(NC) Looking for a go-to dish for spring and summer entertaining? This salad is fresh, vibrant and bursting with flavour. Juicy strawberries take centre stage, paired with crisp greens, creamy avocado and a simple tangy dressing. 

Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Prep time: 15 minutes 

Cook time: 10 minutes 

Servings: 4 

Ingredients: 

For the chicken: 

• 1 lb?(450 g) boneless skinless chicken breast 
• ¼ cup (60 ml)?extra virgin olive oil 
• 1?tsp (5 ml)?paprika 
• 2?tsp (10 ml)?dried oregano 
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon 
• Salt and pepper 
• For the balsamic vinaigrette: 
• ¼?cup (60 ml)?extra virgin olive oil 
• ¼?cup (60 ml)?balsamic vinegar 
• 1?tbsp (15 ml)?Dijon mustard 
• Salt and pepper 

For the salad: 

• 6?cups (1,500 ml)?shredded romaine lettuce 
• 2?cups (500 ml)?fresh California strawberries,?halved 
• 1?cup (250 ml)?cucumber, sliced 
• 1 ½?cups (375 ml)?avocado, diced 
• 1?cup (250 ml)?fresh basil leaves 
• 1?cup (250 ml)?feta cheese 

Instructions: 

For the chicken: 

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, oregano, lemon juice and zest, salt and pepper.  
2. Set a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat.  
3. Grill the chicken until lightly charred and cooked through, turning halfway through cooking, about 10 minutes. 

For the balsamic vinaigrette: 

1. Combine all the ingredients in a glass container and whisk until smooth. 

For the salad:  

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, strawberries, avocado, cucumber, chicken, basil leaves and feta cheese. 
2. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss well and serve. 

Did you know that strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants? Just one cup of strawberries has approximately 95 per cent of the daily value of vitamin C, according to Health Canada.  

Find more salad recipes at californiastrawberries.com.