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As the warm sun ushers in the vibrant flavors of summer, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a refreshing Cherry & Chicken Salad Bowl. This recipe artfully combines juicy, fresh cherries with tender chicken breast, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all elegantly resting on a bed of mixed greens. Not only is this salad a feast for the palate, but it also boasts a visually appealing presentation that makes it perfect for a variety of occasions—from a light lunch to a satisfying dinner or even a delightful snack.

Cherry & Chicken Salad Bowl

Looking for a refreshing meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Try this Cherry & Chicken Salad Bowl! Combining tender chicken, sweet cherries, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, and mixed greens, this salad is a delightful feast for the eyes and the palate. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrition, it's great for a light lunch or dinner. Explore the vibrant flavors and textures that make this dish a must-try!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 ripe avocado, diced

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: If you haven't already, cook the chicken breast using your preferred method—grilling or poaching yields great results. Allow it to cool, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, pit and halve the fresh cherries, thinly slice the red onion, and dice the avocado. Set these ingredients aside.

    Compose the Salad Base: In a large, wide salad bowl, layer the mixed greens as the foundational base. This will provide a fresh and vibrant backdrop for the other ingredients.

      Layer the Ingredients: Carefully arrange the components on top of the greens. Start with the shredded chicken, then evenly distribute the halved cherries, followed by the crumbled feta cheese for a creamy texture, and the toasted walnuts for added crunch. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion and diced avocado on top for bursts of flavor and color.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the assembled salad. For a homemade touch, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. This dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully.

          Toss and Serve: Using salad tongs or forks, gently toss the salad to mix all the ingredients, taking care to avoid mashing the avocado. Taste and make any necessary adjustments by adding salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

            Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately to maintain the freshness of the ingredients, or if preparing ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days (be aware the avocado may brown slightly).

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 2-4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, consider serving the salad in individual bowls or on plates. Garnish each serving with a few whole cherries and a sprinkle of additional feta cheese on top.