Oregon’s Best Kept Secret: Strawberry Chicken Salad with Local Flavors

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In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is known for its lush greenery, diverse agriculture, and fresh, local ingredients. Among its many delights, strawberries stand out as one of Oregon's most iconic crops, particularly from the fertile Willamette Valley. Pairing these sweet, juicy berries with tender chicken and crisp greens creates a dish that perfectly captures the essence of Oregon’s rich culinary heritage. The Strawberry Chicken Salad is more than just a meal—it’s a refreshing homage to the state's natural bounty.

Celebrating Oregon's Fresh Ingredients

This salad is the ultimate blend of bright, bold flavors. From the sweetness of the strawberries to the crunch of almonds and the tang of balsamic dressing, every bite offers a taste of Oregon’s vibrant food culture. Strawberries, one of the state’s most prized fruits, add a refreshing sweetness that beautifully complements the savory chicken and rich goat cheese. The local produce elevates this dish to a true Oregonian experience, perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon.

Recipe: Oregon Strawberry Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped (local, free-range recommended)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 2 cups fresh Oregon strawberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (try Oregon's famous chèvre)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (locally grown, if available)

Strawberry Balsamic Dressing:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Strawberry Balsamic Dressing: Combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and set aside.
2. Salad Assembly: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, strawberries, dried cranberries, red onion slices, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced almonds until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Dressing the Salad: Drizzle the Strawberry Balsamic Dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Alternatively, you can serve the dressing on the side for individual servings.

And just like that, your delicious Oregon-style Strawberry Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy! Each bite bursts with flavor, combining sweet, savory, and tangy elements to create a refreshing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a picnic in the park or a light dinner at home, this salad brings the best of Oregon’s seasonal produce right to your table.

A Dish that Celebrates Oregon’s Diversity

The beauty of this Strawberry Chicken Salad lies in its versatility. It can be served as a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or even a refreshing dinner option on warm evenings. The sweetness of Oregon's strawberries pairs perfectly with the richness of goat cheese and the crunchy almonds, making it a go-to dish that highlights the state's finest ingredients.

With every bite, you're not just tasting a salad, but also a piece of Oregon’s culinary landscape. Fresh, locally sourced, and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Chicken Salad is the perfect tribute to the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

The Strawberry Chicken Salad is a perfect way to showcase the fresh ingredients of Oregon, especially its local strawberries. This delightful salad combines tender chicken, sweet strawberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy goat cheese, all topped with a homemade strawberry balsamic dressing that adds just the right amount of tang.

To make this salad, start by blending fresh strawberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful dressing. Then, toss chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, strawberries, dried cranberries, red onion, crumbled goat cheese, and sliced almonds together in a large bowl. Finally, drizzle the salad with the strawberry balsamic dressing to bring all the flavors together.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance of flavors: the sweetness of the strawberries, the savory chicken, and the tangy dressing, all of which are enhanced by the creamy goat cheese and the crunch of almonds. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, making it a perfect choice for Oregon’s mild summer evenings​(The Recipe Critic)​(Her Wholesome Kitchen).

If you're looking for variation, consider adding grilled chicken for a smoky flavor, or swapping out almonds for other local nuts like hazelnuts, which are also abundant in Oregon. You could also substitute romaine lettuce with fresh spinach or a spring mix to add more local greens to the dish​(Her Wholesome Kitchen).

For more inspiration, you can explore similar salad recipes online, such as those featuring strawberry vinaigrettes or other fruit-based dressings​(Will Cook For Smiles).