Nectarine & Chicken Spinach Salad
A vibrant and complete meal, this Nectarine & Chicken Spinach Salad combines the juicy sweetness of nectarines with savory grilled chicken and salty feta cheese, all on a bed of fresh spinach, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish.
For 2 servings
Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
Prepare Ingredients: If using pre-cooked chicken, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry the baby spinach. Pit and slice the nectarine into thin wedges. Crumble the feta cheese if not pre-crumbled.
Toast Almonds (Optional but Recommended): If your almonds are not pre-toasted, spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Assemble Salad Base: Divide the fresh baby spinach evenly between two large serving bowls or plates.
Layer Toppings: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breast, nectarine slices, and crumbled feta cheese over the spinach in each bowl.
Dress and Finish: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette generously over both salads. Sprinkle the toasted slivered almonds over the top.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Nectarine & Chicken Spinach Salad immediately, perhaps with an extra grind of black pepper if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chicken Prep: For best flavor, grill chicken breast fresh, but pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly for a quick meal.
- 2Nectarine Ripeness: Choose firm but ripe nectarines that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best sweetness and texture.
- 3Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the spinach from wilting, always dress the salad right before you plan to eat it. If prepping ahead, store dressing separately.
- 4Toasting Nuts: Don't skip toasting the almonds! It significantly enhances their flavor and crunch, adding depth to the salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Substitute nectarines with sliced peaches, strawberries, or even grilled pineapple for a different sweet and tangy note.
Protein AlternativeProtein Alternative
Swap chicken with grilled salmon, shrimp, chickpeas (for a vegetarian option), or even halloumi cheese.
Nut & Seed BoostNut & Seed Boost
Instead of almonds, try toasted pecans, walnuts, or a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds for varied crunch and nutrients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins & Minerals
Spinach is packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron, supporting bone health, immunity, and energy levels.
Lean Protein Source
Grilled chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Antioxidant Power
Nectarines are a good source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and support skin health.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep all the ingredients (slice chicken, nectarine, toast almonds) and make the dressing in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
