If you’re searching for a show-stopping lunch or dinner that somehow manages to feel both fresh and totally satisfying, Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese deserves a spot at the very top of your must-make list! This vibrant dish combines tender, juicy chicken, ripe creamy avocado, tangy goat cheese, crunchy toasted nuts, and pops of color from cherry tomatoes and red onion. Each forkful is balanced and bursting with flavor, while the balsamic honey dressing pulls everything together for a crave-worthy bite you’ll want to return to all year long.

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese is in the simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Every item in this lineup brings its own unique color, texture, or flavor—making each bite count. Here’s what you’ll use (and why you’ll love each one):

Baby spinach: Lends a fresh, crisp base with plenty of nutrients and a mild flavor that complements the toppings.
Cooked chicken breasts (sliced or shredded): Provides satisfying protein and turns this salad into a meal; try grilled or rotisserie for extra flavor.
Ripe avocado (sliced): Adds creamy richness and healthy fats that make every forkful indulgently smooth.
Crumbled goat cheese: Offers tangy creaminess and a luxurious contrast to the freshness of the greens.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Brings a bright bite and a splash of color without overwhelming the other flavors.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Pops of juicy sweetness lift up the salad and make it extra appealing.
Toasted pecans or walnuts: Bring crunch and a subtle nutty finish that pairs perfectly with the creamy and tangy elements.
Olive oil: The rich, silky base for the homemade dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides the perfect balance of sweet-tart notes in the vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and delivers a gentle tang.
Honey: Rounds out the vinaigrette with mellow sweetness that enhances every bite.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for elevating each ingredient and tying all the flavors together.

How to Make Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Grab a large salad bowl and layer in the baby spinach. The tender leaves create a soft bed for all the goodies to come! Make sure to use enough spinach so you get plenty in every bite, but don’t pack it down too tightly; fluffiness is your friend here.

Step 2: Add the Chicken, Avocado, and Toppings

On top of your greens, scatter the cooked chicken, creamy avocado slices, crumbled goat cheese, red onion slivers, bright cherry tomatoes, and your perfectly toasted pecans or walnuts. Try to distribute everything evenly—the beauty of Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese is in getting a little bit of everything on your fork.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture looks glossy and cohesive. This simple vinaigrette is pure magic—it pulls out the best from every salad ingredient, and the honey-Dijon combo gives just the right pop of flavor.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle your fresh-made dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or salad tongs, mixing just enough to lightly coat the ingredients without crushing the avocado or goat cheese. Taste for seasoning; a tiny sprinkle of extra salt or cracked pepper can really make the flavors sing!

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once tossed, Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese is best enjoyed right away while the spinach is crisp and the flavors are bright. Plate up generous portions and watch your guests marvel at the colorful, delicious bowl in front of them.

How to Serve Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Try scattering extra crumbled goat cheese, a few more toasted nuts, and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper over the top for a restaurant-style finish. For added color and zing, a few fresh basil or mint leaves work beautifully, or try a quick zest of lemon.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but it’s also wonderful with a few simple sides. Warm crusty bread, a bowl of soup (like roasted tomato or creamy potato), or a side of fresh fruit make a meal of it. For a light lunch, pair Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve the salad deconstructed on a big platter and let guests build their own perfect plates. You can also pile the salad into pita pockets or wraps for a hand-held twist, or serve miniature portions in cocktail glasses for a fun appetizer at parties—everyone will be impressed by your creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep any leftovers of Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese as fresh as possible, store the salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and keeps each ingredient at its best for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the spinach and avocado just don’t hold up well to thawing. The textures change dramatically, and the salad loses its signature freshness. For best results, assemble only what you’ll eat, and save the extra chicken by itself in the freezer for next time.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese, but if you want extra warmth, you can briefly microwave the chicken pieces separately before adding them to the bowl. Everything else should stay chilled for the ideal combination of flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred or slice the meat before adding it to Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese for convenience and great taste.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feta is an excellent replacement for a tangy punch, or try blue cheese for something bolder. Even creamy ricotta or a handful of shaved Parmesan will give a delightful twist to the salad.

How can I add more sweetness?

Sliced strawberries, dried cranberries, or pomegranate seeds are delicious additions to Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese when you want a sweet, fruity note to balance the savory elements.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought chicken and Dijon to be sure there’s no hidden gluten if you have dietary restrictions.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and perhaps adding chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, or extra nuts for protein. Swap out the goat cheese for a vegan cheese or simply leave it out for a delicious plant-based bowl.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about sharing a bowl of Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese, whether you’re treating yourself to a nourishing solo meal or wowing friends and family. If you haven’t tried this combination before, I promise you’re in for a treat—give it a whirl and let the vibrant flavors speak for themselves!

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado and Goat Cheese is a delicious and nutritious meal that comes together quickly. Packed with fresh flavors and textures, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Baby Spinach Salad:

6 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

Chicken and Dressing:

2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or shredded
1 ripe avocado, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, cooked chicken, avocado slices, goat cheese, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and toasted nuts.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.