Summer Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salad

This recipe has summer written all over it, bringing together the bright, fresh flavors of the season. Grilled chicken, sweet corn, ripe avocado, juicy strawberries, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette create the perfect combination for a summer evening. This is the kind of dinner I love making when the weather is warm. There's no need to turn on the oven, it's light and uncomplicated, and it's perfect for sharing with friends and family.

YIELD: 4-6 Servings

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 2 ears fresh corn
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or quartered
• 8–10 cups mixed greens or arugula
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

Vinaigrette

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Crumbled feta
• Toasted pecans
• Thinly sliced jalapeño

How to Make It

1. In a bowl or shallow dish, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2. Grill the corn until lightly charred on all sides. Let cool slightly, then slice the kernels from the cob.
3. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, strawberries, avocado, corn, herbs, and red onion.
5. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
6. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Top with the sliced chicken and finish with crumbled feta, toasted pecans, or jalapeño slices, if desired.

Grilling in the summer always feels relaxed and optimistic. I love spending time outdoors and incorporating seasonal produce when it is at its peak. This salad is vibrant and fresh, yet still satisfying enough to serve as a complete meal. The sweetness of the strawberries and corn, the smokiness of the grilled chicken, and the brightness of the herbs come together beautifully. It's exactly the kind of food I naturally crave this time of year—lighter, brighter, and deeply connected to the season. Enjoy!