If you’re craving a salad that bursts with bright, tangy flavors and irresistible textures, look no further than this Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe. This dish brilliantly melds juicy, marinated grilled chicken with the sweet-tart zing of fresh blackberries and balsamic vinegar, all crowned by golden, crunchy goat cheese rounds that add a luxurious touch. It’s a perfect combination of smoky, sweet, creamy, and crunchy that will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe thirds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this salad plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding crunch, or providing vibrant color. You’ll find that the simplicity of the components makes the assembly both fun and rewarding.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2): Perfect for quick grilling and soaking up the delicious marinade flavors.
Blackberry preserves (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness and fruity depth to the marinade and dressing.
Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings tangy richness that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides smooth texture in the marinade and helps the chicken stay juicy.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dressing.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential basic seasonings that enhance every bite.
Mixed salad greens (6 cups): A fresh, crisp bed of textures and colors to balance the dish.
Fresh blackberries (1 cup): Juicy and tart, they add a burst of summer sweetness in every mouthful.
Thinly sliced red onions (1/4 cup): Provide a mild, sharp contrast and colorful flair.
Chopped toasted pecans (1/4 cup): Deliver crunch and nutty warmth that elevate the salad’s texture.
Goat cheese (4 ounces, chilled and sliced into 4 rounds): The star ingredient for the crispy fried topping—make sure it’s well chilled for perfect frying.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps create a crispy coating for the goat cheese.
Egg (1, beaten): Binds the coating for the fried goat cheese rounds.
Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Give the goat cheese its irresistible crunch.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.

How to Make Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Balsamic Marinade and Dressings

Start by whisking together the blackberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Half of this mixture will become the marinade to infuse the chicken with juicy, tangy sweetness, while the reserved half will transform into a luscious dressing at the end. Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts in a resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your grill to medium-high and remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip away. Grill each breast for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing it thinly. This step ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy—the perfect base for our salad.

Step 3: Fry the Crispy Goat Cheese Rounds

While the chicken rests, get ready to make the irresistible fried goat cheese. Begin by dredging each chilled round of goat cheese in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat—enough to lightly cover the cheese rounds—and fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until beautifully golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil but keep all their crispy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

This is where all the components come together in a harmonious blend. Layer the mixed greens, fresh blackberries, sliced red onions, and chopped toasted pecans in a large salad bowl or divide evenly onto plates. Top generously with the sliced grilled chicken and then crown each serving with a fried goat cheese round. Finally, drizzle with the reserved blackberry balsamic dressing for that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, savory, and crunchy.

How to Serve Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as chopped basil or mint add an aromatic punch that enhances the blackberry and balsamic flavors. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of honey over the top can also bring out sweetness and add complexity. Consider a few extra whole blackberries on the plate for a pretty, natural garnish.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for some carb comfort. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling rosé that complements the fruity balsamic notes. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup can round out the meal for cooler days.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, serve the salad layered in clear glass jars or individual bowls showcasing the vibrant colors. Alternatively, use a large wooden board to arrange components family-style, letting everyone pick and build their own salad. And for a festive twist, try stuffing the salad and crispy goat cheese inside whole-grain pita pockets for a portable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply store the salad greens, grilled chicken, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the fried goat cheese rounds in a paper towel-lined container to retain crispness but eat them within a day for best texture.

Freezing

While the chicken and dressing can be frozen separately (chicken up to 3 months, dressing up to 1 month), the fried goat cheese is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Freeze the chicken before grilling to preserve freshness if desired.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave just until warm to avoid drying it out. For fried goat cheese, a quick re-fry or oven reheat at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes can help restore some crispness, but it will never be quite as perfect as freshly fried.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese has a unique tang and creamy texture that works beautifully with blackberries, you can substitute halloumi or mozzarella if preferred. Just keep in mind their melting and frying characteristics differ.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. This keeps the salad safe for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising flavor or texture.

Can I make the dressing without blackberry preserves?

Sure thing! You can substitute with fresh blackberry puree or add a touch of honey and extra vinegar for sweetness, but the preserves create that rich fruity note that’s hard to beat.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes is ideal to absorb the flavors, but you can extend it up to 4 hours for even more depth. Just avoid marinating too long to prevent the chicken from getting mushy.

What’s the best oil to fry the goat cheese?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, works best. Olive oil can be used but watch the heat carefully as it burns at lower temperatures.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe, it will become your go-to for effortless entertaining or a special weeknight dinner. The vibrant flavors and textures come together so naturally that every bite feels like a celebration. Give it a whirl—you’ll love how fresh ingredients transform into a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen!

Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 46 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 2 large salads 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Crispy Fried Goat Cheese is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, featuring tender grilled chicken marinated in a blackberry balsamic dressing, paired with fresh berries, crunchy pecans, and crispy golden fried goat cheese. Perfect for a gourmet summer salad, it offers a vibrant and satisfying meal that balances juicy grilled protein with fresh greens and a tangy, fruity dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup blackberry preserves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad

6 cups mixed salad greens
1 cup fresh blackberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

For the Fried Goat Cheese

4 ounces goat cheese, chilled and sliced into 4 rounds
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mix for gluten-free option)
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together blackberry preserves, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade and dressing. Reserve half for later use as the dressing.
Marinate the Chicken: Pour the remaining marinade into a resealable plastic bag with the chicken breasts. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavorful mixture.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice it thinly.
Prepare the Fried Goat Cheese: While the chicken is grilling, dredge each chilled goat cheese round in flour, dip it into the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. This breading will create a crispy crust when fried.
Fry the Goat Cheese Rounds: Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry the breaded goat cheese rounds for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden and crispy. Once fried, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Salad: On large plates or a serving bowl, layer the mixed salad greens, fresh blackberries, thinly sliced red onions, and toasted pecans evenly. Top with the sliced grilled chicken and crispy fried goat cheese rounds.
Dress and Serve: Drizzle the reserved blackberry balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and fried goat cheese with fresh, cool salad ingredients.

Notes

Ensure the goat cheese is well chilled before breading and frying to prevent it from melting too quickly and losing shape.
You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding sliced avocado to the salad for creaminess.
Swap the toasted pecans with candied walnuts for a sweeter crunch variation.
To keep the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs for breading the goat cheese.

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus at least 30 minutes marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American