Summer Berry Salad (Grain-Free/Dairy-Free)
The Story:
This summer berry salad with chicken is an easy, flavor filled, summertime meal idea. Featuring golden on the outside, tender on the inside chicken, surrounded by quintessential summertime fruit like blueberries and strawberries. This easy, summer salad is filling, but light and refreshing to help you beat the summer heat. Serve this for any gatherings this summer-it’s super easy so no stressing involved, but is a showstopper. The 15 minute air fryer chicken comes together easily and is amateur proof! Add any fruit you have on hand, toss in some avocado if you’d like and feel free to serve without the dressing so your guests can customize…doesn’t get easier than that!
The Ingredients For Summer Berry Salad:
Spinach: Fresh greens make the bed for this salad. I like using spinach, as it has a neutral flavor so the other components shine, but feel free to use your favorite!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries shine in the summer. They provide a nice sweet pop of flavor in this salad.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries also shine in the summer! They add a nice tart, sweetness to the salad. My favorite kind of salad is one that has fruit in it…because who doesn’t like a little sweetness?
Celery: For an added dose of nourishment, flavor balance and crunch!
Apple: Apples are such a filling fruit, which adds to the comfort and satisfaction of this summer berry salad.
Pecans: A nice source of crunch and good fats. Pecans compliment the fruits and celery in this salad beautifully.
Chicken: An easy source of protein. You could easily omit this if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. This salad is filling without it, although I would add in some avocado for an extra boost of calories, nutrition and good fat to keep you feeling satisfied.
Salt/Pepper: The only seasoning needed for the chicken! Generously season both sides of the chicken for delicious and flavorful chicken.
For homemade honey mustard dressing- mayonnaise, dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice and chia or poppyseeds: Mix all these ingredients together for an easy, homemade dressing. Absolutely feel free to use your favorite pre-made dressing though!
The Process For Baking :
First, let’s start by making the homemade honey mustard poppyseed dressing. Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until combined. Set aside.
Now for the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in the air fryer at 390 for about 18 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken cuts. If using smaller breasts, check at the 10 minute mark. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. Slice and serve on top of the salad.
While the chicken is cooking, slice, chop and prep your toppings. To assemble the salad: lay down your bed of spinach or greens first. Then, take each category of fruit and place throughout the salad. I love the look of grouping the fruit, but you can simply sprinkle the fruit on top if you’d like. Sprinkle on the chopped pecans, then place the sliced chicken in the middle. Drizzle on your homemade honey mustard dressing, or reserve this step so you and your guests can add their own preferred dressing. Viola!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with an Air Fryer:
What is an Air Fryer?
It’s basically a mini convection oven. That means it cooks by circulating the heat around with a fan. An Air Fryer reduces cooking time, there is no pre-heating required, and it helps food achieve ideal crispiness!
Is Air Frying food healthier than regular, deep fried food?
Yes! Absolutely. By using an Air Fryer, you are just cooking the food with a “fried-like” texture from the ideal convection style cooking, but NO oil is used. In other words, no additional oil is added to your food, but you get the mouth watering crisp you love. A win-win.
Can you cook enough food for a crowd with an Air Fryer?
Since an Air Fryer is a “mini” convection oven, you will not be able to fit as much food in it as a regular oven. They do offer large Air Fryers with 2 baskets so you can simultaneously cook 2 things at once, or more food for a crowd. I find 2 large chicken breasts will fit in the basket comfortably.
Can I use the oven to cook this recipe instead?
Absolutely. You will want to change the cook time on the chicken breasts if using a traditional oven. Most chicken breasts cook in the oven at 350 (for less crispy, more tender) or 400 (more crispy exterior) for 20-25 minutes.
The Recipe For Summer Berry Salad:
Additional Gluten and Dairy-Free Dinner Ideas:
The Finished Product:
A beautiful, straight forward, grain-free meal idea for you! No gluten, grains or dairy. Eating with a food restriction doesn’t have to be restrictive! Let me help you learn to eat vibrantly and deliciously while still feeling your best! I love serving this with some yummy fries, just like at a restaurant! My favorite fries are from Alexia Foods, as they offer gluten-free fries and some are made without the use of any grain oils. Happy Summertime!
Did You Try This Recipe And Love It?
Feel free to leave a review or tag @nocoast.kitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #nocoastkitchen. We would love for you to stay in touch by following us on social media at Instagram and Pinterest!