Starfruit & Chicken Salad
A vibrant and refreshing Starfruit & Chicken Salad, perfect for a light lunch. This recipe transforms leftover cooked chicken into a surprisingly sweet-tart and crunchy meal, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
For 2 servings
If not already prepared, slice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or shred it.
Wash the starfruit thoroughly. Trim off any dark edges from the five ridges, then slice crosswise into thin, star-shaped pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. Discard any seeds.
Peel and thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced cooked chicken, starfruit slices, and thinly sliced red onion.
Just before serving, pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken, starfruit, and onion ahead of time, and store the vinaigrette separately. Assemble just before eating to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- 2Chicken Options: Any leftover cooked poultry (such as turkey or rotisserie chicken) works wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, consider grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas.
- 3Starfruit Selection: Choose firm, bright yellow starfruit with slightly green edges for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overly soft or bruised fruit.
- 4Customize Vinaigrette: Adjust the sweetness or tartness of the vinaigrette to your preference. A touch of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Crunch
Add 2 tablespoons of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans for extra texture and healthy fats.
Herbaceous BoostHerbaceous Boost
Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil for an aromatic twist.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or a few thin slices of jalapeño for a mild heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Starfruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production, and skin health.
Lean Protein Source
Cooked chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function, making this salad very filling.
Fiber-Packed Greens
Baby spinach is loaded with dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, contributing to a feeling of fullness, and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to use fresh starfruit for this salad. Frozen starfruit tends to become mushy and lose its desirable crisp texture when thawed, which is key to this dish.
