
Crunchy, sweet, herby bites of heaven. Trust me, these make the salad feel fancy. -
3 tablespoons blueberry vinaigrette dressing (or your favorite dressing)
Sweet, tangy, and ties it all together like a hug.
Step-by-Step Directions 📋
Follow along—this comes together faster than you can scroll your favorite food blog!
1. Grill the Chicken
Fire up your grill (or grill pan) and cook the chicken breasts until they’re fully cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Get those gorgeous grill marks!
Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
2. Build Your Salad Base
In a big, beautiful bowl, lay down your bed of mixed greens. Layer in the diced cucumbers, plump blueberries, creamy avocado slices, and those tangy pickled onions.
3. Add the Star Players
Top the greens with your sliced, juicy chicken. Scatter crumbled feta over everything.
4. The Crunchy Finale
Sprinkle the herb sugared Marcona almonds generously over the top. Don’t skimp—you want a little crunch in every bite.
5. Dress It Up
Drizzle the blueberry vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Optional: Toss gently if you want a tossed salad vibe, or leave it layered if you’re feeling fancy.
And that’s it! A masterpiece ready in under 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions 🍴
Serve this salad right away for the freshest flavors! It’s a knockout on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, try:
-
A fresh baguette on the side
-
A light lemonade or iced tea
-
A glass of crisp white wine (if it’s that kind of party 😉)
This salad also travels well for picnics—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve!
Creative Variations 🎨
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun twists:
-
Berry Bonanza: Add strawberries or raspberries along with the blueberries.
-
Swap the Cheese: Try goat cheese or blue cheese for a funkier flavor.
-
Grill Some Fruit: Grill a few peach slices or pineapple chunks to add smoky sweetness.
-
Make it Heartier: Toss in quinoa or farro for extra fiber and bulk.
-
Vegan Vibes: Skip the chicken and feta, and add grilled tempeh or crispy chickpeas.
Chef’s Notes 🍳
Every time I make this salad, it brings me back to my mom’s kitchen—bare feet on the tile floor, the smell of something sweet roasting in the oven, and Motown music playing in the background.
When we say food is love, THIS is what we mean. It’s not about complicated techniques or endless ingredient lists. It’s about fresh, beautiful ingredients coming together in a way that feels effortless, joyful, and packed with heart.
Oh, and those herb sugared Marcona almonds? Total game-changer. I sometimes make extra just to snack on later!
FAQs: You Asked, I Answered! ❓
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken, make your pickled onions, and even prep your salad greens. Just assemble everything right before serving and keep the dressing on the side to avoid soggy greens.
What if I can’t find Marcona almonds?
No worries! Regular roasted almonds work great. Just toss them in a little olive oil, sugar, and dried herbs for a quick homemade version.
Is there a substitute for blueberry vinaigrette?
Yes! A simple balsamic vinaigrette or lemon vinaigrette will still taste amazing. You want something slightly sweet and tangy.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Heck yes! This salad is super flexible. Leftover chicken makes it even quicker.
Nutrition Details (Per Serving) 🥗
-
Calories: ~420
-
Protein: 30g
-
Carbs: 18g
-
Fat: 28g
(And it’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and good-for-you fats!)
Preparation Details 🛠️
-
Prep time: 15 minutes
-
Cook time: 10 minutes (for chicken)
-
Total time: 25 minutes
-
Servings: 4
Quick, easy, and impressive—your dinner table just leveled up.
Final Thoughts: Share a Bowl of Sunshine 🌻
At the end of the day, food should make you happy. It should nourish your body and your spirit. This Grilled Chicken Blueberry Salad with Herb Sugared Marcona Almonds is one of those recipes you’ll come back to over and over again because it just feels good.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard picnic, packing a lunch for work, or simply craving something fresh and beautiful, this salad delivers every time. Gather your favorite people, share some laughs, and pass around a giant bowl of sunshine.
You deserve it. 🌟
